Posthumanism and Animal Studies 4219-SB143
The posthumanist turn in the humanities enabled the development of animal studies, an interdisciplinary field of study. The course will present the theoretical grounds and analyze some examples of American literature and film from the perspective of animal studies and posthumanist theory. We’ll focus on the intersections of animal studies–a quickly evolving, already rich and diverse field of study– and gender studies, critical race theory and disability studies to uncover complex relations between human and nonhuman subjects.
We will consider the ethical implications of our relationship to animals, but also look at the relationship between the marginalization and exploitation of animals to the marginalization and exploitation of humans. The class will introduce the students to both animal studies and posthumanist thought which are at the center of the US academic debates today. We will trace how some strains of contemporary animal studies grow out of posthumanism and use animal studies, in turn, to critically examine what it means to be human. We will familiarize ourselves with different definitions of the animal and explore the definitions of human and animal as co-constitutive.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Upon completing this course a student:
- is familiar with different strands of animal studies theory,
- uses terminology connected with animal studies,
- comprehends how race and gender impact our understanding of animals and human-animal relations,
- is aware of how speciesm impacts society,
- acquires vocabulary to make critical arguments in regards to animal.
Skills
Upon completing this course a student:
- formulates critical arguments on topics related to animals, human-animal interactions, anthropocentrism and the ways in which humans use non-human animals,
- is able to synthesize information,
- has the skills to use animal studies in analysis of U.S. culture,
- is able to critically engage with literature, critical texts, and film on animals,
- is able to communicate ideas and theories effectively orally and in writing in a manner appropriate to the intended audience.
Competences
Upon completing this course a student:
- comprehends academic texts and is able to use them in the critical analysis of culture,
- is able to identify speciest content,
- is able to actively participate in class discussions,
- collects and analyzes information effectively.
Assessment criteria
Students need minimum of 60% to pass the course.
Students are required to attend classes, read/watch assigned materials and participate in class discussions.
Discussion questions: 20 points (each student will be asked to prepare discussion questions on a given text/movie).
Final paper: 30 points
Three response papers: 30 points (each response is worth 10 points)
Participation and attendance: 20 points
Grading scale:
100-97 5!
96-91 5
90-84 4+
83-78 4
77-68 3+
67-60 3
59-0 2
Bibliography
Selections from:
Acampora, Ralph. R, Corporal Compassion
Berger, John. “Why Look at Animals”
Blanchette, Alex. Porkopolis
Broglio, Ron. “Incidents in the Animal Revolution.”
Cavel, Stanley, et al, Philosophy and Animal Life
Coetzee, The Lives of Animals
Deleuze, Gilles, on “becoming-animal.”
Derrida, Jacques. The Animal That Therefore I Am.
GLQ 2015 issue on queer inhumanisms.
Joy, Melanie. Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows: an Introduction to Carnism.
Linett, Maren Tova. Literary Bioethics
Matsukoa, Atsuko, and John Sorenson. Critical Animal Studies: Towards a Trans-Species Social Justice
Nocella, Anthony, et.al., Defining Critical Animal Studies
Rediker, Marcus. The Fearless Benjamin Lay
Singer, Peter. Animal Liberation: The Definitive Classic of the Animal Movement
Tyler, Tom. Animal Encounters.
Waldau, Paul. Animal Studies. An Introduction.
Wolfe, Cary. Animal Rites.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: