BRIANNE DONALDSON
  • About
  • Writing
  • Teaching/Syllabus
  • Contact
  • Events
  • CV
    • Medical Ethics
    • Suffering & Evil


​
Animal Ethics & Religion

PHILOS 131A
​Spring 2021

​CLASS TIME: Mon/Wed 4:00-5:20pm;
ZOOM LINK: 
https://uci.zoom.us/j/91752727914  

 Professor: Brianne Donaldson 
  Email: b.donaldson@UCI.edu
Image credit: Jo-Anne McArthur WeAnimalsArchive.org

DESCRIPTION

​​In their definition of religion, Emile Durkheim and Mircea Eliade present the human/animal boundary as a fundamental hallmark of the discipline, one often overlooked in contemporary studies of “animals and religion.” In this course we will utilize this fundamental binary to identify the construction of  “human” and “animal” subjectivities in Peter Singer's utilitarianism, Tom Regan's subject-of-a-life, and Derrida's concept of différance. We will use these theoretical tools to analyze religious narratives, including Jewish, Islamic, Christian, Jain, and Buddhist, alongside scientific views and the juncture of species, race, and gender violence. We will identify modes of thinking, feeling, and acting capable of disturbing this conceptual binary, creating new opportunities for multi-species identity formation, community, and response.


​
Although animal ethics were expressed in global religious traditions going back to antiquity, a sharp human/animal split emerges within Western philosophy (Aristotle), science (Descartes) and the academic study of religion (from Aquinas up to Durkheim and Eliade). We'll examine challenges to this split through philosophical approaches of (1) Identity (e.g. Singer and Regan), (2) Difference (Derrida), as well as an alternative third approach of (3) Indistinction. Using this three-fold framework, we will analyze contemporary approaches to animal ethics in science and global religious-philosophical perspectives as well as in relation to notions of species, race, and gender violence, joining our analysis with experimental modes of thought, feeling, and action capable of creating new opportunities for multi-species knowing and response.

STUDENT LEARNING GOALS

1. Articulate at least three distinct approaches to animal ethics theory
2. Practice utilizing cultural sources, including data, to understand contemporary animal ethics issues
​3. Analyze diverse religious/secular views of animals utilizing theoretical and ethical sources
4. Apply theory and ethics to modern film and personal reflection.

OPENING RECITATION

Opening Recitation:
​Khāmemi savva-jīve, savve jive khamantu me/
metti me savva-bhūesu, veraṃ majjha na keṇavi//

 
I ask pardon of all creatures, may all creatures pardon me.
May I have friendship with all beings and enmity with none.
--Pratikramaṇa-sūtra, 49 (of the Jain tradition)

Source: R. Williams, Jaina Yoga: A Survey of the Medieval Śrāvakācāras (Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, [1963] 1991), 207.

 STUDENT VISITING HOURS: COME SEE ME ONLINE! (Spring 2021)

I'll be hosting virtual visiting hours every week and I'd love to have you visit:
  • Wednesday (starting Week 2): 1-2pm; Zoom link: https://uci.zoom.us/j/95464296143
  • I also take questions right after M/W class and can chat for about 15 minutes. 
  • Many other times by request for Zoom/phone visits: just contact me (note that I often don't check email after 6pm)
  • When writing me, please include a greeting such as "Hi _____" or "Dear _____" so I feel like a means to your success as well as my own end; I will endeavor to do the same for you.
Picture

REQUIRED TEXTS 

Click image below for Amazon link. Students need a copy of this text.
Picture
Matthew Calarco, Thinking Through Animals: Identity, Difference, Indistinction (Stanford University Press 2015).
  • Publisher: Stanford Briefs
  • ISBN-10 : 0804794049
  • ISBN-13 : 978-0804794046
  • Cost: Approx. $10
​*OTHER INDIVIDUAL READINGS WILL ALSO BE LINKED IN THE SCHEDULE BELOW.

