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Høst 2025

SOA-2010 Environmental Anthropology - 10 stp


The course is administrated by

Institutt for samfunnsvitenskap

Type of course

The course is mandatory in the Bachelor in Anthropology and can be taken as a single course.

Course contents

Environmental Anthropology examines the dynamic interactions between human cultures and the environment. This course explores how societies understand, interact with, and impact their natural surroundings. Particular attention is devoted to multi-species ethnography and the more-than-human - the intricate relationships between humans and non-humans that characterise life on Earth. It explores the dynamic interactions, cohabitations, and entanglements between humans and other species across cultures and environments. Drawing on a multidisciplinary approach, students will examine theoretical frameworks, ethnographic case studies, ecological perspectives, and ethical considerations to develop a comprehensive understanding of multispecies anthropology.

Through engaging lectures, discussions, readings, and multimedia materials, students will investigate various facets of multispecies interactions, including ethnographic accounts of indigenous societies' relationships with nonhuman beings, ecological perspectives on human impact on biodiversity, domestication processes, communication across species, power dynamics, zoonoses, and activism for nonhuman rights.

Furthermore, the course will critically examine the implications of human-nonhuman relationships on cultural practices, environmental sustainability, conservation efforts, and ethical considerations in anthropological research. Students will have the opportunity to explore diverse cultural contexts, analyse ethnographic case studies, and reflect on their own perspectives and responsibilities in navigating multispecies relations in the contemporary world.

By the end of the course, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in human-nonhuman interactions, appreciate the diversity of cultural perspectives on interspecies relations, and critically analyse the ethical and political dimensions of multispecies anthropology. This course aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and awareness necessary to engage in informed and empathetic discourse on the interconnectedness of humans and other species in our shared planet.


Admission requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification (generell studiekompetanse) or prior learning and work experience (realkompetanse).

Application code: 9199 - Enkeltemner (ikke realfag), lavere grad (Nordic applicants).


Objective of the course

1. To introduce students to key concepts and theories in the multi-species ethnography.

2. To examine the diversity of human-animal relationships across different cultures.

3. To explore the role of non-human species in shaping human societies, economies, and belief systems.

4. To investigate ethical considerations surrounding human interactions with animals, including issues of rights, exploitation, and conservation.

5. To analyse contemporary challenges such as climate change, habitat destruction, and zoonotic diseases within a multi-species framework.

6. To encourage critical thinking and interdisciplinary dialogue on the complex dynamics of multi-species relationships.


Language of instruction

English

Teaching methods

Approximately 20 hours of lectures.