THE ANIMAL-HUMAN BOND--SYLLABUS
SOC2609
Spring, 2012
Office: SM128
Instructor: Cheryl Joseph, PhD
Class time: MWF 12-12:50PM
Ofc hrs: M 2:30-5PM; F after
3:30PM by appt.
Phone: 650-508-3586
Email: cjoseph@ndnu.edu
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Course Description
This course explores the unique relationship that humans share with other animals, the
implications of this relationship, and the potential. We examine the attitudes our society holds
toward animals other than ourselves as well as how and why our social institutions create these
attitudes. We also address the connection between animal and human compassion along with the
similarities between animal oppression and racism, sexism, ageism, and social class privilege.
Finally, we direct attention to the ways in which animals enrich human lives and humans can
benefit other animals. This course uses historical, cultural, institutional, interpersonal, and
environmental perspectives to examine the human-other animal bond.
Course Outcomes
By the conclusion of this course, you should have an understanding of the historical precedence
for the animal-human bond as well as the nature of this bond and the value of studying animals
with relation to humans. In addition, you should possess knowledge of various contemporary
issues facing animals and humans in this society along with the ability to apply sociological/
psychological perspectives and theories to these issues.
Required reading
The Pig Who Sang to the Moon by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson
Animal Rights; Human Rights by David Nibert
Peaceful Kingdom: Random Acts of Kindness by Animals by Stephanie Laland
Selected handouts
Course Outline (Note: the topics below are just a sampling of those that we will cover.)
I. Nature of the animal-human bond
A. From prehistoric to present day
B. Religion, mythology, and philosophy
C. Representations in art, literature, and media
D. Cultural perceptions
II. Differences and similarities shared with humans: what does it all mean?
A. Physical, Cognitive, Emotional, and Self-awareness
III. Science and the study of animals capabilities
A. Use of animals to study humans
B. Links to studies of emotions
IV. Compassion/cruelty connections
A. Interpersonal and family violence
B. Links to human oppression and domination
C. Institutional violence
1. Economic violence
2. Science and research
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3. Education and dissection
D. Ecological and environmental violence
V. Enriching life for all: turning cruelty to compassion
A. Therapy through animals
B. Benefiting animals and nature through human interaction and intervention (includes
Tellington Touch and aggressive animals)
VI. Animal welfare; animal rights
A. Philosophies and social movements
B. Righting wrongs; making change
VII. Careers with animals
Course Requirements
1. Attendance in class and participation in all assigned activities is critical. Only three absences
will be excused. Personal conversations, passing notes, text messaging, and sleeping during class
are not considered participation. If you have perfect attendance including no tardiness, I’ll
automatically raise your final grade by one-third, e.g., from B+ to A-.
2. To help you think critically about the classroom material, the readings, the ideas we
discuss, and the experiences provided with relationship to occurrences in your own lives, you
will need to keep a journal throughout the semester. You should have at least one journal entry
of at least one (1) typewritten, double-spaced page per week. Entries are to be analytical---not
cute stories about pets or how much you love animals---although you can certainly weave stories
and anecdotes into your analyses. You must apply some reading you’ve done about animals
and/or their connection to human society from your texts or outside sources to each of your
reflections on the material covered in class. All references you use (including your texts) must
be documented using ASA style (aka Chicago style) or APA style at the end of each set of
reflections you turn in. You can include references to discussions outside of class or comments
you overhear. Starting the week of January 23, 2012, you must include at least one (1) journal
entry per week that discusses some topic we address that particular week, e.g., the history of
the animal-human bond; religious perspectives on other animals and so forth. You must also
add material from an additional resource or resources to what you’ve learned in class.
Remember, you can do more than one entry per week so that allows you to explore other topics
beyond our classroom topics. In fact, a grade of A or B will require you to produce more than
just one entry a week. Most important, you should apply what you’re learning about the animalhuman bond during this semester to your thoughts, feelings, and everyday experiences. Using a
sociological perspective and sociological imagination will help you write quality journal entries.
