Zoopolitics: Animal-Human Encounters in Literature and Culture (Honors Course)

This interdisciplinary course explores representations of the relationship between animals and humans by examining a diverse body of literary texts and visual art through the theoretical lens of animal studies. 

RATIONALE:

‘Zoopolitics’ examines animal-human encounters within the larger category of zoe (life) and the politics of their representation in world literature and critical theory. The aim of this course is to promote students’ awareness and consideration of the ways in which the animal and the human world intersect and interface. Centered on an animal studies perspective, this interdisciplinary course aims to introduce students to an array of literary narratives and theoretical debates that use animals, real or imagined, to explore race, gender and class. This way, students will draw inspiration for exploring social, political, ethical, legal, and aesthetic parameters of power, violence, justice, and affect.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:  

1. Demonstrate understanding of the politics of representation of human-animal encounters in literary texts across different periods, genres, and contexts.  

2. Utilize ecocritical theory in analyzing human-animal encounters as depicted in literary texts.  

3. Explain how concepts such as race, class, and gender represented in literary texts relate to broader current questions regarding animal rights and social justice. 

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:  

In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:

 Lectures and class discussions.

 Homework assignments.

 Office hours held by the instructor to provide further assistance to students.

 Use of library facilities for further study and preparation for the exams

 Use of the Blackboard course management platform to further support communication, by posting lecture notes, assignment instruction, timely announcements, formative quizzes and online submission of assignments.