BRIANNE DONALDSON
  • About
  • Writing
  • Teaching/Syllabus
  • Contact
  • Events
  • CV
  • Animals Ethics & Religion
  • Jain Hist, Phil, Ethics


​
Animal Ethics & Religion

REL ST 170
PHILOS 130

​Spring 2023

​CLASS TIME: Tues/Thurs 5:00–6:20pm
Anteater Learning Pavilion 2600

 Professor: Brianne Donaldson 
  Email: 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 (e.g. Singer and Regan), (2) Difference (Derrida), as well as an alternative third approaches of (3) Indistinction. Using this three-fold framework, we will explore global religious-philosophical perspectives that illuminate varied ethical approaches to animals in the food system, scientific research, hunting and wild animals, as companions, and as 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

1. Articulate at least three distinct approaches to animal ethics theory
2. Practice utilizing cultural sources, including data and case studies, to understand contemporary animal ethics issues
​3. Analyze diverse religious and secular philosophical views of animals utilizing theoretical and ethical sources
4. Apply theory and ethics to modern film, 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! (Spring 2023)

I'll be hosting visiting hours every week and I'd love to have you visit:
  • Tuesday (starting Week 2): 3:45–4:45pm (I come straight from a class so just wait if I'm not there when you arrive)​
  • 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 ​
Picture

REQUIRED TEXTS 

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 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 weekly reflections, 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 (April 14, 2023). After this date, all students can miss two classes without penalty. For context, missing two out of the 16 classes in weeks 3-10 constitutes a 15% absence rate. 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 these absences for any reason: 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 April 14, 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.  ​
Picture
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. 
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.
Picture



ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

255 Possible Points This Quarter
1. Attendance
​2. Class participation and self-assessment (3 x 20pts ea = 60pts) [24%]
3. Quizzes, Weeks 1-5 (5pts ea.; best 7 of 9 = 35pts) [13%]
4. Weekly Reflection, Weeks 6-9 (3 x 20pts ea = 60pts) [24%]
5. Midterm Film Reflection (40pts) [15%]
6. Final Exam, including Action for Animals Intervention Worksheet (60pts) [24%]


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

A. PARTICIPATION
1. Attendance

Attendance will be taken each session beginning the third week of class (April 14, 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. 

2. Self-assessment (due 3a, 7a, 10a; 3 x 20 points)  
Students will complete three participation self-assessments this quarter reflecting their own level and growth of participation in various ways within groups and the wider class. See description and rubric below. We will discuss in class.
Updated 4.26.23 Participation Self-assessment, Animal Ethics.docx
File Size: 15 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

2. Quizzes (5pts ea.; best 7 of 9 = 35pts) 
During Weeks 1b-5b students will take an open-book online quiz prior to each class primarily related to that day's materials (Best 7 of 9 will count; students can do all 9 or skip 2) due Tues/Thurs by class time; 5 pts each
  • 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 Sunday, noon (for Tuesday) and Wednesday 5pm (for Thursday).
​B. PROJECTS
4. Weekly Embodied Animal Ethics Reflections (Best 3 of 4 will count; 3 x 20 points = 60 points) 
Due: Upload to Canvas by class time on sessions: 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a (students can do all four or skip one)
During weeks 7-10, students will complete an embodied animal ethics reflection each Tuesday for the previous week's readings.
Embodied Animal Ethics Reflections, May 2023b.pdf
File Size: 263 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

5. Midterm Film Analysis Worksheet (40pts) 
Due: Upload by Week 6, Friday, May 12 at 5pm
Students will watch two movies this quarter: (1) Fowl Play, and (2) Another film of your choice from this provided list. *You may propose another film that is not on this list before hand. Just email me.
Updated 4.26.23 Midterm Theory in Film Worksheet.docx
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

6. Final Exam (60pts)
​
The open-book final exam will include an Action for Animals Intervention Worksheet, along with key terms and questions from quizzes and class discussions. A study guide and rubric will be handed out by Week 9.

