Humans and Animals

3 units

This course uses anthropological and evolutionary data to tell the story of how changing human-animal relations influenced humans over the long term. In this course we explore the history of western conceptual divisions between humans and animals, which contrast with more fluid boundaries in other regions. Subsequent lectures focus on hunting and symbolic relations with wild animals through time, relying on ancient animal bones, ancient art and texts. Current and future human-animal relationships will also be discussed. The goal of this course is to provide an overview of ways that animals have influenced human life in the 21st century. Changing environments and animal behavior form the backdrop to cultural discussions.