A graduate course designed to study the cultural history of animals and their complex relationship with humans. Theoretical discussions around Human-Animal Studies will be undertaken and various case studies explored. All animal species, native and introduced, wild and domesticated, natural and supernatural, are potential candidates for investigation. Students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of themes, topics and multi-disciplinary approaches that might include, but not be restricted to historical, folkloristic, visual arts, philosophical and literary methodologies.

Students will normally meet on-campus for two hours per week and 2 fieldtrips.

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80% Research Project (approx. 3000 words or equivalent body of work)

20% Poster Presentation

The specific aims of this course are to:

- introduce graduate students to the subject and to provide them with a secure grasp of the main issues it involves
- offer the opportunity to study previously unfamiliar folkloristic and historical methodological approaches
- familiarise students with a variety of primary, secondary and orally collected sources available for the study of the folklore of animals
- build confidence and expertise in the handling and interpretation of primary and secondary material
- foster student awareness of the distinctive problems of studying the folklore and cultural history of animals and the possible interpretation and solution thereof

On completion of the course the student will,

- have a knowledge and understanding of the best available, and most up-to-late literature on the topics covered
- be able to demonstrate an ability to articulate the main issues and debates, both written and orally
- be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the range of methodologies available for the study of this subject
- demonstrate close familiarity with the major sources available for the study of this topic