POLICIES

CONTENT CONSIDERATION 
Some of the content in this course may be difficult to read, view, or consider. Nevertheless, it is important to grapple with these difficulties so that our work together is not relegated to the realm of thought and theory alone. I have curated the assignments intentionally and carefully, and provided assignment frameworks so that you approach all tasks with questions in mind; that is, I will never "throw you into the deep end" without tools for intellectual swimming. In additional to these guiding frameworks, you can sometimes also choose your own assignment, such as one of the required films, or the final project. If you find something particularly challenging, I would encourage you to write about it in your Wednesday reflections, or discuss it with peers in your group work, or raise it in conversation with me, your friends, counselor, or family. 

CORONA VIRUS HUB FOR STUDENTS 
https://uci.edu/coronavirus/students/index.php

ZOOM PRIVACY
I will be recording the lecture sessions each week for those students who cannot attend. I invite you to have your video on during discussion, though leave it to you. Breakout groups on Zoom will not be recorded, so all students can use your camera during that time. 

​
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is important. That said, I'll not be keeping attendance this quarter. If you know that you will not be able to attend on a regular basis for any reason, including technology access, extended illness, extended family emergency, or extended immigration-related issue, please contact me as soon as you are able to and we will discuss a plan forward.
  • Much of our collective work will happen during class sessions. I will endeavor to record the online classes so you can catch up/follow along if you are absent.
  • Also, if something has kept you from reading or feeling prepared for class, please still come. You can always "pass" in discussion. So long as this is not a regular occurrence, your engaged presence will still benefit you, your peers, and our collective work.  
​
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND PLAGIARISM
We are here to do the hard work of learning together. Academic dishonesty erodes this goal and your own self confidence, and is a serious academic offense that can result in failing a paper, failing the class, and academic dismissal from the university. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism (copying words, phrases, or ideas from other authors/sources without giving citation credit), copying answers from another student, allowing another student to copy your answers, communicating exam answers to other students during an exam, attempting to use notes or other aids during an exam, or tampering with an exam after it has been corrected and then returning it for more credit. These actions are a violation of the UCI Policies on Academic Honesty <see https://aisc.uci.edu/>. It is your responsibility to read and understand these policies. Note that any instance of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Academic Integrity Administrative Office for disciplinary action and is cause for a failing grade in the course.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
All of us have different abilities, strengths, and challenges with learning. Students who believe they may need accommodations to succeed in this class are encouraged to register online with the Disability Services Center (or call 949-824-7494) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. This can include priority test-taking, seating preference, transportation, document conversion, among many other possible accommodations. Also, please feel free to meet with me to discuss any ways I can make any aspect of the classroom, materials, or assignments more accessible. 
FOOD AND HOUSING INSECURITY
​Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the FRESH Basic Needs Hub and the Basic Needs Coordinator, Andrea Gutierrez, at agordill@exchange.uci.edu. Also, please notify me if you are comfortable doing so. This will enable me to inform you of resources that might be of help.
 
UCI COUNSELING AND RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE PHONE LINES (24-HRS/DAY)
At-home learning can exacerbate personal, family, and relationship strains. UCI has several resources and services to support well-being and safety. Click here. 

ADD/DROP DEADLINES
Students may DROP or ADD a course through 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the second week of classes. https://www.reg.uci.edu/enrollment/adc/adcpolicy.html
  
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Not applicable 

LATE WORK POLICY 
  • Weekly work (quizzes and M/W worksheets) are due by class time unless of emergency. You can discard the lowest score of each assignment. Late M/W worksheets will receive automatic 1-point deduction.
  • Midterm Analysis: there is a one hour grace period. If turned in later than that, it will receive a one-time 3 point deduction.
  • Final Exam: This must be done within the allotted window of time; students can choose their time window flexibly over a several day period. 
*All work must be turned in 3 days prior to the grades being due to be counted.
Picture

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

203 Possible Points This Quarter
​1. In-class Chat participation (1pt x 15 sessions starting Wk 3a = 15pts) [7%]
2. Theory Quizzes, Weeks 1-4 (10pts ea.; best 5 of 6 = 50pts) [24.5%]
3. Monday Question Sets, Weeks 5-9 (6pts ea.; best 4 of 5 = 24pts) [12%]
4. Wednesday Integrative Reflections, Weeks 5-9 (6pts ea.; best 4 of 8 = 24pts) [12%]
5. Midterm Film Reflection (40pts) [20%]
6. ​Final Exam (50pts) [24.5%]
7. Extra Credit (Friday, May 7 12-1:20) (10pts)

