Since the mid-20th century, we have begun to think radically differently about animals. We have not only become more aware of the differences between us and non-human animals, but we are also increasingly considering the similarities—and the implications this must have for our mutual relationships.

From these insights, a new interdisciplinary field emerged in the 1980s: Human-Animal Studies. In addition to biologists, this field is also increasingly occupied by social scientists and humanities scholars. Working from their own specific disciplines they are beginning to investigate animal languages and cultures. How do animals learn from their experiences, their environment, and from their parents and friends? How do they develop creativity, learn from and with others, what emotions do they feel, how do they experience their lives? How and what do they communicate to each other, and can they do that to us too—or we to them?

These kinds of questions are central to this course. We will investigate theoretical issues and explore practical research methods, to answer questions like: how can we view other animals differently and ask questions about their innermost being? How can we gain insight into their lives through observation and verbal as well as other forms of interaction with animals? How can we better understand what it's like to be another animal, and what could—or should—we do with this kind of knowledge? And finally, we'll conduct our own research: on the farm, at the zoo—or simply at home.

Coordinator

Drs. Maarten Reesink

Timetable

All lectures will take place on-campus and we assume you can be physically present during the scheduled hours. You can find the timetable on Datanose.

Registration

Registration is possible for students participating in an Honours program. The registration period for the Honours courses will be from Friday, November 28, 10:00 am to Tuesday, December 2, 11:59 pm. You can register through the online registration form that will appear on Honoursmodules IIS. (registration is NOT through SIS)

Please note: Placement is not guaranteed if you register after December 2, so make sure you register on time. You will hear which course(s) you are registered for before December 31. 

For questions about registration, please contact us at: Honours-iis@uva.nl