 Entries will be collected and graded on the following three dates:
o Monday, February 13 (minimum 3 journals)
o Monday, March 12 (minimum 4 journal)
o Monday, April 23 (minimum 6 journals)
You will have a minimum total of 13 journals by the end of the semester.
3. On April 23, you will also turn in an overview summarizing your journal entries and what
you
learned about the animal-human bond this semester. This overview should consist of 3-4
typewritten, double-spaced pages. All journal entries and the overview must be clearly written
and collegiate in quality. Remember, you should have a page citing your references at the end
of each set of journals you turn in. No compilation of references is necessary and the end of
your overview/summary.
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4. As part of a small group comprised of no more than three students in this class, you will
develop a way to bring public attention to an animal-related issue that concerns or interests you.
After deciding on an issue (we’ll discuss your topics in class on Friday, Feb. 10,) you will spend
the first part of the semester thoroughly researching your topic so that you are intimately familiar
with it. Your research will lay the basis for your campaign to raise public awareness so it should
be thorough. Documentation of your research must be completed by mid-semester so you have
the remainder of the semester to work on your public awareness strategy. Therefore, a 5-6 page
typewritten summary of your group’s research review is due on Friday, March 16. In collegiate
quality, using heading-subheading format, you should address:
(1) the problem or condition on which you are focusing;
(2) the solution you propose and the arguments you anticipate against your solution; and
(3) an annotated list of all your references to date. You must include at least five
citations from your texts plus all of your additional references.
(4) You must also indicate the medium by which you plan to expose your issue to the
public and the audience you plan to target as well as your justification for each. This
section does not have to be developed at this point in the semester.
For the remainder of the semester, you will develop your public awareness medium, i.e., the
means by which you’ll make your point to your audience. For example, you might devise a
brochure; public service announcements for radio and/or TV; short documentary for classroom
use; workshop/seminar for selected audience(s); series of newspaper articles; website; fundraiser; or a host of other possibilities. You need only use one medium for this project. Early in
the semester, Scott Delucchi, Director of Public Information and Communication, with the
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, will speak with the class to help you formulate ideas for
public awareness strategies. Your media project need not be brought to fruition by semester’s
end. You will, however, have to present a plan that could potentially be carried out in the future.
For example, you need not produce a glossy brochure but a mock-up or draft is necessary; you
need not get your news articles published but they should be publication-ready. In addition, you
would indicate where you plan to distribute your brochures and publish your articles, for
example, as well as why you chose your particular audience and media. You’ll share your public
awareness messages/projects with the class on our regularly-scheduled final exam day which is
Mon., April 30, from 2-4:30pm. Scott Delucchi will join us to observe your projects and offer
his insights.
Distribution for Final Grade
Class participation
Journal entries and final summary
Public awareness project
15%
40% (5%; 5%; 10%; 20%)
40% (Research review will account for 15%; development
of media piece-15%; presentation-10%)
Miscellaneous Policies and Suggestions
1. “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 and
possible expulsion from the university.
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2. All papers must be turned in on the due date in hard-copy form. Late papers will not be
accepted.
SCHEDULE OF “DUE DATES”
Friday, February 10
Discussion: topics for public awareness projects
Monday, February 13
Journal entries due (first set of 3)
Friday, February 13
Reading: *PWSM Preface-Chapter 2
Friday, February 24
Reading: PWSM Chapters 3 & 4
Friday, March 2
Reading: PWSM Chapter 5-Conclusion
Monday, March 12
Journal entries due (second set of 4)
Friday, March 16
Research review for public awareness project due
Monday, March 19
Reading: **AR/HR Foreward-Chapter 2
Monday, March 26
Reading: AR/HR Chapters 3-4
Monday, April 2
Reading: AR/HR Chapters 5-7
Friday, April 13
Reading: ***PK Entire book
Monday, April 23
Journal entries(third set of 6) and summary due
Monday, April 30
Public awareness group project presentations
(2-4:30PM)
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*PWSM: The Pig Who Sang to the Moon
**AR/HR: Animal Rights/Human Rights
***PK: Peaceful Kingdom: Random Acts of Kindness by Animals
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