All work should be your own. I welcome you talking to colleagues and peers, but the final project should reflect your grappling and effort.
​
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS

A. PARTICIPATION
1. In-class Chat participation (15pts)

Starting week 3a through the end of the quarter, students can earn 1 pt per session for participating in in-class chat box questions. The chat is saved after each session so this can be tracked. I will add these points into the Canvas grade chart at the end of each week.

2. Theory Quizzes (50pts)
During Weeks 1-4 (Best 5 of 6 will count; students can do all 6 or skip 1; due Mon/Weds by class time)
10pts each = 50pts [26%] 
  • From session 2a–4b, student will complete six 10-point open-book quizzes on Canvas. These quizzes will include terms and ideas for that day's readings, as well as basic summary questions. Students can do all 6 quizzes or skip 1, for a total of 5.  These quizzes will build our vocabulary of thought and action. The quizzes will also provide content and questions for a portion of the final exam. *Quizzes will be available by Saturday, noon and Tuesday 10am, prior to class.

3.  Monday Questions Set Worksheets (24pts)
During Weeks 5-9 (Best 4 of 5 will count; students can do all 5 or skip 1; due each Monday at class time) 
6pts each = 24pts [13%]
  • See Question Set Worksheets in "Resources" for directions
Turning in: Upload research charts as one document each Monday before class to Canvas
Grading: These will be graded 1-6; (1) (low effort), 2 (needs improvement), 3 (adequate effort), 4 (good effort), 5 (strong effort), 6 (exceptional effort). As these are primarily for your own skill-building and class participation, they will receive few comments. 
  
4. Wednesday Integrative Reflections (24pts)
During Weeks 5-9 (Best 4 of 5 will count; students can do all 5 or skip 1; due each Wednesday at class time) 
  • See Integrative Reflections Worksheet in "Resources" section below for directions
Turning in: Upload research charts as one document each Wednesday before class to Canvas
Grading: These will be graded 1-6; (1) (low effort), 2 (needs improvement), 3 (adequate effort), 4 (good effort), 5 (strong effort), 6 (exceptional effort). As these are primarily for your own skill-building and class participation, they will receive few comments. 

B. PROJECTS
5. Midterm Film Analysis (40pts)
Due: Upload to Canvas by Week 5: Friday, April 30, at 4pm
Students will watch two movies this quarter: (1) Fowl Play, and (2) Another film of your choice from this provided list.
Please see the Film Analysis assignment in "Resources" section below.

6. Final Exam (50pts)
The final exam will cover terms and questions from quizzes, and will draw upon your Question Sets and Reflections. A study guide will be handed out by Week 9.
​
C. EXTRA CREDIT  (6-10pts)
Attend Friday, May 7 (12:00-1:20pm) the Shri Parshvanath Presidential Chair in Ethical Innovations lecture. The Speaker is Dr. Kathrin Herrmann, PhD/DVM of the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing at Johns Hopkins University. Her lecture is titled: "Replacement, Reduction & Refinement in Practice: Are We Doing All We Can?"Afterwards, contribute to class Canvas Discussion forum between 5/7 and 5/16.

Register for free 
here.

Points awarded as follows (up to 10 points):

6pts: RSVP and attend the lecture virtually through Zoom (or watch the video afterwards; you must register to get the video)
8pts: Contribute a comment AND question on the Canvas Discussion forum that clearly demonstrates your thoughtful engagement with the lecture itself, and possibly class content
9pts: Respond thoughtfully to 1 comment or question on the Canvas Discussion forum 
10pts: Respond thoughtfully to 2 comments or questions on the Canvas Discussion forum


This is a basic grading guide 
GRADE                            
A           94-100%           
A-          90-94%           
B+         87-90%             
B           83-87%          
B-          80-83%             
C+         77-80%            
C           73-77%            
C-          70-73%             
D+         67-70%          
D           63-67%             
D-          60-63%     

