First-Year Writing Seminar (105-8-24)

Topic

Humans and Other Animals

Instructors

Charles S Yarnoff
8474914965
555 Clark St., 243
Office Hours: By appointment

Meeting Info

University Hall 318: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

In this seminar, we will explore the question of what is and what might be the relationship between human and nonhuman animals. To guide us in that exploration, we'll read, discuss, and write about novels, stories, essays, and poems that allow us to imagine ourselves into the lives of animals. These literary works powerfully dramatize the many ways in which we experience animals: as companions and as sources of food, in zoos and in nature, as objects of scientific study and as reflections of ourselves. The readings will offer us the opportunity to reflect on such questions as: Is it possible to know what an animal is thinking and feeling? Why are our pets so important to us? Are we justified in using animals for food and in laboratory experiments? Through class discussion and varied writing assignments, you'll articulate your answers to those and other questions to your colleagues in the seminar.

Class Materials (Suggested)

H.G. Wells, The Island of Dr. Moreau (isbn: 9780486290270)
Charles Foster, Being a Beast: Adventures Across the Species Divide (isbn: 9781250132215)

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar