Animals (ITALIAN 134)

3–5 credits · Undergraduate

This broad survey examines how French and Italian writers, philosophers, and naturalists from the sixteenth to the early nineteenth century posed and re-posed the "animal question." Featuring landmark figures of the period (Montaigne, Aldrovandi, Descartes, La Fontaine, Voltaire, Buffon, Spallanzani, Lamarck, Cuvier), the course follows arguments, debates, and controversies whose stakes remain ours: humans as animals, animal-machines, animal rights, fiction and politics, ecosystems, extinction, and early theories of evolution. The course is addressed to students in the humanities as well as science majors who wish to understand the layered history behind key themes and concepts of today's biology and its subdisciplines, including zoology, genetics, and ecology. PLEASE NOTE: No prior knowledge of European literature or history of science is required. All readings are available in English translation. Taught in English. Written assignments may be submitted in English, French, or Italian.