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)
Bedford Handbook 2016.pdf
File Size: 2829 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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

would_you_eat_your_cat_.pdf
File Size: 1488 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

3 Animal Stories, Indian Traditions.docx
File Size: 18 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

aristotle_politics_book_1.pdf
File Size: 3037 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

we're_only_human.pdf
File Size: 294 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

usda_annual_lab_research_report_2020.pdf
File Size: 590 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

usda_livestock_data_june_2020__animals_and_religions_.pdf
File Size: 1244 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

pig_handling_pork_checkoff__1_.pdf
File Size: 1127 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

genesis_1-2__animal_ethics__annotated.pdf
File Size: 314 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

alice_walker_am_i_blue_in_book__1_.pdf
File Size: 606 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

u.s._animal_welfare_act_excerpt.pdf
File Size: 913 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Aristotle, Politics - Book 1.pdf
File Size: 2809 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

usda_livestock_data_june_2020.pdf
File Size: 1201 kb
File Type: pdf
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. 
  • Tip: Look for resonances/distinctions between the readings on a given day (or previous readings)
  • Tip: Learn something about the author to better understand their context and deep motivating concerns​
  • Trouble following a reading or Short on time? Here are some alternatives to skipping class or throwing in the towel:
    • 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
    • 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​

Please refresh this syllabus page regularly as readings may change
1a Tuesday, April 4  
First Session
  1. Considering fish pain and syllabus review
  2. Before class read (or listen, 23 minutes): Ferris Jabr, "Fish Feel Pain. Now What?
Assignments
  • We'll discuss the reading on fish pain in class and review portions of the syllabus.
​1b Thursday, April 6
​Historical Crosscultural Perspectives
  • Read (pdf) G. Fay Edwards, "Reincarnation, Rationality, and Temperance: Platonists on Not Eating Animals" 
  • Excerpts from Porphyry (pdf)
Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 1, due by class time (of 9; top 7 count)​
  • In class: discuss "Would you eat your cat?"
Edwards, Platonists.pdf
File Size: 9483 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Porphyry, On abstinence.pdf
File Size: 783 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 2

2a Tuesday, April 11 
​Historical Crosscultural Perspectives
  • Read (pdf) Amber Carpenter, "Illuminating Thoughts: Animals in Classical Indian Thought" (pdf below)​
  • Read (pdf) Christopher Key Chapple, "Inherent Value Without Nostalgia: Animals in the Jaina Tradition"
​​​​​Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 2 by class time (of 9; top 7 count)​
Carpenter, Animals in Indian.pdf
File Size: 7210 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Chapple, Inherent Value.pdf
File Size: 4145 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

2b Thursday, April 13
Ancient Ontology-Informed Politics [BD note: add "Politics" to this week's reading next time offered]​
  • Read (pdf) Devin Henry, "Aristotle on Animals"​
  • Read "Edicts of Aśoka" (If you've never heard of Emperor Āśoka, find any online source or Wikipedia to briefly learn something about him)
​Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 3 by class time (of 9; top 7 count)​​
  • In-class: watch Faculty Office Hours
  • In-class: Read portion of Aristotle's Politics"
Devin, Aristotle on Animals.pdf
File Size: 5512 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 3

3a Tuesday, April 18 
Classical Theism and Science: An Emerging Human/Animal Binary
  • Read (pdf) Derek Joseph Wiertel, "Classical Theism and the Problem of Animal Suffering" 
  • Read excerpt from Humphrey Primatt (1776), "A Dissertation on the Duty of Mercy and Sin of Cruelty to Brute Animals" (Preface and 1–13) note that the old English "s" looks like an "f" in this digital copy of the original text)
  • Read (pdf) excerpt from "The Problem of Animal Thought and Reason" (Hume and Descartes)
Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 4 by class time (of 9; top 7 count)​
  • In class: read 2 accounts of animals in the book of Genesis​​
  • Upload to Canvas: Participation Self-assessment 1 (see Assignments) *Students will get full credit for this first assessment by filling it out fully, candidly, and with reflection.
Wiertel, Classical Theism.pdf
File Size: 197 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

The Prob of Animal Thought & Reason.pdf
File Size: 142 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

​3b Thursday, April 20
Human/Animal Split in Academic Humanities and Religious Studies
  • Read (pdf): excerpt from Aaron Gross, The Question of the Animal and Religion: Theoretical Stakes, Practical Implications
    • "Introduction" (3 pages) and Chapter 3 (p. 60–81; focus on how Durkheim, Cassirer, and Eliade define religion and "the human" and "the animal"; stop at subheading on Jonathan Z. Smith)​
  • Read (pdf): Paul Chance, Psychology Today, "We're Only Human Apart from the Animals" (2 pages)
  • Watch (optional): The undercover footage from the AgriProcessors Kosher slaughterhouse in Postville, Iowa which, in part, motivated Aaron Gross's book is here. You are not required to watch any portion, but it is here for optional context and Gross's text offers companionship for considering it.
​ Assignments​
  • Canvas Quiz 5 by class time (of 9; top 7 count)​
  • Discuss note-taking strategies​
Gross, Intro excerpt.pdf
File Size: 2019 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Gross, Ch 3.pdf
File Size: 8144 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

