Course Catalogue

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A graduate course designed to study the cultural history of animals and their complex relationship with humans. Students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics which might include, but not be restricted to, the historical relationship between humans and animals; customs and rituals associated with animals; animals in mythology, fable, folktale and legend; animals and the supernatural; animals and traditional medicine, and cryptozoology.

Students will normally meet for two hours every week.

Entry to the Environment, Culture and Communication M.Litt.  The course is also open to non-graduating students, who can be admitted at the discretion of the convenor.

Assignment: Comparative Essay 25% Due Week 6. Students will be expected to write approx. 2500-3000-word comparative analysis of the folklore and/or cultural history of one type of animal or species.

 Class Essay: Research Essay 50% Due Week 10. Students will be expected to write approx.5000 words. This essay should focus on the cultural and/or folkloric relationship between humans and animals.

Oral Presentation: Poster Presentation 25% Due Week 11. Students will produce a poster presentation on the folklore and/or cultural history of a chosen animal and will be expected to discuss and defend the poster verbally.

The principle aims of this course are:

- To introduce graduate students to the subject and to provide them with a secure grasp of the main issues it involves
- To offer the opportunity to study previously unfamiliar folkloristic and historical methodological approaches
- To familiarise students with a variety of primary, secondary and orally collected sources available for the study of the folklore of animals
- To build confidence and expertise in the handling and interpretation of primary and secondary material
- To foster student awareness of the distinctive problems of studying the folklore and cultural history of animals and the possible interpretation and solution thereof
The principle aims of this course are:

- To introduce graduate students to the subject and to provide them with a secure grasp of the main issues it involves
- To offer the opportunity to study previously unfamiliar folkloristic and historical methodological approaches
- To familiarise students with a variety of primary, secondary and orally collected sources available for the study of the folklore of animals
- To build confidence and expertise in the handling and interpretation of primary and secondary material
- To foster student awareness of the distinctive problems of studying the folklore and cultural history of animals and the possible interpretation and solution thereof

On completion of the course the student,

- Will have a knowledge and understanding of the best available, and most up-to-late literature on the topics covered
- Will be able to demonstrate an ability to articulate the main issues and debates, both written and orally
- Will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the range of methodologies available for the study of this subject
- Will demonstrate close familiarity with the major sources available for the study of this topic

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.

Students must attend at least 75% of all classes.