SOC316 Animals and Society (8)

This subject explores the complex social relations between humans and non-human animals. It addresses diverse topics including social justice links, food, violence links, crime, health, therapy, welfare, science, conservation and the animal advocacy movement. Students are introduced to leading sociological perspectives that help make sense of our paradoxical relationships with non-human animals. The subject raises important questions like: How can we understand the contradictory ways in which humans relate to non-human animals? What do our relations with non-human animals tells us about core aspects of contemporary society, such as our health and well-being, conflict and violence, environmental challenges, and social injustices and inequalities? How can greater consideration for the lives of non-human animals be fostered? Through such questioning the subject tackles the mounting ethical, environmental, health, political and economic concerns about human relations with non-human animals.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2019.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

SOC101

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Have applied and critical knowledge and comprehension of sociological perspectives about human-animal relations
  • Be able to research and construct sociological arguments about human-animal relations
  • Be able to engage and communicate with others about human-animal relations from a sociological perspective, including through written presentation of an argument

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Sociological perspectives and theories on human-animal relations
  • Social contexts, institutions and structures influencing human-animal relations
  • Social justice aspects of human-animal relations
  • Professional contexts involving human-animal relations - eg. health, science, criminology, social work
  • Contemporary social issues in human-animal relations
  • Ethical, advocacy and protection issues in human-animal relations

Contact

For further information about courses and subjects outlined in the CSU handbook please contact:

Current students

Future students

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2019. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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