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GEG-30021 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

GEG-30021 - Animals and Society
Coordinator: Daniel Allen Room: WSF11 Tel: +44 1782 7 34961
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Yes

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

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 Society draws from research in human-animal studies and animal geographies to explore and understand these complex relationships across space and time.
The module is led by animal geographer Dr Daniel Allen. As well as drawing from academic expertise and campaigning experiences, the interactive lecture series includes insights from guest speakers and an animal encounter session.

Aims
The main aims are to (1) further student knowledge and comprehension of the concepts and debates in human-animal studies and animal geographies; and (2) demonstrate how critical geographic understandings of human-animal relations contribute to historical, socioeconomic and cultural understandings of society.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any 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 human-animal studies and animal geographies over the last 30 years: 1
Understand the complexities of human-animal relations across space and time: 1
2
Communicate complex interdisciplinary ideas in a style accessible to wider public audiences: 2
Critically evaluate examples of human-animal practices, policies and identities:

Study hours

20 hours interactive lectures
5 hours collaborative activity online
30 hours essay preparation
50 hours campaign manifesto preparation
45 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 40%
1,500 word essay
Students 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 60%
Individual Campaign Manifesto - 3,000 words or equivalent
Students 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 3,000 words or equivalent if other mixed media.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024