This course critically examines the historical role that animals have played in the making of modern society and the current nature of human/nonhuman relations in contemporary cultures. Students will also be introduced to intersections of race/class/gender and species. The final part of the course considers collective action and social policy as it relates to past and present efforts to challenge problematic aspects of human/nonhuman relations.
Total contact hours – 22
Private study hours - 128
Total study hours: 150
Optional module for SSPSSR Canterbury bachelor degree programmes
Also available as a wild module for other programmes
Main assessment methods
Coursework - Essay 1 (2,000 words) - 50%
Coursework - Essay 2 (2,000 words) - 50%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Potts, A. Ed. 2016. Meat Culture. Leiden: Brill.
Arluke, A. and C. Sanders. 1996. Regarding Animals: Animals, Culture, and Society. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press.
Cudworth, E. 2011. Social Lives with Other Animals. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
DeMello, M. 2012. Animals and Society: An Introduction to Human-Animal Studies. New York, NY: Columbia University Press.
Irvine, L. 2004. If You Tame Me: Understanding Our Connection with Animals. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press.
Nibert, D. 2002. Animal Rights, Human Rights: Entanglements of Oppression and Liberation. New York, NY: Rowman & Littlefield.
Nibert, D. 2013. Animal Oppression and Human Violence. New York, NY: Columbia University Press.
Peggs, K. 2012. Animals and Sociology. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Taylor, N. and R. Twine. 2015. The Rise of Critical Animal Studies: From the Margins to the Centre. London: Routledge.
Wrenn, C. 2016. A Rational Approach to Animal Rights. London: Palgrave.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Think critically and sociologically about human relationships with other animals
2 Recognise intersections with Nonhuman Animals and oppressed human groups
3 Develop skills in understanding and evaluating current policies, social movements, and societal values pertaining to Nonhuman Animals
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Improve academic skills through participation in seminars and the structuring of original arguments
2 Have developed the ability to read closely and critically, and to apply a range of critical terms to literary texts
3 Have honed their ability to think critically about sociological concepts
4 Understand how to apply theory to analysis
5 Demonstrate library-based study skills
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
