PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN-ANIMAL RELATIONSHIPS

PSY3HAR

2021

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject provides students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to analyse and address questions concerning how non-human animals can and might co-exist within modern human societies, in an informed, objective and unbiased manner. Throughout the subject, students are provided with a broad and critical overview of theories and methods of scientific inquiry as they apply to the study of human-animal relationships, with an emphasis on developing practical solutions to challenging social issues. Online learning materials are used to provide current information about animal issues, with tutorials providing opportunities for students to engage in discussion, debate and further analysis. PSY3HAR addresses La Trobe's Sustainability Thinking Essential. Sustainability Thinking includes thinking critically, and developing well-informed views, about questions concerning how non-human animals can and might co-exist within modern and future human societies.

SchoolPsychology and Public Health

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorMatthew Ruby

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG

Available as ElectiveNo

Learning ActivitiesN/A

Capstone subjectNo

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites Successful completion of 90 credit points of subjects OR coordinator's approval

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Quota Management StrategyN/A

Quota-conditions or rulesN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Minimum credit point requirementN/A

Assumed knowledgeN/A

Career Ready

Career-focusedNo

Work-based learningNo

Self sourced or Uni sourcedN/A

Entire subject or partial subjectN/A

Total hours/days requiredN/A

Location of WBL activity (region)N/A

WBL addtional requirementsN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Describe the principles of adaptation, evolution and domestication and outline the significance of reciprocal human-animal relationships in shaping the development of human sensations, thoughts, language and culture, as well as physical and psychological characteristics of many animals
02. Critically evaluate many of the current roles that animals play within human societies, including their roles in human health and well-being, education, sport, recreation and entertainment, and as pets and companions, resources, co-workers, units of exchange, pests and competitors.
03. Debate the potential costs and benefits to humans and animals of having animals embedded within future societies in various different ways, including examination of the notion that some community members believe that animals should be valued independently of their utility for humans. Implications of these views for sustainability of current practices will be considered.
04. Demonstrate an understanding of the behavioural, cognitive and emotional capabilities of non-human animals, the applicability of science and applied ethics to 'animals in society' issues, and limitations to our current knowledge about animals through critical review of research, class discussion and interactive learning tools.
05. Use the knowledge of animal and human interactions acquired in the course to objectively and critically evaluate a current issue involving animals in society, particularly sustainability of various categories of animal use.
06. Examine cross-cultural perspectives regarding animal use and evaluate diverse societal and personal values relating to issues regarding uses of animals in human society in order to demonstrate an appreciation of these issues and their relevance to Sustainability Thinking.

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Albury-Wodonga, 2021, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorMatthew Ruby

Class requirements

Directed ReadingWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.00 h directed reading per week on any day including weekend during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
Online learning materials equivalent to two

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.00 h tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle% ILO*
Three online quizzes (multiple choice questions, equiv 1500 words)N/AN/AN/ANo30 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Participation in online and tutorial activities (equiv 750 words)N/AN/AN/ANo20 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Individual, written reaction papers (1500 words)N/AN/AN/ANo30 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Individual, online presentation (equiv 750 words)N/AN/AN/ANo20 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6

Bendigo, 2021, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorMatthew Ruby

Class requirements

Directed ReadingWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.00 h directed reading per week on any day including weekend during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
Online learning materials equivalent to two

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.00 h tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle% ILO*
Three online quizzes (multiple choice questions, equiv 1500 words)N/AN/AN/ANo30 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Participation in online and tutorial activities (equiv 750 words)N/AN/AN/ANo20 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Individual, written reaction papers (1500 words)N/AN/AN/ANo30 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Individual, online presentation (equiv 750 words)N/AN/AN/ANo20 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2021, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorMatthew Ruby

Class requirements

Directed ReadingWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.00 h directed reading per week on any day including weekend during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
Online learning materials equivalent to two

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.00 h tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle% ILO*
Three online quizzes (multiple choice questions, equiv 1500 words)N/AN/AN/ANo30 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Participation in online and tutorial activities (equiv 750 words)N/AN/AN/ANo20 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Individual, written reaction papers (1500 words)N/AN/AN/ANo30 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Individual, online presentation (equiv 750 words)N/AN/AN/ANo20 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6

On-Line, 2021, Semester 1, Online

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorMatthew Ruby

Class requirements

Directed ReadingWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.00 h directed reading per week on any day including weekend during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
Online learning materials equivalent to two

Scheduled Online ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.00 h scheduled online class per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle% ILO*
Three online quizzes (multiple choice questions, equiv 1500 words)N/AN/AN/ANo30 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Participation in online and tutorial activities (equiv 750 words)N/AN/AN/ANo20 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Individual, written reaction papers (1500 words)N/AN/AN/ANo30 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6
Individual, online presentation (equiv 750 words)N/AN/AN/ANo20 SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5, SILO6