RESOURCES: 5 WAYS TO TAKE NOTES AND BEDFORD CITATION GUIDE 

5 methods for taking notes in reading and in class
Bedford Handbook for In-text Citations and Works Cited (helpful guides on p. 4 and p. 10)

Rubrics and Worksheets

midterm_film_analysis_animal_ethics_religions.docx
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

philos_131a_monday_question_set_worksheets.pdf
File Size: 90 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

animal_ethics_and_religions_final_exam_study_guide__2021_.docx
File Size: 28 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

animal_ethics_and_religions_final_exam_study_guide__2021_.docx
File Size: 28 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

 WEEKLY SCHEDULE ​(and tips for class preparation)

Readings and videos listed in the below schedule should be completed BEFORE coming to class (unless noted by "in-class"). Pre-class quizzes/reading questions will help you to see where your knowledge gaps are and help build our common language for class discussions. 

TIPS FOR CLASS PREPARATION:
  • Tips for reading notes: See the video under resources (above) for different note-taking methods; I've built in weekly activities for engaging the readings as well.
  • Trouble following a reading? That's okay. Here are some alternatives to walking away exasperated:
    • Pick 1-2 terms in the reading and look them up independently using online sources and just try to understand that term in its context; sharing this info in class will be edifying for us all.
    • Pick a figure named in the reading and look them up independently . . . sharing this info in class will be edifying for us all.
    • Read the opening paragraph and see if you can identify the main point/s that will be covered.
  • Short on time? Here are some alternatives to skipping class for not doing readings: 
    • Read the opening paragraph and see if you can identify the main point/s that will be covered
    • Read the section headings and the closing paragraph
    • "Pass" in class discussion; a rare "pass" is perfectly acceptable so long as it does not happen regularly​

Week 1​

1a Monday, March 29 
First Session
  1. Syllabus review
  2. Read aloud together in class: Alice Walker, "Am I Blue?" (pdf)​
Assignments
Class discussion; no reading required
alice_walker_am_i_blue_in_book__1_.pdf
File Size: 606 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

​1b Wednesday, March 31
Animals in Western Thought  ​
  • Explore Data (pdf): portion of Animal Welfare Act
  • Read (pdf): Aristotle, The Politics; excerpt
  • Read (online): Lurz, Robert. "Animals Minds," Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, accessed March 13, 2021.
    • ​Only read the following short sections
      1. ​​The Problems of Animal Thought and Reason
      • Hume’s Argument for Animal Thought and Reason
      •  Descartes’ Two Arguments Against Animal Thought and Reason
        1. The Language-Test Argument
        2. The Action-Test Argument​
  • Read aloud together in class: p.1-5 of Intro in Aaron Gross, The Question of the Animal and Religion: Theoretical Stakes, Practical Implications (Columbia University Press, 2015) [pdf under Week 2a below]
Assignments
Prepare the below questions as you read (you will not be turning this in, but we'll discuss some or all these questions in class):
1. How is the relation between "the human" and "the animal" articulated in these readings? (pick out a sentence example)
2. What ethical consequences or considerations emerge from the above relation? (pick out a sentence example)
3. Any key terms and definition that seem significant?
4. What is a question this view/s raise/s for you? 
u.s._animal_welfare_act_excerpt.pdf
File Size: 913 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

aristotle_politics_book_1__1_.pdf
File Size: 2809 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 2

2a Monday, April 5 
Theory 1: The Human/Animal Binary
  • Read (pdf): Intro, Aaron S. Gross, The Question of the Animal and Religion: Theoretical Stakes, Practical Implications (Columbia University Press, 2015). [Just read the first few pages as marked to see why the author wanted to write this book; otherwise reading Ch 3 may feel quite arbitrary).
  • Read (pdf): Chapter 3, ​The Question of the Animal and Religion
  • Explore Data (pdf): USDA Livestock Data
​Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 1 by class time (of 6; top 5 count)
  • Questions to consider for class discussion (you will not be turning this in, but we'll discuss some or all these questions in most classes):
    1. How is the relation between "the human" and "the animal" articulated in these readings? (pick out a sentence example)
    2. What ethical consequences or considerations emerge from the above relation? (pick out a sentence example)
    3. Any key terms and definition that seem significant?
    4. What is a question this view/s raise/s for you? 
usda_livestock_data_june_2020__animals_and_religions_.pdf
File Size: 1244 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

gross_intro_excerpt.pdf
File Size: 2019 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

gross_ch3.pdf
File Size: 8144 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

