This course introduces students to the wide variety of ways that animals shaped the lives and thoughts of the ancient Greeks and Romans. We’ll examine a diverse range of primary sources to explore the full spectrum of human-animal encounters. Special attention will be given to the social dimensions of how people interacted with animals in numerous areas of life, including at home, in social settings and at war. We'll also examine how animals were cared for, from animal husbandry to the beginnings of veterinary medicine. We'll analyze the myriad roles that animals played in classical literature to shed light on expectations and ideals for human life. We’ll see that some viewed them as mere tools for human use, while others viewed them as rational, moral beings deserving of just treatment. Ultimately, we'll see that it is only by examining society’s relationship with animals that we can understand the human experience in the Greco-Roman world. Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hoursPrerequisite(s): 3 credit units HIST at the 100 level; or 30 credit units of University courses.
This course introduces students to the wide variety of ways that animals shaped the lives and thoughts of the ancient Greeks and Romans. We’ll examine a diverse range of primary sources to explore the full spectrum of human-animal encounters. Special attention will be given to the social dimensions of how people interacted with animals in numerous areas of life, including at home, in social settings and at war. We'll also examine how animals were cared for, from animal husbandry to the beginnings of veterinary medicine. We'll analyze the myriad roles that animals played in classical literature to shed light on expectations and ideals for human life. We’ll see that some viewed them as mere tools for human use, while others viewed them as rational, moral beings deserving of just treatment. Ultimately, we'll see that it is only by examining society’s relationship with animals that we can understand the human experience in the Greco-Roman world. Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hoursPrerequisite(s): 3 credit units HIST at the 100 level; or 30 credit units of University courses.
