Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Non-human animals interact with humans on a daily basis as wildlife, livestock, food, clothing, companions, beasts of burden, entertainment and therapy. Geography has had a pivotal role in shaping these everyday lives and deaths, and influencing these human-animal interactions and identities. `Animals and Societyż draws from research in animal geographies to explore and understand these complex relationships across space and time.
Aims
The main aims are to (1) further student knowledge and comprehension of the concepts and debates in animal geographies; and (2) demonstrate how critical geographic understandings of human-animal interactions contribute to historical, socioeconomic and cultural understandings of society.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/geg-30021/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
Explain the development of animal geographies and more-than-human geographies over the last 25 years: 1Recognise the interdisciplinary nature of the sub-discipline and the wider geographic contributions this research has made to human-animal studies, conservation and animal welfare: 1,2Critically engage with debates about nonhuman agency, embodied encounters and relational ethics: 1,2Apply newly gained knowledge to critically evaluate examples of human-animal conflict and co-existence around the world: 1,2Communicate complex geographic ideas in a style accessible to wider public audiences: 2
20 hours lectures40 hours campaign manifesto 40 hours essay preparation50 hours independent study
Description of Module Assessment
1: Essay weighted 50%2,500 word essayStudents should select and critically engage with one question from a provided list. The questions will allow students to critically evaluate concepts and debates involved with human-animal studies and animal geographies.
2: Coursework weighted 50%Individual Campaign Manifesto - 2,000 words or equivalentStudents will develop an individual campaign manifesto based on an example of human-animal conflict. The manifesto must balance a conceptual understanding with the ability to engage non-academic audiences. The campaign manifesto, which could include a detailed letter to an MP, website, poster, video, should be 2,000 words or equivalent if other mixed media.