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Leslie Irvine
This course explores animals within the context of the functional relationships that sociologists call “institutions.” We first examine the use of animals in laboratory science. We then examine the controversial transformation of animals into “livestock” and "meat." We also explore the perspectives of people committed to rejecting the construction and use of animals as food. Next, we focus on some of the roles of animals in human entertainment with particular attention to dog fighting and zoos. Finally, we investigate animal health and welfare through the lens of dilemmas in veterinary medicine and decisions in animal shelters.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/1xcbet/animals
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What's inside
Syllabus
Science
In this module, you will gain familiarity with the issues that shape the use of animals in scientific research and underlie the controversy surrounding it.
Read more
Syllabus
Science
In this module, you will gain familiarity with the issues that shape the use of animals in scientific research and underlie the controversy surrounding it.
Read more
Agriculture
In this module, you will learn about the system through which animals are transformed into “livestock.”
Sport, Entertainment, and Education
In this module, you will investigate how animals are central to how humans spend their leisure time.
Health and Welfare
In this module, you will examine the social worlds of veterinary medicine and animal sheltering.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Examines the use of animals in science, which is highly relevant to academia and industry
Taught by Leslie Irvine, who is recognized for their work in sociology and animal studies
Explores animals within the context of social institutions, which is unique and may add color to other topics
Investigates ethical perspectives on animal use in food, entertainment, and health, which is highly relevant to current debates
Suitable for students with an interest in animal rights, sociology, and ethics
Requires some background knowledge in sociology and animal studies
Save this course
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive animal institutions course
Learners say this comprehensive course on Animals and Institutions is great with interesting video lectures and well-informed insights. It's a great course for learning about the way we treat animals and perceive their existence. The course takes an extensive approach and gives you a very good view of different "global practices/ideas" involving animals. Students especially appreciate the animal rights focus, objectives, and fun project.
Provides an extensive view of different global practices.
"Content of the course is wonderful. It takes an extensive approach and gives you a very good view of different "global practices/ideas" involving animals."
Easy to follow with interesting insights.
"the course videos were easy to follow and well informed insights."
Thought-provoking and fun.
"the project at the end was fun and it had some thought behind it"
Engaging and well-established.
"there are lots of objectives to meet that are really well established"
Focuses on animal welfare.
"Great Course raising concern about welfare for all animals"
"I learnt a lot about animals and the ways to protect them."
"It's great to have been able to take this course, which is very important for protecting our animals."
Could be improved.
"Video quality can however be improved."
May cause delays.
"I have a huge issue with how these courses are structured. Specifically with the requirements for completion."
"Students are required to rely on other students in order to complete. Each course ends with a peer-reviewed assignment, meaning another student grades your work."
"I've been reviewing assignments that were submitted two years ago. That's not a good sign."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Animals and Institutions with these
activities:
Review Animal Biology
Show steps
Brush up on the basics of animal biology to prepare for the course.
Show steps
-
Review notes or textbooks from previous biology courses.
-
Use online resources, such as Khan Academy, to refresh your knowledge.
Learn Animal Terminology
Show steps
Master the terminology used to describe animals.
Browse courses on
Animal Anatomy
Show steps
-
Use flashcards to memorize key terms.
-
Practice using the terms in written or verbal exercises.
Read Introduction to Animal Science
Show steps
Gain an overview of the field of animal science.
View
Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book's chapters on animal anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.
-
Take notes on the key concepts.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Animal Ethics
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of the ethical issues surrounding the use of animals.
Browse courses on
Animal Ethics
Show steps
-
Watch videos or read articles about animal ethics.
-
Attend a workshop or lecture on the topic.
Design an Animal Welfare Audit Tool
Show steps
Apply your knowledge to a practical problem.
Browse courses on
Animal Welfare
Show steps
-
Research existing animal welfare audit tools.
-
Develop a list of criteria to be included in your tool.
-
Create a draft of your tool.
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience working with animals.
Browse courses on
Animal Welfare
Show steps
-
Contact local animal shelters to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Attend a volunteer orientation.
-
Assist with daily care tasks, such as feeding, cleaning, and socialization.
