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.
Animals and Institutions
Animals and Institutions
This course is part of Animals and Society Specialization
Instructor: Leslie Irvine
3,292 already enrolled
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(61 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
5 hours to complete
3 weeks at 1 hour a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Describe the status of animals used in research.
Identify the trends that led to modern industrial livestock production in the United States.
Determine the most appropriate roles of zoos in modern societies.
Identify dilemmas faced by veterinarians and animal shelter workers.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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Assessments
2 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Animals and Society Specialization
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There are 4 modules in this course
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.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment2 discussion prompts
In this module, you will learn about the system through which animals are transformed into “livestock.”
What's included
3 videos1 discussion prompt
In this module, you will investigate how animals are central to how humans spend their leisure time.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, you will examine the social worlds of veterinary medicine and animal sheltering.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 peer review2 discussion prompts
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.6 (24 ratings)Offered by
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4.8
61 reviews
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Showing 3 of 61
JK
5
Reviewed on Jun 9, 2022
Great Course raising concern about welfare for all animals
VQ
5
Reviewed on Jan 23, 2024
The course turned out to be much more interesting than I imagined. It's great to have been able to take this course, which is very important for protecting our animals.
RR
5
Reviewed on Oct 10, 2020
Really enjoyed the course!! Learned about the way we treat animals and perceive their existence.
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