300548 VO Social-biological aspects of the human-animal interaction (2008S)

A short description of the term Anthrozoology and the human evolution create an introduction to this course. In its main part, different types of human- animal interactions are considered in chronological order from prehistoric times until today (e.g. extermination of species, domestication, and epidemic illnesses). More emphasis than last year will be paid on recent forms of interactions (e.g. animal-assisted therapy, social farming, cruelty against animals and animal abuse, animals living in cities, protection of species). Finally, different theoretical models will be discussed to describe the relationship between humans and animals.