| Unit name | Beasts of the Earth: Ethics and Non-Human Animals |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRSM0144 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Willows |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
Many of the moral challenges we face today require us to consider how we should relate to other animals. Concern about factory farming and meat-eating are widespread. So are worries about animal experimentation and zoos. The climate crisis is exposing other species to rapid ecosystem change and possible extinction. In this unit, these various moral anxieties provide starting points for a series of inquiries into the current lives of non-human animals and their relation to us humans. Different strands of moral and religious thought suggest radically different ways of understanding our relationship to animals, from rulers or owners to friends or even students. How, and to what extent, do we understand other animals? What do we owe other animals, wild and tame? In what sense are other animals part of our moral and religious communities? In this unit we will engage with broader moral thought on non-human animals as well as grappling with specific challenges facing us - and other species - today.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Specialist subject options are offered in the final years of the Religion and Theology MArts programmes, and as part of some School and Faculty MA programmes. It is standard practice for MArts to take three specialist options, depending on their programme. The portfolio of units available will change from year to year based on staff availability, but it will consistently represent a full range of research strengths across the department, as well as demonstrating our commitment to supporting choice and providing increased optionality as students progress through their programme.
An overview of content
In this unit we will look at a variety of moral challenges posed by our relationship with non-human animals. Possible examples include eating meat; how we should respond to ‘invasive’ species; whether zoos are a good thing; whether other animals can act morally; whether extinction of a species has particular significance; whether experimenting on animals is justified. We will also discuss some key thinkers in ‘animal ethics’ and the role of animals in religious thought.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
You will become familiar with several challenges and questions posed by the way modern society encounters other species. You will engage critically with material that explores these topics and be enabled to think deeply about your own relationship with other animals. You will become familiar with some different religious perspectives on the nature of other animals and the way these perspectives may shape responses to modern moral debates.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Research essay proposal (500 words, 0% credit-bearing) [ILOs 2, 3]
Seminar leading (20%) [ILO 1, 4]
Research essay 4,000 words (80%) [ILOs 1, 2, 5]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THRSM0144).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
