Multispecies Anthropology: Relations between humans, animals and plants

Species are becoming extinct at a high rate due to human degradation and management of natural resources, while at the same time the population of domestic animals and consumption of meat increases in line with population growth and improved living conditions for humans. These developments have prompted a need for change in our practice and understanding of our relationship with other species with which we share the world. In this context, a new subfield has emerged studying the relationships between humans, animals, and plants which is called multispecies anthropology. By introducing studies of non-human significant others and agencies, multispecies anthropology has a major impact on the general methodological and theoretical developments in the discipline.

The course explores questions such as, what can human-animal relations tell us about the current historical moment, global connections, and the possibilities for a livable future? Is understanding across species lines possible? And how may a closer look at our relations with other species challenge what we think of as human?

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

• have knowledge of ethnographic methods and anthropological concepts and theories that are employed in the study of human interaction with other species.
• have knowledge of specific ethnographic examples of how humans' relationships with other species construe the environmental conditions within which we coexist.
• have experience with analyzing and making use of concepts and analytical approaches through discussion and academic writing.

Skills:

• can choose and delimit a thesis question.
• can identify literature relevant for a given thesis question or a thesis question of own choice.
• can solve the thesis question independently through written work.
• can independently discuss and argue for and against different positions in the field.
• can write an academic text and use academic sources beyond what can be expected at the introductory level

General competence:

• ability to problematize current phenomena and issues related to people's relationships with the natural environment and other species.
• ability to convey key topics, problems and solutions both in writing and orally, and can, through other relevant forms of expression, exchange views and experiences with others with a background in the field and through this contribute to the development of good practices.

Lectures, seminars, and student’s investigations that constitute the basis for the essay. Please note that classes and compulsory activities may start before the enrollment deadline.