Find a Mentor in the Field
Show steps
Connect with professionals who can provide guidance and support.
Show steps
-
Reach out to professors, researchers, or industry professionals in the field of animal science.
-
Attend conferences or industry events to network with potential mentors.
Create an Animal Blog or Podcast
Show steps
Share your knowledge and insights with others.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic for your blog or podcast.
-
Create high-quality content that is informative and engaging.
-
Promote your blog or podcast on social media and other platforms.
Review Animal Biology
Show steps
Brush up on the basics of animal biology to prepare for the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes or textbooks from previous biology courses.
- Use online resources, such as Khan Academy, to refresh your knowledge.
Learn Animal Terminology
Show steps
Master the terminology used to describe animals.
Browse courses on
Animal Anatomy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use flashcards to memorize key terms.
- Practice using the terms in written or verbal exercises.
Read Introduction to Animal Science
Show steps
Gain an overview of the field of animal science.
View
Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book's chapters on animal anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.
- Take notes on the key concepts.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Animal Ethics
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of the ethical issues surrounding the use of animals.
Browse courses on
Animal Ethics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch videos or read articles about animal ethics.
- Attend a workshop or lecture on the topic.
Design an Animal Welfare Audit Tool
Show steps
Apply your knowledge to a practical problem.
Browse courses on
Animal Welfare
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research existing animal welfare audit tools.
- Develop a list of criteria to be included in your tool.
- Create a draft of your tool.
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience working with animals.
Browse courses on
Animal Welfare
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact local animal shelters to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend a volunteer orientation.
- Assist with daily care tasks, such as feeding, cleaning, and socialization.
Find a Mentor in the Field
Show steps
Connect with professionals who can provide guidance and support.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Reach out to professors, researchers, or industry professionals in the field of animal science.
- Attend conferences or industry events to network with potential mentors.
Create an Animal Blog or Podcast
Show steps
Share your knowledge and insights with others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic for your blog or podcast.
- Create high-quality content that is informative and engaging.
- Promote your blog or podcast on social media and other platforms.
Career center
Learners who complete Animals and Institutions will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Laboratory Animal Care Technician
Laboratory Animal Care Technician
Laboratory Animal Care Technicians provide care and maintenance for animals used in research and development. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Laboratory Animal Care Technicians because it provides a foundational understanding of the ethical implications and challenges of animal research, as well as the health and welfare of laboratory animals. The module on science and the use of animals in scientific research would be particularly relevant to this role.
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in animals. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Veterinarians because it provides a comprehensive understanding of animal health and welfare, as well as the ethical dimensions of veterinary medicine. The modules on science, health and welfare, and veterinary medicine would be particularly relevant to this role.
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistants provide support to veterinarians in the treatment and care of animals. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Veterinary Assistants because it provides a general understanding of animal health and welfare, as well as ethical considerations in veterinary medicine. The modules on science, health and welfare, and veterinary medicine would be particularly relevant to this role.
Zookeeper
Zookeeper
Zookeepers care for and maintain animals in zoos and other wildlife facilities. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Zookeepers because it provides a broad understanding of animal care and welfare, as well as the social and ethical implications of human interactions with animals. The module on animal entertainment would be particularly relevant to this role.
Animal Welfare Officer
Animal Welfare Officer
Animal Welfare Officers protect animals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Animal Welfare Officers because it provides insights into ethical issues and the legal and policy frameworks surrounding animal welfare. The modules on animal health and welfare (specifically the dilemmas in veterinary medicine) and agriculture may be particularly relevant for those interested in this career path.
Animal Scientist
Animal Scientist
Animal Scientists study and improve the health, production, and welfare of animals. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Animal Scientists because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the science and ethics of animal agriculture. The module on agriculture would be particularly relevant to this role.
Animal Caretaker
Animal Caretaker
Animal Caretakers help maintain the health and well-being of animals in various settings. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Animal Caretakers because it provides insight into important aspects of animal health and welfare, as well as the social and ethical implications of human interactions with animals. The module on animal sheltering may be particularly relevant for those interested in a career in this field, as it would provide knowledge about the challenges and dilemmas faced by animal shelters and animal shelter employees.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologists study and manage wildlife populations. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Wildlife Biologists because it provides a foundational understanding of ecology, conservation, and the ethical implications of human interactions with animals. The modules on science, agriculture, and animal health and welfare may be particularly applicable to this role.
