ANIMALS IN SOCIETY (SO2601)

SYLLABUS

Fall 2012 Instructors: Cheryl Joseph, PhD & Beethoven, DOG

Phone: 650-508-3586 Class Meeting Times: F (Sept. 7)6-10PM

Email: S (Sept. 8) 9AM-5PM

Classroom location: Cuvilly Hall #23 U (Sept. 9) 9AM-1PM

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Course Description and Purpose: This course begins by exploring capabilities of animals other than human along with the implications of these faculties. Using experts in their various fields, we examine the bond between people and other animals, including the cruelty and compassion connections. We then discuss ways in which humans and our furry, feathered, and finned friends can and do enhance the lives of the other.

Recommended Reading: NOTE : Though it will be helpful to our discussion on Sunday (see the schedule below,) it is not necessary to have completed the recommended reading by that date.

When Elephants Weep by Masson and McCarthy (available in the NDNU bookstore)

Course Agenda:

Friday, September 7, 6PM-10PM

  • Self-introductions
  • Brainstorming: how are other animals different from people?
  • Can other species think? Feel emotion? Problem-solve? Feel pain?
  • What are the implications of animal capabilities for humans?
  • “10 Simple Lessons I’ve Learned From Other Animals”
  • Discussion of course requirements

Saturday, September8, 9AM-5PM

  • Animals in families, past and present---Lynn Loar, Ph.D. (9AM-11AM)
  • Shaping behavior positively---Lynn Loar, Ph.D. (11-12N)
  • Intervention into cruelty (12N-12:15PM)
  • Mandated reporting
  • Recognizing signs of abuse in humans and
  • Reporting abuse---animal and human
  • Rehabilitation programs for abusers
  • LUNCH (12:15-1PM)
  • Pet Therapy: Enriching the lives of all--Judy Buller/John Sudler, DeltaSociety (1PM-

2PM)

  • Indigenous knowledge & animal conservation---Gillian Wallace (2-3PM)
  • Small group student research projects (3-5PM)

Sunday, September 9, 9AM-1PM

  • Research presentations---approximately 10-15 minutes per group (9-10-30AM)
  • Factory-farming: realities and risks (10:30-11AM)
  • Revolutionized diet: the vegan/vegetarian option---Patti Breitman (11-12Noon)
  • Discussion of recommended reading (12-12:30PM)
  • Companion animals/what’s the difference (from “Why Dogs Laugh”); Where do we

go from here and general conclusions (12:30-1PM)

Course Requirements:

1. As this course contains an abundance of information packed into a short period of time, your promptness and courtesy to your classmatesare strongly encouraged. This means arriving punctually for each class; returning from lunch and breaks on time; not leaving class early; giving the speakersand other students your full attention; and performing satisfactorily on Course Requirement #4. (See Course Requirement #4 for elaboration on this requirement.)

2. Your participation is strongly encouraged; in fact, the class is built, in large part, around discussion.

3. You will get at least a “C” just for attending this class and participating fully, particularly with regard to the small group student research projects. (See Course Requirement #4.) For a “B”, you will need to write a 3 page reflection paper indicating the most valuable lessons you’ve learned this weekend and how you plan to use what you’ve learned. Include at least two references to the recommended reading for this class (When Elephants Weep.) For an “A”, write a 4-5 page reflection paper indicating the most valuable lessons you’ve learned this weekend and how you plan to use what you’ve learned. Include at least three references to When Elephants Weep and anotherfour from legitimate sources.

All written work is due no later than3PM onMonday, October 15, 2011. Although you may email your paper to me, you must also provide me with a hard copy by the date and time above. Save yourself a copy of any papers you turn in to me.

4. On Saturday afternoon, you’ll be given a variety of topics related to the animal-human bond from which you will choose to conduct further research as a member of a small group. You’ll be provided with some preliminary data on which you can base your entire presentation or you can expand your research. Your group will be given two hours of class time to familiarize yourselves with your topic; to determine how you wish to present your findings to the class in a 10-15-minute presentation on Sunday morning; and to practice your presentation. Your individual portion of your group presentation must meet the minimal standard for a “C” in order for you, personally, to receive a final grade of “C” or any grade higher. (See Course Requirement #1 for a full understanding of this requirement.) Details on this requirement will follow.

*****Plagiarism is a violation of NDNU’s code of student ethics and will not be tolerated. It is a form of intellectual dishonesty that involves the theft of another person’s ideas, language, or written thought processes.” Any offense will result in automatic failure (“F”) of this course.

On a personal note, I sincerely want to thank you for taking this class as it indicates that you, like me, want to create a more compassionate world for both humans and other animals.

HUMAN HEALTH AND WELLNESS WITH ANIMALS

SYLLABUS

Instructor: Dr. Cheryl Joseph

Phone: 650-355-0969 Email:

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Course Description and Purpose: This course begins by exploring capabilities of animals other than humans along with the implications and potential of these faculties. We proceed by examining the bond between people and animals historically and culturally. Focus is placed on the ways in which animals can enhance human health physically, emotionally, psychologically, and socially and conversely, how animals can benefit from association with humans.

Recommended Reading:

When Elephants Weep by Masson and McCarthy (available in the CND bookstore)

About the Instructor:

Cheryl Joseph, Ph.D.: This instructor has taught on the community college and university levels for over 25 years. In recent years, she has combined her academic background in Sociology and Education with her love for animals. She is currently developing a college curriculum along with community outreach programs that examine the bond between humans and other animals. Cheryl is currently a professor of Sociology at Notre Dame de Namur University and spends her spare time with her German Shepherd, Ebony. Cheryl recently received the Outstanding Humane Educator of the Year Award.

Course Topics:

  • How are nonhuman animals different from people?
  • Can animals think? Feel emotion? Problem-solve? Feel pain?
  • Links of oppression---historically and culturally
  • What are the implications of animal capabilities for humans?
  • How can animals enrich human lives---physically, emotionally, psychologically, and socially?
  • Interpersonal violence and animal abuse
  • Similarities and differences
  • Intervention into cruelty
  • Changing cruelty to compassion
  • Positive reinforcement to shape behavior in nonhuman animals and

dysfunctional families: the clicker technique

  • Use of animals for research about humans: pitfalls and alternatives
  • Health risks of and alternatives to factory-farming
  • Vegetarian and vegan diets (lunch or snack provided)
  • Pet therapy and animal assisted therapy: prolonging and enriching the lives

of humans and animals

  • Alternative medicines and treatments for humans and animals
  • Companion animals: what’s the difference?

Course Requirements:

Under consideration.