200
Learning is a relatively permanent change in
behavior and mental associations due to experience. Numerous principles and
theories about learning
have been proposed in order to better understand
why animals, including humans, behave the way they do. Research in
learning has resulted in the
development of behavioral techniques that are
useful in many allied fields
including behavioral neuroscience,
psychopharmacology and behavioral
medicine. Cognition, on the other hand, is the
study of mental operations
that support acquisition and use of knowledge.
The study of learning and
cognition is an integral sub discipline within
the field of anthrozoology. This course serves as an
introduction to the multifaceted
processes involved in learning at all levels of
complexity. Students will learn
fundamental information required for canine
training classes and information that will prove
useful for all animal training.
This course explores the history and evolution of the relations between domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and humans. The course will largely focus on the developmental lifespan of dogs and will emphasize the following topics: genetics/breeds, anatomy and physiology, sensation, behavior, and cognition. The course will also involve direct observations and interactions with dogs. Critical evaluation of research and training in canine science is an essential component of the course. An understanding of basic care, including safety, nutrition, and socialization are goals of the course. Students should develop skills and knowledge to properly care for and provide a healthy environment for various types of dogs. This course includes a field trip to Yellowstone National Park.
This is an introductory course on the relationship between horses and humans in the outer physical world and the inner psychological world. We will investigate this relationship from an historical perspective. We will assess this evolving relationship from the point of view of two main questions: 1) What was the process of this evolution? 2) How does this process inform us about our relationship with horses today?
Connecting With Horses: Basic Equine Skills
This class will provide hands-on experiences with horses. The primary goal is to learn how to keep you, other people and horses safe both physically and psychologically during interactions with each other. Horses are large sentient beings with minds and independent wills. Relationships with horses can become very powerful, exciting and rewarding experiences. There is no right way to build meaningful relationships with horses. However, there are procedures and practices for communicating with horses that are likely to produce positive outcomes and that are based in Learning Theory. The most important being: 1) observational skills, 2) knowledge of horse behavior, 3) positive and negative reinforcement, and 4) interpretations of intention and emotions; both your own and that of the horse. The lab will provide guidance and opportunities to perfect these important equestrian skills. You will be observing and interacting with horses through guided exercises to promote the development of the above skills. This will include herd observations, working with individually assigned horses, observing, and working with your classmates who are engaging with horses.
Students will engage in hands-on activities with horses that teach concepts of human-equine bonding, general equine safety, and awareness such as human behavior around horses, interpreting equine communication, safe haltering, leading, tying, and grooming practices. Students will also learn basic riding skills. It is designed to be taken concurrently with ANZ 233.
This course engages students in an exploration of the meaning and value of connecting with wild animals. It provides a comprehensive and founda - tional examination of the interactions people have with wild animals, and complements the current course offerings in Anthrozoology pertaining to human interactions with domesticated animals. This course draws on read - ings from a variety of backgrounds to frame the human-wildlife connection as an expression of our desire to interact and connect with nature. This is a way to help overcome the growing separation of humans and nature, and will advance the wellbeing of people and wildlife. The goal is for students to increase their personal effectiveness in the field of Anthrozoology through a greater understanding of diverse perspectives that people hold toward wildlife issues. Students will work on their own and in groups to identify solutions to contemporary wildlife issues and policies that have at their core diverging perspectives of the value and significance of wildlife. Students will learn and practice the scientific method by conducting a social science survey to explore people's views of wildlife.
Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.