SOC 3400 Animals and Society

This course examines the social dynamics of relationships between humans and non-human animals, including wild animals, captive and domesticated animals, and companion animals. After considering the social connotations of the concept of “animal” itself, the course surveys the wide range of roles played by non-human animals in human societies, as well as the various ways in which humans interact with animals in diverse settings. A principal focus of the course is the effort to predict and explain such variation with sociological principles. Changes in the relationships between humans and non-humans are considered, and parallels between the treatment of non-humans and humans are critically assessed. Course offered Fall Semester only. Prerequisite(s): SOC 1010 OR SOC 1020
Credits: 3.0