YAS-11803 Animal Science in Society

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

This course focuses on the relationship between (animal) science, technology and society and the role and responsibility of the animal science professional. Students will be able to reflect critically on ethical and societal issues surrounding animal science, including the relationship between humans and animals. They will acquire knowledge and insights that will allow them to participate in an evidence-based fashion in societal dialogues regarding the co-existence of man and animal in one living environment. The aim of this course is, by way of analysis and expression of the different views and opinion(s), to be able contribute to complex societal debates in the field of animal science. These debates occur on the intersection between society and the scientific world. The course therefore deals with themes and topics of both fields, such as natural sciences, social sciences, objectivity and subjectivity, context dependency, attitude, values and the social and cultural meaning of animals. The themes are illustrated with present day cases related to animal sciences such as animal welfare and biotechnology. The role and responsibilities of animal science professional as well as being able to deal with normative questions in a scientific and societal context are point of attention, In addition, students get insights into basic principles of ethical and moral dilemmas.

Learning outcomes:

After this course, the students will:
- have become acquainted with the different concepts of science and technology;
- have gained insight into the normative and cognitive content of animal sciences;
- be able to position oneself as a professional in different debates at the intersection between society and (animal) sciences;
- have gained relevant insights and competencies through developing the present day case studies on human-animal relationships;
- be able to reflect arguments-based and critically on ethical and societal issues surrounding animal science, including the relationship between humans and animals;
- have gained insight into basic principles of ethical and moral dilemmas;
- have gained insight in personal values, opinions and attitudes to become (more) aware of the social responsibilities of an animal science professional.

Activities:

- Interactive lectures;
- Participation in discussion & working groups;
- Analysis of current issues on Human-Animal relationships;
- Writing and presenting a group paper;

Examination:

- Evaluation of essay (group paper 80% + presentation 20%);
- Written examination (written exam 75% + essay 25%).
For both parts, the minimum grade is 5.5; to pass the course an average grade of >5.5 is required.

Literature:

Study guide, handouts and blackboard.