What This Document Is
This document serves as an introductory overview for ANSC 250: Companion Animals in Society, a course offered at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It’s designed to orient students to the course structure, expectations, and the broader themes explored within the field of human-animal interaction. It functions as a starting point for understanding the course’s objectives and how student learning will be assessed.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is essential for anyone enrolled in, or considering enrolling in, ANSC 250. It’s particularly valuable at the beginning of the semester to clarify course logistics, understand the instructor’s background, and gain insight into the learning outcomes. Students can refer back to this document throughout the course to stay aligned with expectations for assignments and assessments. Prospective students can use this to determine if the course aligns with their academic interests.
Topics Covered
* The historical and contemporary roles of companion animals in society.
* Key animal welfare issues related to companion animals.
* The impact of individual lifestyle choices on animal welfare.
* The structure and scope of the pet industry.
* The complexities surrounding pet overpopulation and animal sheltering.
* Course logistics including assessment methods and grading.
What This Document Provides
* Instructor and Teaching Assistant contact information.
* An overview of the instructor’s expertise and background.
* Details regarding the course website and available resources.
* A clear outline of the course’s learning objectives.
* A preview of the assessment components, including exams and written assignments.
* Information on extra credit opportunities related to career exploration within the companion animal field.
* An introduction to a key experiential learning component involving local animal shelters.
