Animals, In Theory
Animals, wrote anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss, are “good to think with.” In this course we will explore the various ways humans have “thought” with and through animals. We will explore a range of issues including the intersection of animals and race/gender; the fragile line humans continually draw between ourselves and animals; the ethics of our use and treatment of animals; and the metaphorical role animals play in our literary, spiritual, and cultural traditions. We will read a wide variety of fiction, poetry, sociology, cultural theory, history, and philosophy from multiple historical periods. (not open to students who have taken ENAM 0108 or FYSE 1517) 3 hrs. sem.