2b Wednesday, April 7
​
Theory 1: Expansion of Binary Logic through Species
​
  • Read (pdf): Carol Adams, "The Rape of Animals, the Butchering of Women"​ (6 pages)
  • Read (pdf): Syl Ko, "By 'Human,' Everybody Just Means 'White'" (7 pages)​
  • Scroll through Carol Adams' Sexual Politics of Meat image archive here. Is there one image that really exemplifies the absent referent for you?
​Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 2 by class time (of 6; top 5 count)
  • Discuss Midterm Film Analysis assignment in class​​​
  • Questions to consider for class discussion (you will not be turning this in, but we'll discuss some or all these questions in most classes):
    1. How is the relation between "the human" and "the animal" articulated in these readings? (pick out a sentence example)
    2. What ethical consequences or considerations emerge from the above relation? (pick out a sentence example)
    3. Any key terms and definition that seem significant?
    4. What is a question this view/s raise/s for you? 
adams_the_rape_of_animals.pdf
File Size: 6101 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

syl_ko_by_human_everybody_means.pdf
File Size: 4676 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 3

3a Monday, April  12 
Theory 2: Identity-based Approaches
  • Explore Data (pdf): USDA Annual Laboratory Usage Report
  • Read: Intro and half of Ch 1 in Matthew Calarco, Thinking Through Animals (TTA): Identity, Difference, Indistinction (p. 6–16 only in Ch 1; stop at paragraph that starts, "In line with Singer..."):
  • Read (pdf): Peter Singer, "Practical Ethics" (10 pages)
Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 3 by class time (of 6; top 5 count)​
usda_annual_lab_research_report_2020.pdf
File Size: 590 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

singer_practical_ethics.pdf
File Size: 3802 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

​3b Wednesday, April  14
Theory 2: Identity-based approaches
  • Read: Intro and Ch 1 (p. 17–27 only; start at paragraph that starts, "In line with Singer..."): Matthew Calarco, Thinking Through Animals: Identity, Difference, Indistinction​
  • Read (pdf): Tom Regan, "The Case for Animal Rights" (7 pages)
  • Watch In Class: Crash Course Philosophy, "Nonhuman Animals" ​
Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 4 by class time (of 6; top 5 count)
  • In class: Go over In-text citations/Works Cited using The Bedford Handbook (link in "Resources" above)
regan_case_for_animal_rights_.pdf
File Size: 3103 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 4

4a Monday, April 19
Theory 3: Difference-based approaches
​
  • Read: Ch 2 in Matthew Calarco, Thinking Through Animals: Identity, Difference, Indistinction​
  • Read (pdf): Jacques Derrida, "The Animal that Therefore I Am" (15 pages)​
  • Explore Data: How are pigs differently represented in these two short sources:
    • ​Pigs, Farm Sanctuary
    • Pigs, Pork Checkoff (pdf)
​​Assignments:​
  • ​​Canvas Quiz 5 by class time (of 6; top 5 count)
  • In class: Go over Question Sets and Reflections Assignments in Class (for weeks 5-9; descriptions of both under "Resources" above)
  • In class: Go over In-text citations/Works Cited using The Bedford Handbook (link in "Resources" above)
pig_handling_pork_checkoff__1_.pdf
File Size: 1127 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

derrida_fully_annotated-the_animal_that_therefore_i_am.pdf
File Size: 9766 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

