Course Descriptions

AP300 Research Methods for Humane Change

The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with research resources and tools that can be employed on behalf of animals. Students will learn the basics of how to find, conduct, and critique research. The course will review the basic principles of literature reviews, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and how to research issues, organizations, and communities. Research exercises will enable students to enhance research skills and to prepare for the capstone and other coursework in the program. 3 credits

AP301/AP601 Animal Protection As A Social Movement

This course looks at the animal protection movement in the context of social movement theories. The course will explore the ideas, activists, issues, strategies and organizations that comprise the animal protection movement. The course also examines the myriad of economic interests that oppose efforts to gain protections for companion animals, farm animals, wild animals, and animals in research. 3 credits

AP302/AP602 Animals and Public Policy

This course provides an overview of public policy in the areas of farm animals, wildlife, companion animals, and research animals. From the 3Rs to the five freedoms, students will gain a working knowledge of current domestic and global policy debates related to animal protection. The course requires students to develop a series of policy memos, which provide an opportunity to explore specific policy proposals to promote animal welfare and enhance policy analysis and professional writing skills. 3 credits

AP400/AP600 Animals, Advocacy and Corporate Change

The course reviews the growing body of social science literature on social movement strategies to affect corporate change. Using case studies, the course focuses on how the animal protection movement has used negotiations, letter writing campaigns, shareholder resolutions, boycotts, shopping guides, protests, media, and litigation to change corporate behavior towards animals. The course also explores corporate responses to advocacy. (Prerequisite AP301 or permission of instructor) 3 credits

AP402/AP622 Farm Animal Welfare

Nearly 31 million farmed animals are slaughtered each day in the United States for human consumption. This course examines the impact of industrial animal agribusiness practices on animal welfare, the environment, human health, and community sustainability. The course explores the implications of science and ethics for farm animal policy. (Prerequisite AP302 or permission of instructor) 3 credits

AP403/AP603 Wildlife Policy

In the last few decades, there has been a revolution in how Americans view and value wildlife. The population shift from rural to urban environments has been accompanied by a shift from a predominantly utilitarian public perspective on wildlife to one that mixes utilitarian, ecological, humane, aesthetic, and sometimes harshly negative views of wildlife. This course examines the historical and cultural roots of current U.S. wildlife policy, and look at how controversies over wildlife policy are driven by conflicts in values among stakeholders and by differences in mandates and cultures among government agencies. (Prerequisite AP302 or permission of instructor) 3 credits

AP404/AP604 Research Animal Policy

This course focuses on legislative and regulatory policies and agencies that affect the welfare of animals in research. The course addresses policies related to minimization of animal pain and distress and consideration of alternatives to animal use. The impact of globalization on animal research internationally also will be explored. (Prerequisite AP302 or permission of instructor) 3 credits

AP407/AP607 Special Issues in Companion Animal Policy: Dangerous Dogs

Although dogs have long enjoyed the status of man's best friend', there are instances in which dogs show aggressive behavior towards humans. This course examines the issue of dog bites, how they occur, when they occur, what initiates this behavior, the consequences of dog aggression, and what humans can do about this unwanted behavior. Victim behavior as well as policy and community prevention responses are reviewed. (Prerequisite AP302 or permission of instructor) 3 credits

AP450 Independent Study in Animal Policy and Advocacy

Students may design and complete an independent study on a topic not currently covered in the curriculum. The student will need to identify a faculty member to supervise the independent study. 3 credits

AP500a & b Capstone in Animal Policy and Advocacy

At the end of the program, majors are required to complete a two-term faculty-supervised independent research project in a specific area of interest. The research project may be completed in the form of a report on empirical research, a literature review, a policy analysis, proposal for development of a new program, or another project authorized by faculty advisor. Students will share their work with the university community through an online presentation. Prerequisites: To qualify for the capstone, students must have completed at least 21 credits from core courses for their major, including Research Methods for Humane Change. 6 credits.