Animals matter for human existence in so many ways that it is difficult to imagine the entity we call “society” without them. They figure heavily in our language, food, clothing, family structure, economy, education, entertainment, science, recreation, and other areas of social life. In this specialization, we will investigate a range of topics, many of them controversial. Although this is a sociology course, the field of human-animal studies is interdisciplinary. Many of the suggested readings come from fields outside of sociology, but this specialization emphasizes their sociological relevance throughout each course.
Animals and Society Specialization
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Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.7
(170 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
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Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.7
(170 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
What you'll learn
Account for the shifting roles and statuses of animals in society and their social, cultural, and ethical consequences
Use key perspectives and concepts in the field of human/animal studies to explain the status of animals in contemporary society
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of considering animals in analyses of social issues
Analyze the socially constructed boundaries drawn between humans and animals and review their consequences
Overview
Skills you'll gain
- Ethical Standards And Conduct
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- Cultural Diversity
- Environmental Science
- Social Work
- Nutrition and Diet
- Behavioral Health
- Anthropology
- Laboratory Research
- Social Sciences
- Biology
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Media and Communications
- Research
- Healthcare Ethics
- Culture
- Non-Verbal Communication
- Food and Beverage
- Social Justice
What’s included
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Taught in English
6 practice exercises
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Specialization - 3 course series
What you'll learn
Demonstrate knowledge of how animals serve as symbols and metaphors in the media
Summarize the practices and interactions that allow for human-animal relationships
Identify the major factors that lead to animal abuse
Represent instances of human-wildlife conflict
Skills you'll gain
Category: Sociology
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Social Work
Category: Media and Communications
Category: Anthropology
Category: Social Justice
Category: Environment and Resource Management
Category: Cultural Diversity
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
Category: Sociology
Category: Ethical Standards And Conduct
Category: Research
Category: Biology
Category: Food and Beverage
Category: Culture
Category: Nutrition and Diet
Category: Healthcare Ethics
Category: Laboratory Research
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Environmental Science
What you'll learn
Describe components of the core self found in dogs and cats.
Summarize how research on emotions in animals challenges anthropocentrism
Distinguish between animal welfare and animal rights positions.
Evaluate studies of the influence of animals on human health and well being.
Skills you'll gain
Category: Psychology
Category: Behavioral Health
Category: Healthcare Ethics
Category: Research
Category: Ethical Standards And Conduct
Category: Mental and Behavioral Health
Category: Non-Verbal Communication
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Frequently asked questions
The courses in this specialzation are self-paced; learners may complete them as quickly as they'd like.
No prior knowledge is required.
No, but it is recommended that learners complete each course in order.
More questions
Financial aid available,