CCOG for ATH 214 Winter 2025
- Course Number:
- ATH 214
- Course Title:
- Environment, Animals, and Culture
- Credit Hours:
- 4
- Lecture Hours:
- 40
- Lecture/Lab Hours:
- 0
- Lab Hours:
- 0
Course Description
Addendum to Course Description
The course examines the relationship between animals humans and their environment. Topics such as cultural adaptation, sustainability and the equitable use of resources will be considered. Students should read and write at a basic college level.
Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon completion of the course students should be able to:
- Compare values and beliefs related to animal symbolism and food taboos from an anthropological perspective.
- Describe how cultural values impact animal and human interactions in different societies.
- Discuss systems of power and social justice issues related to colonialism, cultural adaptation, sustainability and the equitable use of resources from an anthropological perspective.
- Discuss basic concepts related to culture, ecology, animal biology and adaptation.
Social Inquiry and Analysis
Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.
General education philosophy statement
Philosophy Statement This course complements information covered in introductory anthropology classes and focuses on the interactions of animals, people and the environment. The different ways humans adapt to their environment through culture is examined. Class topics include animal symbolism, food taboos, power structures and social justice issues related to food, sustainability and the equitable distribution of resources. Students taking this course will develop critical thinking and analytical skills by comparing different kinds of human and animal interactions and their impact on the environment. They will also gain experience in intellectual problem solving by analyzing issues related to sustainability and cultural adaptation. Another important aspect of the course is the comparative study of the cultural meaning of animal symbolism and food taboos. Students will examine the origins and functions of food taboos and analyze how traditional knowledge and perspectives about animals and the environment are expressed in ideology, social customs or economic patterns of different cultures. Students will also examine ethical issues related to the treatment or consumption of animal for food and develop more environmental awareness and appreciation for the diversity of human thought and experience.
Aspirational Goals
To apply the knowledge gained in the class to help resolve both enduring and contemporary problems in the world with particular attention to the linkage between animals, humans and the environment.
Course Activities and Design
Course Activities may include any of the following:
- lectures
- class exercises
- presentations
- demonstrations
- discussions
- guest speakers
- field trips
Outcome Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies may include any of the following:
- class discussions
- midterm and final exams
- papers
- quizzes
- small-group exercises
- field exercises
- presentations
- student presentations
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
Course Content:
Themes:
- Animal and human interactions
- Cultural adaptation to the environment
- Sustainability
Concepts:
- Food taboos
- Animal symbolism
- Culture
- Ecosystem
- Environment
- Cultural Adaptation
- Globalization
- Sustainability
Issues:
- colonialism
- equitable use of resources
- effect of population growth
- biocides and pollutants
- animal experimentation
- environmental destruction
Competencies and Skills:
students should read and write at the college level.