We're Only Human Apart from the Animals.pdf
File Size: 294 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 4

4a Tuesday, April 25
Assessing Existing Animal Ethics Theories: Identity-based (Consequentialism/Utilitarian)
​
  • Read (pdf) excerpt from Jeremy Bentham, An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation (2 pages)
  • Read (pdf) Peter Singer, "Practical Ethics" (10 pages)
  • Read: Matthew Calarco, Thinking Through Animals: Identity, Difference, Indistinction
    • ​Intro and Ch 1 (p. 6–16 only; stop at paragraph that starts, "In line with Singer...")
​​Assignments:​
  • Canvas Quiz 6 by class time (of 9; top 7 count)​
  • Go over Midterm Film Analysis and The Bedford Handbook
Bentham excerpt.pdf
File Size: 311 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Singer, Practical Ethics.pdf
File Size: 3802 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

4b Thursday, April 27
Assessing Existing Animal Ethics Theories: Identity-based (Rights/deontology)
  • Watch (10 min.): Kant and Categorical Imperatives, Crash Course Philosophy #35
  • Read (pdf): Calarco, Ch 1 (Identity-based approaches part 2), p. 16–27
  • Read (pdf): Tom Regan, "The Case for Animal Rights" (7 pages)
​Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 7 by class time (of 9; top 7 count)​
  • In class: Go over Bedford Handbook
Regan, The Case for Animal Rights.pdf
File Size: 3103 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 5

5a Tuesday, May 2
Assessing Existing Animal Ethics Theories​: Difference-based
  • Read (pdf): Jacques Derrida excerpt, "The Animal that Therefore I Am (More to Follow)"
  • Read: Calarco, Ch 2 ​​
Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 8 by class time (of 9; top 7 count)​​
  • Work on film reflection (due next Friday)
  • In class: Go over Bedford Handbook​
Derrida, Annotated - The Animal that Therefore I Am.pdf
File Size: 9766 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

5b Thursday, May 4 
Assessing Existing Animal Ethics Theories​: Indistiction-based
  • ​Read: Calarco, Ch 3
  • Read (online), Val Plumwood, "Prey to a Crocodile," The Aisling Magazine 30 (2002), accessed March 10, 2020.
​​​Assignments
  • Canvas Quiz 9 by class time (of 9; top 7 count)​
  • Work on film reflection (due next Friday)

Week 6

6a Tuesday, May 9 
Views on Human/Animal Personhood and Animal Rights?​
  • This week's readings present two views of personhood as it relates to animals; try to identify the very unique ways each author approaches this task.
  • Read (pdf): Paola Cavalieri, "Whales as Persons"
  • Read (pdf): Syl Ko, "By 'Human' Everybody Means White"
Assignments
  • Work on film reflection (due Friday)
  • In class: Go over Embodied Animal Ethics Reflection assignment (due next four Tuesdays 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a)
Cavalieri, Whales as Persons.pdf
File Size: 2528 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Syl Ko, By Human Everybody Means.pdf
File Size: 4676 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

​6b Thursday, May 11
Views on Human/Animal Personhood and Animal Rights?​
  • Read (pdf) Christopher Carter, "Prophetic Labrador: Expanding (Black) Theology By Overcoming the Invisibility of Animal Life and Death" 
  • Watch before class: Nonhuman Rights Project Aims to Grant Personhood to Animals (8 min. video)
  • Read (online; Slate): Justin Marceau and Angela Fernandez, "What Happy the Elephant’s Legal Case Tells Us About the Future of Animal Rights"
Assignments
  • In-class, we'll watch Right to Rescue (4 min. video)
  • Midterm film reflection due Friday, May 12 at 5pm; upload to Canvas​
Carter, Prophetic Lab.pdf
File Size: 482 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 7

7a Tuesday, May 16
Virtue and Practice: Transforming Sensibilities 
  • Read (pdf): Rosalind Hursthouse, "Virtue Ethics and the Treatment of Animals" 
  • Watch before class: These Supercows Are Genetically Bred To Fetch Six Figures At Auction (7 min)
  • Watch before class: Super Cow (2 min)
Assignments
  • ​Canvas: Participation Self-assessment 2 (see Assignments)​
  • Upload to Canvas: Embodied Animal Ethics Reflection 1 (of 4; must do 3)
Hursthouse.pdf
File Size: 9906 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

7b Thursday, May 18 
Virtue and Practice: Transforming Sensibilities 
  • ​​Read (pdf): Justin Fifield, "Living in Awareness of Animal Death: Buddhist Experiments in Ethical Sensibility" (pdf below)
  • Read two brief accounts of pigs: Pork Checkoff (pdf below) and Pigs at Farm Sanctuary, noticing distinctive features of each approach​​
Assignments
​
Nothing due today beyond class prep​
pig_handling_pork_checkoff.pdf
File Size: 1127 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Fifield, Living in Awareness.pdf
File Size: 1545 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 8

 8a Tuesday, May 23 
Hunting and Wild Animals (I recommend reading in this order if you like)
  • Read (pdf): J. Baird Callicott, "The Philosophical Value of Wildlife" (4 pages)
  • Read (pdf): Aldo Leopold, "Game and Wild Life Conservation [1932]" (2 pages) [Leopold is one of the foremost advocates of American Conservation movement]
  • Read (pdf): Marti Kheel, "The Killing Game: An Ecofeminist Critique of Hunting (8 pages)
  • Read: "Fancy Hunting a Kangaroo? Or a Zebra? In Texas You Can Pay to Play" (8-minute read on canned hunting in the U.S.)​
    • In-class (data): U.S. Hunting Statistics
    • In-class (listen): Why Hunt? 
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Embodied Animal Ethics Reflection 2 (of 4; must do 3)
Callicott Philosophical Value of Wildlife.pdf
File Size: 4131 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Leopold, Game and Wild Life Conservation.pdf
File Size: 2149 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Kheel, Ecofeminist Critique of Hunting_fem_critique_of_hunting.pdf
File Size: 4375 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

​8b Thursday, May 25 
Animals in Scientific Experimentation 
  • Read (online): Stanford University Medicine: Facts and Myths (Please read these 6 myths/facts described by Stanford University)
  • Thomas Hartung (Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), "Food for Thought . . . Opinion Versus Evidence for the Need to Move Away From Animal Testing"
  • Read (pdf): John Gluck, "The Monkey Who Danced Into Oblivion and One Who Wore a Cage"
  • In class: Look at USDA Research Data (pdf below)
  • For those interested: Here is another video about Human Organ Chips as alternative to animal testing
​​Assignments​
Gluck, The Gift of the Monkey.pdf
File Size: 504 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

usda_annual_lab_research_report_2020.pdf
File Size: 590 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 9

9a Tuesday, May 30 
Perspectives on Eating Animals 
  • Read (pdf) James Rachels, "The Basic Argument for Vegetarianism" (7 pages)
  • Read data (pdf): Ashley Monti, "Is 'Organic' Humane: The Relationship Between Animal Welfare and USDA Organic" (pdf below; pages are annotated in document: p. 1-2, the small green boxes on p. 3 and 5, and scan data charts on p. 10, and 13-15). 
  • Read (pdf) Carol Adams, "The Rape of Animals, The Butchering of Women" (5 pages); How is Adams' argument different from Rachels'?
  • Watch: Tony Weis, "The Industrial Grain-Oilseed-Livestock Complex" (7 min video; apologies for the dramatic music on this video, but Weis is a global expert on the inputs and output of industrial ag in his book The Ecological Hoofprint and I wanted you to hear a bit from him; please be prepared to describe the grain-oilseed-livestock complex Weis is referring to).
  • Look though Carol Adams "The Sexual Politics of Meat" advertisement examples here​
    • ​In class: Animal Legal and Historical Center: Confined Animal Feeding Operations
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas: Embodied Animal Ethics Reflection 3 (of 4; must do 3)
  • Spring 2023 Class evaluations here (due Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 11:50pm); If 70% of class fills out, all receive 2 extra credit points
Rachels, Basic Argument for Vegetarianism.pdf
File Size: 4240 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Annotated "Is 'Organic' Humane?"
File Size: 1685 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Adams, The Rape of Animals.pdf
File Size: 6101 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

9b Thursday, June 1 
Becoming Edible Animals
(BD Review readings)
  • ​​Read (pdf) Temple Grandin, "Thinking Like Animals" (3 pages)
  • Read (pdf) Brian Henning and Hope Henning, "Logos, Pathos, and the Absent Presence of the Persons We Eat" (pages)
  • Watch: Nas Debates, "Is Eating Meat Wrong?" Try to identify one argument from each side you find compelling; using terms and ideas from our course, try to analyze each argument as to its fundamental view of human-animal relations, any normative ethical theories (consequentialism, deontology, virtue), identity, difference, or indistinction, or any other aspects from weeks 1-9.
  • In-class (??), We'll Watch: American Meat Institute, "Video Tour of a Beef Plant Featuring Temple Grandin" (10 min)
    • When watching this video, please note as many of the improvements or features of humane slaughter that are part of Grandin's designs and narration. Pay special attention to the "Points of Audit" that Grandin introduced to the beef slaughter industry in the 1990s (at 8:30 mark)
Assignments
  • Discuss final exam and study guide ​
  • Spring 2023 Class evaluations here (due Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 11:50pm); If 70% of class fills out, all receive 2 extra credit points

Week 10

10a Tuesday, June 6 
Factors in Making Ethical Change

Read (pdf): Steven McMullen, "An Ethical Consumer Capitalism"
Read (pdf): Saad Bashir, "Goats of My Childhood"
Read (pdf; 2-minute read): Why Birds Hit Windows and How you can Help to Prevent it
Assignments
  • Canvas: Participation Self-assessment 3 (see Assignments)
  • Spring 2023 Class evaluations here (due Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 11:50pm); If 70% of class fills out, all receive 2 extra credit points
Bashir, Goats of My Childhood.pdf
File Size: 502 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

10b Thursday, June 8
Factors in Making Ethical Change
  • Read (pdf) Aph Ko, "Why Confusion is Necessary For Our Activism to Evolve" (pdf below; 5 pages)
  • Quick ​Look (pdf):  Humane Society of the United States, "50 Ways to Help Animals" (many of these items are HSUS-oriented, but it includes a wide variety of action.
    • Your task for group discussion: Identify 1 item that you've never considered before; 1 item you might actually try; 1 of your own ideas specific to your life, interests and community that emerges from considering this list of 50. 
  • Quick Look: Check out Faunalytics whose mission is "empower animal advocates with access to research, analysis, strategies, and messages that maximize their effectiveness to reduce animal suffering." Search here for hundreds of data-driven articles on "Effective Advocacy. 
    • Your task for group discussion: Look at a few analytics articles and choose one that you'll share with your table that reflects your interests and curiosity. Feel free to do your own Faunalytics search as well in the site's search box. 
  • Optional for those with interest: Check out We Animals Media: What is Animal Photojournalism? (Many of the images in our course come from the free We Animal archive)
  • Optional for those with interest: Peter Singer in conversation with Henry Spira, "Ten Ways to Make A Difference" (a succinct list of actions)​​
Assignments
  • Discuss: Your productive confusions and selections above​
  • Spring 2023 Class evaluations here (due Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 11:50pm); If 70% of class fills out, all receive 2 extra credit points
Aph Ko, Why Confusion is Necessary.pdf
File Size: 1366 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 11

FINAL EXAM 
The final exam will be open four days (Monday June 12 5pm – Friday June 16, 5pm). The exam is open book and should reflection your own work only, as aligned with the virtue of honesty toward self and others. Exams must be done in one 2 hour and 15 minute sitting. Accommodation time will be added. For those interested, the official exam time was: Thursday, June 15, 4-6pm. 

Hi students: the below notes are just for me for future courses or graduate readings. No attention or action needed from you.
  • Do I want to include Martha Nussbaum, "The Capabilities Approach and Animal Entitlement" (13 pages)?
  • CAFO and animal law (data and definitions)https://www.animallaw.info/article/detailed-discussion-concentrated-animal-feeding-operations
  • Excerpt on Gregor Samsa
  • For future reading on animal research week: https://speakingofresearch.com/2022/03/08/guest-post-what-animal-rights-groups-dont-tell-you-about-non-animal-models/
  • rethink hunting week (maybe passage from Watership Down)
  • Read (pdf): Brief eulogy for a spider, Avi Selk, "The Extraordinary Life and Death of the World’s Oldest Known Spider" (you may have to enter your email to see this article)
  • Add in Alice Walker, Am I Blue?
  • Include "Drop of Blood"?
  • Food and Water Watch Report https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ib_2004_updfacfarmmaps-web2.pdf
  • Read (pdf) Temple Grandin, "A Major Change" (3 pages) (remove and use for discussion?)​
  • Iowa CAFO https://civileats.com/2020/03/03/rural-resistance-builds-in-communities-facing-the-fallout-from-cheap-meat-production/​
  • COURSE DETAILS
  • GOALS

  • VISIT ME

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

www.briannedonaldson.com

  • About
  • Writing
  • Teaching/Syllabus
  • Contact
  • Events
  • CV
  • Animals Ethics & Religion
  • Jain Hist, Phil, Ethics