Universität Wien

300557 VO Human-Animal Interactions (Anthrozoology) (2023S)

evolutionary functions and mechanisms, animals as social partners, species management

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
MIXED
Moodle

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Details

Language: German

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 22.03. 12:00 - 17:00 Seminarraum 5.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 5.131, Ebene 5
  • Thursday 23.03. 09:00 - 15:00 Seminarraum 5.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 5.131, Ebene 5
  • Friday 24.03. 09:00 - 15:00 Seminarraum 5.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 5.131, Ebene 5
  • Monday 27.03. 13:00 - 16:00 Seminarraum 5.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 5.131, Ebene 5
  • Tuesday 28.03. 09:00 - 12:00 Seminarraum 5.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 5.131, Ebene 5
  • Wednesday 29.03. 09:00 - 12:00 Seminarraum 5.1, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 5.131, Ebene 5

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Both parts of this lecture series is anthrozoologically orientated. Kotrschal deals with the crucial bio-psychological foundations of human-animal relationships, whereas Sumasgutner´s topic is urban zoology.
Humans are biophilic. Means, they want and can be (socially) together with other animals. The evolution of the vertrebrate brain and (social) physiology shows why this is the case, why we share so many mental/social tools with other animals.
Companion animals can have beneficial effects on human wellbeing and health - to an extent that allows suggesting that humans are adapted to liev with other animals. This will be exemplified on teh base of our 35 000 years lasting relatiionship with wolves/dogs.
The second part will feature urban human-animal relations, via examles from all over the world. Today, the immigration of wildlife which is potentially problematic for humans and their companion animals are a source of conflict - but also a source of hope. Further examples deal with humans subsidising urban wildlife and with spiritual practice. Not the least the corona-related lockdows were an informative data source on the mutual influenc eof humans and animals in cities.

Assessment and permitted materials

Written exam; 4 open questions (not multiple choice), which can (and should) be answered in 60 minutes.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Understanding the social human nature on the base of "Darwin´s continuum" as a base for rational and empathic human-animal relations and as a base for an animal friendly ethics. All based on relevant comparative zoology and anthropology.

Examination topics

Lecture and presentations (provided as PDFs per moodle). And the contents of the book:
KOTRSCHAL, K. (2014). Einfach beste Freunde. Warum Menschen und andere Tiere einander verstehen. Wien, Brandstätter.
In addition (optional):
KOTRSCHAL, K (2016). Hund-Mensch. Das Geheimnis der Seelenverwandtschaft. Wien: Brandstätter.
KOTRSCHAL, K. (2019) Mensch. Woher wir kommen. Wer wir sind. Wohin wir gehen. Brandstätter.
KOTRSCHAL,, K. (2022) Der Wolf und wir. Wie aus ihm unser erstes Haustier wurde – und warum seine Rückkehr Chancen bietet. erscheint März 2022 bei Brandstätter

Reading list

The following books which also contain the relevant original literature:
recommended:
KOTRSCHAL, K. (2014). Einfach beste Freunde. Warum Menschen und andere Tiere einander verstehen. Wien, Brandstätter.
In addition (optional):
KOTRSCHAL, K (2016). Hund-Mensch. Das Geheimnis der Seelenverwandtschaft. Wien: Brandstätter.
KOTRSCHAL, K. (2019) Mensch. Woher wir kommen. Wer wir sind. Wohin wir gehen. Brandstätter.
KOTRSCHAL,, K. (2022) Der Wolf und wir. Wie aus ihm unser erstes Haustier wurde – und warum seine Rückkehr Chancen bietet. erscheint März 2022 bei Brandstätter

Association in the course directory

MVN W-7, UF MA BU 01, UF MA BU 04

Last modified: Tu 16.05.2023 13:08