4b Wednesday, April 21
Theory 3: Indistinction
*Guest speaker: Matthew Calarco, California State Fullerton
  • Read: Ch 3: Matthew Calarco, Thinking Through Animals: Identity, Difference, Indistinction​
  • Read (online), Val Plumwood, "Prey to a Crocodile," The Aisling Magazine 30 (2002), accessed March 10, 2020.
​Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 6 by class time (of 6; top 5 count)

Week 5

5a Monday, April 26
Christianity
  • Read (pdf): Genesis 1-2, Two Accounts of Creation (3 pages); annotated pdf below (you do not have to create WC entry for this text, though the info can be incorporated into your question sets)
  • Read (pdf): Gary Steiner, "Descartes, Christianity, and Contemporary Speciesism"
  • Explore Data (pdf): USDA Livestock Data (no WC entry needed for data sources, though the info can be incorporated into your question sets)
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Question Set 1 (of 5; must do 4)
genesis_1-2__animal_ethics__annotated.pdf
File Size: 314 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

steiner_descartes_christianity_and_animals.pdf
File Size: 8683 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

usda_livestock_data_june_2020.pdf
File Size: 1201 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

5b Wednesday, April 28 
Christianity
  • ​Read: Christopher Carter, "Prophetic Labrador: Expanding (Black) Theology By Overcoming the Invisibility of Animal Life and Death" (pdf below).
  • Read: any 2 Christian Religious Statements on Animals (on the Humane Society of the United States webpage) from different Christian denominations on their particular view. Be prepared to identify differences in each statement's view of the human, of the animal, or the way the relationship between humans-animals is presented.​​​
​Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Reflection 1 (of 5; must do 4)
  • Midterm film reflection due Friday, April 30 at 4pm; upload to Canvas
carter_prophetic_labrador.pdf
File Size: 482 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 6

*Our class 10-pt Extra Credit opportunity is on Friday of this week, 5/7. See "Assignments above for details. 

6a Monday, May 3 
​
Science/Atheism
  • Watch: "Atheism and Animals" (28 minute interview with Kim Socha, author of Animal Liberation and Atheism); *Please DO include this interview in your WC list; it will be good practice to try to cite an alternate media form).
  • Watch: Foundation for Biomedical Research, "Why Animals Are Needed in Research" (4 min)​
  • Read: Thomas Hartung, "Food for Thought . . . Opinion Versus Evidence for the Need to Move Away From Animal Testing"
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Question Set 2 (of 5; must do 4)

​6b Wednesday, May 5
Science/Atheism
  • Read: John P. Gluck, "The Gift of the Monkey Who Danced into Oblivion and the One Dressed in a Cage" (pdf below) 
  • Read: "The Intriguing New Science That Could Change Your Mind About Rats," Wired (6-8 min read)
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Reflection 2 (of 5; must do 4)
gluck_the_gift_of_the_monkey.pdf
File Size: 504 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 7

7a Monday, May 10
​
Judaism and Islam
  • Read: Roberta Kalechofsky, "Hierarchy, Kinship, and Responsibility: The Jewish Relationship to the Animal World"
  • Read: Richard Foltz, "'This She-Camel of God is a Sign to You': Dimensions of Animals in Islamic Tradition and Muslim Culture"
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Question Set 3 (of 5; must do 4)
kalechofsky_-_apr_21_2021_-_2-31_pm.pdf
File Size: 3119 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

foltz_-_apr_21_2021_-_2-37_pm.pdf
File Size: 4892 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

7b Wednesday, May 12 
Islam: An Alternate Reading
  • Read: Saadullah Bashir, "Goats of My Childhood: Rethinking Islamic Sacrifice Without Animals" (pdf below).
  • Watch: "Jewish Veg: Rabbinic Statement" (6 min)
  • Watch: "What if? Impossible Foods Goes Goes Kosher" (1 min)
    • ​Qs to consider as you watch the above videos:​
      • INTERPRETATION: How do Jewish Rabbis, who have a millenia-long history of sanctioned Kosher slaughter make an argument to reevaluate that practice that is connected to existing Jewish stories/ideals?
      • RELIGIOUS ETHICS/SECULAR RIGHTS? Do you feel these (re)interpretations are "authentically" Jewish or that they are largely borrowing from non-religious ethical sources? Do those sources need to stay separate?
      • ANIMALS THEMSELVES AS PROVOKING CHANGE? Do you feel that this kind of community outreach (Jews talking to Jews) would work without the slaughterhouse exposés of kosher slaughterhouses such as in Postville? (this is the original "If this is Kosher" link with author Jonathan Safran Foer, but it is optional, and has difficult images, so feel free to stick with the above)​
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Reflection 3 (of 5; must do 4)
bashir_goats_of_my_childhood.pdf
File Size: 502 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 8