Conservation Officer
Conservation Officer
Conservation Officers enforce wildlife laws and regulations, protect wildlife habitat, and educate the public about conservation. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Conservation Officers because it provides knowledge about the ethical and legal dimensions of human-animal interactions, as well as conservation and animal welfare. The modules on science, agriculture, and animal health and welfare would be particularly applicable to this role.
Animal Trainer
Animal Trainer
Animal Trainers teach and train animals for various purposes, such as entertainment, companionship, and service work. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Animal Trainers because it provides a foundation in animal behavior and training techniques. The modules on animal health and welfare and animal entertainment (with a focus on dog fighting) may be particularly relevant for those interested in a career as an animal trainer.
Animal Rights Activist
Animal Rights Activist
Animal Rights Activists advocate for the ethical treatment and legal protection of animals. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Animal Rights Activists because it provides a deep understanding of the ethical and legal dimensions of human-animal interactions, as well as the social and political challenges faced by animal rights activists. The module on agriculture may be particularly relevant for those interested in this field.
Ethologist
Ethologist
Ethologists study the behavior of animals. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Ethologists because it provides a solid foundation in animal behavior and ethics. The modules on science and animal entertainment may be particularly relevant for those interested in this field.
Animal Law Attorney
Animal Law Attorney
Animal Law Attorneys advocate for the legal rights and protection of animals. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Animal Law Attorneys because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and legal dimensions of human-animal interactions. The module on agriculture may be particularly relevant for those interested in this field.
Public Health Officer
Public Health Officer
Public Health Officers protect and improve the health of communities. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Public Health Officers who specialize in animal-related health issues, such as zoonoses or food safety. The modules on science, agriculture, and animal health and welfare would be particularly relevant for those interested in this field.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers apply engineering principles to solve medical and biological problems. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming Biomedical Engineers who specialize in animal research or veterinary medicine. The module on science and the use of animals in scientific research would be particularly relevant to this field.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1xcbet/animals
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Animals and Institutions.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues surrounding animal research. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the ethical debate over animal research.
Classic work in the field of animal ethics. It argues that animals have moral rights and that we should not use them for food, clothing, or entertainment.
Personal and philosophical exploration of the ethics of eating animals. It powerful and thought-provoking read that will challenge your assumptions about food and animals.
Pulitzer Prize-winning exploration of the American food system. It must-read for anyone interested in understanding where our food comes from and the ethical implications of our food choices.
Save
Provides a detailed overview of the welfare of wild animals in captivity, including the physical, psychological, and social challenges they face.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues facing veterinarians. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the ethical challenges of veterinary medicine.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal status of animals in the United States. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the legal protections afforded to animals.
Save
Philosophical defense of the abolitionist approach to animal rights. It argues that animals have a fundamental right to be free from human exploitation and that we should not use them for food, clothing, or entertainment.
Save
Collection of essays that explore the legal and philosophical implications of granting animals personhood. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the debate over the legal status of animals.
Classic work in the field of animal ethics. It must-read for anyone interested in understanding the ethical debate over animal rights.
Personal and philosophical exploration of the ethical reasons for adopting a vegan lifestyle. It powerful and thought-provoking read that will challenge your assumptions about food and animals.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1xcbet/animals
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Leslie Irvine
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Animals and Society. It's comprised of three courses:
- Animals and Institutions (viewing)
- Animals, Self, and Society
- The Changing Status and Perception of Animals
Good to know
Examines the use of animals in science, which is highly relevant to academia and industry
Taught by Leslie Irvine, who is recognized for their work in sociology and animal studies
Explores animals within the context of social institutions, which is unique and may add color to other topics
Investigates ethical perspectives on animal use in food, entertainment, and health, which is highly relevant to current debates
Suitable for students with an interest in animal rights, sociology, and ethics
Requires some background knowledge in sociology and animal studies
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