ESS332

A cross-cultural exploration of the ways that people think about and interact with wild animals. Drawing on a wide range of interdisciplinary sources, students ponder abstract philosophical questions like "What is an animal?", "What is natural?" and "What is human?" Special attention is paid to the ways that different perspectives on wild animals influence larger global concerns, such as biodiversity, invasive species, animal conservation, and animal rights. Upon completion of this class, students should: 1) possess a broad knowledge of the plasticity of thought and practices relating to wild animals that exists within particular societies, between different societies, and across time; 2) understand the important role that wild animals play in helping human beings define and understand themselves; and 3) appreciate the value of cross-cultural research methodologies.

Class: 2 (I), 3 (I), 4 (I),