Animals Ethics & Religion

Animal Ethics & Religion
REL ST 170 / PHILOS 130
Fall 2023

CLASS TIME: Tues/Thurs 5:00–6:20pm
Anteater Learning Pavilion 1700

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

DESCRIPTION

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 and rights (e.g. Singer and Regan), (2) Difference (Derrida) and alternative third approaches of (3) Indistinction. Using this three-fold framework—along with virtue ethics, feminist ethics of care, and important threshold concepts for reconceiving human-animal relations--we will examine ethical issues related to animals in the food system, scientific research, hunting, pet-keeping, and entertainment. We will further explore how animal ethics overlaps species, race, and gender violence. Finally, we will join our analysis with experimental modes of thought, feeling, and action capable of creating new opportunities for multi-species knowing and response.

STUDENT LEARNING GOALS

Articulate the identity, difference, and indistinction approaches to animal ethics theory, with examples of each
Analyze diverse religious and secular philosophical views of animals utilizing theoretical and ethical sources
Consider multisensory threshold concepts that have shaped one's beliefs, experiences, and preferred forms of knowing (epistemology) other-than-human life
Apply theory and ethics to modern film, data analysis, case studies, personal reflection, and public interventions.

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! (Fall 2023)

I'll be hosting visiting hours every week and I'd love to have you visit:

Tuesday (starting Oct 3): 2:00–3:00pm
Many other times by appointment, phone, or Zoom: https://uci.zoom.us/j/98945597900; 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.

Where to find my office: Humanities Instructional Bldg, Lowest Level, Room #56 (Philosophy Dept); Map here

REQUIRED TEXTS

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 as it relates to animals in food, research, and hunting, among other issues. 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 essays, or discuss it with peers in your group work, or raise it in conversation with me, your friends, counselor, or family.

ADD/DROP DEADLINES
Students may DROP or ADD a course through 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the second week of classes. Students may DROP or ADD a course through 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the second week of classes. Details here

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance will begin the third week of class, after the drop/add deadline (Oct 13, 2023). After this date, all students can miss two classes without penalty (missing 2 of 16 classes in weeks 3-10 means missing 15% of classes). On the third absence, students will receive a one-time 3-point deduction, and an additional 3-point deduction for every absence thereafter. Students can use their two absences for any reason and need not inform me: sick days, appointments, religious observances, mental health days, work, or family time, etc. If you have an extended serious 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 going forward. Note that jury duty is not an exception to this policy as students are permitted to defer jury duty until summer. *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.

LATE WORK POLICY
The late policy will begin after the drop/add deadline of Oct. 13, 2023. There is a one-hour grace period on all assignments, except online quizzes, which must be completed by class time. After the drop/add deadline, late assignments of up to 40 points will receive a one-time 3-point deduction; late assignments over 40 points will receive a one-time 5-point deduction. All work is due by the last day of the final exam.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Disciplined use of devices for note taking or looking up information relevant to an immediate discussion in class is welcome. Checking out cat memes, texting, and personal email, while tempting, is not. It is evident to everyone when a colleague is checked out of class and into their device, and it lessens what the class can be as a whole. I prefer to leave this disciplined restraint to you, but will address it myself if needed. I will do my best to facilitate an active learning environment whenever possible.

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
It can be hard to concentrate on class work when one lacks stable food, transportation, and shelter. Any student experiencing difficulties are encouraged to check out the FRESH Basic Needs Hub and their helpful team and many creative services.

FIRST GENERATION SUPPORT!
Check out the School of Humanities' first-generation services here, including incoming seminar, peer mentor program, and more.

CORONA VIRUS HUB FOR STUDENTS
Link here

UCI COUNSELING AND RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE PHONE LINES (24-HRS/DAY)
UCI has several resources and services to support personal well-being, healthy relationships, and safety. Click here.
Suicide Crisis Line 9-8-8 (this is a talk-only line, different from the 911 police/fire line); UCI's Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 741741

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 using AI Chat. 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.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
I do write letters of recommendations for students if I feel I can offer a knowledgeable and positive account of an applicant. Because programs requesting such letters are seeking input from someone who has known applicants for a significant duration and depth, I only consider writing for students who I have had in at least two classes (or one class and another substantive manner such as thesis) and who I can genuinely speak to their work quality, attendance, collegiality, clarity, curiosity, and likely success in future programs. Letters require a back and forth with me so please allow ample time for consideration and completion.

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

270 Possible Points This Quarter
1. Attendance
2. Snapshot Reflection, Animal Ethics (10 pts) [4%]
3. Class participation and self-assessment (3 x 10pts ea = 30pts) [11%]
4. Pre-class quizzes (5pts ea.; best 14 of 19 = 70pts) [26%]
5. Multisensorial Animal Ethics Essays (3 x 20pts ea = 60 pts) [22%]
6. Midterm Film Reflection (40pts) [15%]
7. Final Exam, including Applied Animal Ethics outline (60pts) [22%]
8. Extra Credit (up to 10 pts; see below)

All work should be your own. I welcome you talking to colleagues and peers beforehand, but all quizzes and projects should reflect only your work unless otherwise specified.

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS
1. Attendance
Attendance will be taken each session beginning the third week of class (Oct. 13, 2023). Life happens and two unexcused absences are permitted with no note or explanation required. On the third unexcused absences, 3 points will be deducted, and 3 additional points for every absence thereafter. See the full policy above.

2. Snapshot Reflection: What is Animal Ethics? due by session 1a class time (10 pts) [4%]
We'll start this assignment on the first class (9/28). Please open the document here, fill in, and upload by class time on Tuesday 10/3. You will use this snapshot again for the final exam.

Snapshot Reflection on Animal Ethics.docx
File Size:	14 kb
File Type:	docx

Angus Taylor, "From Aristotle to Darwin"
File Size:	10296 kb
File Type:	pdf

​Animal Ethics & ReligionREL ST 170 / PHILOS 130​Fall 2023​​CLASS TIME: Tues/Thurs 5:00–6:20pmAnteater Learning Pavilion 1700

DESCRIPTION

STUDENT LEARNING GOALS

OPENING RECITATION

STUDENT VISITING HOURS: COME SEE ME ONLINE! (Fall 2023)

REQUIRED TEXTS

POLICIES

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

RESOURCES: 5 WAYS TO TAKE NOTES AND BEDFORD CITATION GUIDE

In-class case studies and activities (we'll use as needed)

WEEKLY SCHEDULE ​(and tips for class preparation)

Week 0​

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Week 11

www.briannedonaldson.com

Animal Ethics & Religion
REL ST 170 / PHILOS 130
Fall 2023

CLASS TIME: Tues/Thurs 5:00–6:20pm
Anteater Learning Pavilion 1700

WEEKLY SCHEDULE (and tips for class preparation)

Week 0