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This course introduces students to the study of human relations with other species and the natural world. It provides students with the opportunity to question taken for granted assumptions about nature, the environment and the roles of animals in society and the human services. The topic adopts a social justice approach and includes consideration of issues such as ecofeminism, animal liberation and speciesism in relation to other forms of oppression. The course provides students with the opportunity to question taken for granted assumptions about power as well as encouraging students to think about the nature, form and process of advocacy on behalf of the marginalized.
AIMS:• To introduce students to theoretical debates about the nature of power, oppression, social justice and marginalisation. • To facilitate an examination of the social processes through which ideas of animals and other marginalised groups are produced, reproduced and transformed.• To equip students with critical thinking techniques that will allow them to advocate for social justice for other species and other marginalised groups by understanding the interlocking nature of oppressions.
On successful completion of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate:Knowledge about how issues of marginalisation, including that of other species, are embedded out in the human services along with an understanding of the consequences of this for social justice.The ability to consider the relevance of issues of species-justice in the analysis of social change and empowerment.A social science understanding of key issues pertaining to modern assumptions regarding species, and social justice.Critical analysis of the relationship between oppression, empowerment and change in human systems.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
30 points of Human Services from HSRV101, 102, 103 and 104 or SOWK101, 102 and 104. Students without this prerequisite but with at least 60 points in appropriate courses may enter the course with the permission of the Programme Coordinator.
Nik Taylor
Taylor, Nik; Humans, animals, and society : an introduction to human-animal studies ; Lantern Books, a Division of Booklight, Inc., 2013.
Domestic fee $777.00
International fee $3,375.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .