Work

Teaching about Animals: Incorporating Nonhuman Animals into Sociology Classrooms

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: The topic of human–animal studies (HAS) remains largely ignored within the sociology classroom. While a few sociologists have encouraged teaching about animals, none has assessed whether incorporating nonhuman animals into the curriculum is effective. In this study, three instructors at two universities incorporated animal-related materials in their sociology courses in a variety of ways. Data analyzed from course exam responses and student papers as well as end-of-semester student surveys indicate that student learning and enjoyment were enhanced. We provide suggestions for instructors on how to incorporate such material in their courses. We argue that teaching about nonhuman animals can serve as a powerful gateway to introducing students to a wide variety of social issues and concepts, thereby adding another useful instrument to our pedagogical tool kit in sociology.

Source: Teaching Sociology

DOI: 10.1177/0092055x20906563

Authors: Liz Grauerholz, Julianne Weinzimmer, Erin N. Kidder, Nicole Owens Duffy

Institutions: University of Central Florida, Wright State University, University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Innovative Teaching Methodologies in Social Sciences

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W3010571909

FWCI: 0.77

Cites: 97

Cited by: 6

Related to: 10