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    * Microprogram Animal Studies

  Microprogram Animal Studies

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      Animal Studies in an emerging and socially engaged field that explores the ethical, religious, philosophical, political, and sociocultural aspects of animal-human relationships. Animal Studies is concerned with the full range of historical and contemporary dimensions of humans’ relations with other living beings, including the great diversity in humans’ cultural attitudes toward the non-human world, the roles and representations of animals in human societies, and our moral responsibilities toward non-human animals. As such, the academic interest in Animal Studies mirrors a growing sensitivity to the plight of animals found within the broader society.

      The 15-course unit cross-disciplinary microprogram in Animal Studies proposes to engage students with ethical questions about the human co-existence with other species. It shares many of the theoretical perspectives, social and animal justice goals, and pedagogical tools of other advocacy-oriented disciplines.

      Learn more about this program

      The table below includes only the microprogram-specific courses. Please refer to the Academic Regulations for information on the possible combinations available within the Faculty of Arts.

      Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2025-2026 calendar for the previous requirements.

      Course List
        Code                  Title                                      Units  
        Compulsory courses                                             
        AHL 2110              Introduction to Animal Studies I           3 Units
        SRS 2172              Religion, Animals, Nature                  3 Units
        Optional courses                                               
        9 course units from:  9 Units                                  
          AHL 2120            Special Topics in Animal Studies I                
          AHL 3120            Special Topics in Animal Studies II               
          AHL 4135            Capstone Seminar in Animal Studies                
          BIO 1131            Introduction to Organismal Biology                
          BIO 1300            The Human Animal                                  
          BIO 2135            Animal Form and Function                          
          CML 3374            Law and Society                                   
          EAS 3103            Indigenous Spiritualities in the Americas         
          ENG 2141            Literature and the Environment                    
          ENV 1101            Global Environmental Challenges                   
          ENV 2301            History of Environmental Thought                  
          GEG 1301            The Physical Environment                          
          GEG 1302            Places and Spaces of Human Activity               
          GEG 3114            Biogeography                                      
          SOC 3105            Environmental Sociology                           
          SRS 2115            Religious Ways of the Aboriginal Peoples          
          SRS 3111            Aboriginal Myths and Philosophy                   
          SRS 3119            Shamanic Traditions                               
        Total:                15 Units                                 
        
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