8a Monday, May 17
​
Jainism
​
  • Read (pdf): Living Religions: Jainism
  • Read: "Jain Declaration on the Climate Crisis (2020)"  (5 pages)
  • Watch: ​"Man and Animals; Jainism" (6 min)​
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Question Set 4 (of 5; must do 4)
living_religions-jainism_fisher.pdf
File Size: 2300 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

​8b Wednesday, May 19 
Jainism
  • Read (pdf): Anne Vallely, "Being Sentiently with Others: The Shared Existential Trajectory among Humans and Nonhumans in Jainism" 
  • Watch: "Anekānta-vāda: The Jain Version of Multiple World Views" (6 min)
​Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Reflection 4 (of 5; must do 4)
anne_vallely_being_sentiently_with_others.pdf
File Size: 1596 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 9

9a Monday, May 24 
Buddhism
  • Read: Ian Harris, "'A Vast Unsupervised Recycling Plant': Animals in the Buddhist Canon"
  • Read: "What's a Bodhisattva?" on Learn Religions (1 page)
  • Read: "Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva" on Learn Religions (1 page)​
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Question Set 5 (of 5; must do 4)
ian_harris__22a_vast_unsupervised_recycling_plant_._._._[animals_and_buddhism]_22.pdf
File Size: 7007 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

9b Wednesday, May 26 
Buddhism
  • ​​Read: Justin Fifield, "Living in Awareness of Animal Death: Buddhist Experiments in Ethical Sensibility" (pdf below)
  • Read: Scientific American, "Buddhist Ceremonial Release of Captive Birds May Harm Wildlife" (3-min. read)
  • In class: Watch "The Trap," a 20-min. documentary about a Buddhist community, a fishing community, and their view of lobsters
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Reflection 5 (of 5; must do 4)
  • Discuss Final Exam and study guide (above in "Resources")
fifield_living_in_awareness_of_animal_death.pdf
File Size: 1545 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 10

10a Monday, May 31 
NO CLASS: MEMORIAL DAY​
10b Wednesday, June 2
Philosophy and Advocacy
  • Read: Aph Ko, "Why Confusion is Necessary For Our Activism to Evolve" (pdf below; 5 pages)
  • ​Read: Avi Selk, "The Extraordinary Life and Death of the World's Oldest Spider," Washington Post (6 min read)
Assignments
  • Have you had any productive confusions this quarter? Jot down
  • Can you identify a (Calarco) theory in the spider article? Any relevant terms or concepts? Does the article elicit any unexpected thoughts or feelings for you?
aph_ko_why_confusion_is_necessary_-_may_15_2020_-_9-47_am.pdf
File Size: 1366 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 11

COURSE EVALUATIONS
Due Friday June 4 (10am)
All students will earn 2pts extra credit if 75% of the class completes the course evaluation (see email for link).

FINAL EXAM (online; open book; study guide and final exam Qs above in syllabus "Resources")
Due Thursday, June 10 (4pm)

Final exam will be available Thursday, June 3 (4pm) – Thursday, June 10 (4pm) on Canvas Home page
All late work and exams are due by Thursday, June 10 (4pm)

​Thanks for your companionship this quarter!
  • COURSE DETAILS
  • GOALS

  • VISIT ME

  • TEXTS
  • POLICIES
  • ASSIGNMENTS/GRADING
  • RESOURCES
  • SCHEDULE

www.briannedonaldson.com

  • About
  • Writing
  • Teaching/Syllabus
  • Contact
  • Events
  • CV
    • Medical Ethics
    • Suffering & Evil