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  3. Animals & Society 2: Human-Animal Bond

Animals & Society 2: Human-Animal Bond (ANSC20004)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject is designed to encourage students to continue to think about how and why animals play such an important role in our society. Nearly two third of Australian households contain a pet, and these pets are often considered part of the family.

Animals in Society 2 covers the different roles of animals in our society and the special bond between humans and animals, including the history and ethical consideration. This unique bond between humans and animals provides many benefits to both, but also comes at a cost. Utilising case studies of current hot topics in animal welfare we examine human-animal relationships and emphasize the complex roles and responsibilities, and ethical requirements in human contact with animals.

The subject includes regular guest lectures by people prominent in the field, recognised experts, and/or have an interesting perspective to share. There are four themes within the subject: The Human-Animal Bond; Zoos and wild animals in captivity; Animals in sport and entertainment; and Controversial Human-Animal interactions.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should:

  • Be familiar with the human-animal bond in domestic and zoo animal environments and for animals used in sport and entertainment.
  • Be familiar with historical and cultural differences and how these influence attitudes towards animals and the use of animals in human society.
  • Have understanding of how the human-animal bond affects both humans and animals.

Generic skills

On completion of the subject the students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Academic excellence
  • Greater in-depth understanding of scientific disciplines of animal management in a range of species
  • The student’s flexibility and level of transferable skills should be enhanced through improved time management and enhanced ability to communicate their ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats

Last updated: 11 April 2024