EXPOS 20: Animals and Politics

Nonhuman animals play a major role in the lives of human animals. Yet, their contribution and impact is often ignored or understudied due to anthropocentric norms that are embedded in human systems and institutions. This course is an introduction to animals and politics through an interdisciplinary lens, drawing on political science, psychology, philosophy, sociology, and environmental science. In the course, we ask several questions. Why should humans care about animals and their wellbeing? How are (prejudicial) attitudes toward animals related to prejudicial attitudes toward humans (racism, sexism, homophobia…etc.,)? What is animal agriculture’s impact on the environment, and why have politicians failed to put this issue on the agenda? How is our relationship to animals central to understanding the causes and likelihood of pandemics like COVID-19? Is there an alternative to anthropocentrism in politics and society?