Bachelor of Arts
Anthrozoology
Faculty
MADELYN BRUSTKERN, M.S.
MARGO DEMELLO, PH.D.
H. MARIE SUTHERS, D.V.M., DEPT CHAIR
Mission and Goals
Anthrozoology is an interdisciplinary field that explores the spaces that animals occupy in human social and cultural worlds and the interactions humans have with them. Central to this field is an exploration of the ways in which animal lives intersect with human cultures. At its core, the field of anthrozoology is about understanding the incredibly complex and often contradictory relationships that humans share with other species. We look at the good—how animals make our lives richer, more meaningful, and healthier—and the bad—the vast levels of human exploitation of other animals to serve human needs. Students in the anthrozoology program, explore human-animal interactions through a variety of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and geography, and develop the knowledge and skills to improve the lives of both animals and people through animal-assisted therapy, veterinary medicine, humane education, and other service occupations. The program blends a core liberal arts education with extensive hands-on training in which students work with horses, dogs, cats, and even wildlife.
Student Learning Outcomes
By completing this major students will:
- Complete hands-on learning and interaction with dogs, horses, cats, birds and many other species.
- Increase their understanding of the role animals play in human society.
- Recognize the interconnectedness of human and animal well-being.
- Acquire knowledge and skills from the biological, social and psychological sciences to describe and explain the interactions between humans and animals.
- Study and apply various therapeutic and educational approaches to improve the well-being of both humans and animals.
- Experience high impact learning through community-centered safety education, animal interpretation, animal sheltering, wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary clinics, and other sources of community outreach.
- Receive mentoring from professionals and scholars with expertise in animal sheltering, working dogs, service and therapy animals, human-equine studies, animal behavior and training, veterinary science, zoos, wildlife, animal agriculture, critical animal studies, intersectionality, animal law, and cross culture studies.
- Be provided with opportunities to study human-animal interactions internationally.
- Participate in anthrozoological research studies.
- Be provided with opportunities to join faculty at national and international academic
conferences.
Carroll College’s unique combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience with horses, dogs, and some wild animals prepares students for graduate or professional study or immediate entry into an animal-related profession. The curriculum benefits any student interested in animal-assisted activities and therapies, animal-related non-profit organizations, counseling, veterinary medicine, physical and occupational therapy with animal-assisted modalities, wildlife biology, animal care and rehabilitation, animal advocacy, social work, and many other fields.
Degrees
Courses
ANZ-107: Introduction to Anthrozoology
Credits 3Social Science. Anthrozoology is the study of the interactions and relationships between humans and non-human animals. Central to this course will be an exploration of the ways in which animal lives intersect with human societies. This course is designed to bring into the realm of sociological inquiry the relationships that exist between humans and other animals. A major focus will be on the social construction of animals in American culture and the way in which these social meanings are used to perpetuate hierarchical human/human relationships such as racism, sexism, and class privilege. Animal/human interaction in several major social institutions will be studied. We will also examine how different human groups construct a range of identities for themselves and for others through animals. Finally, we will examine several of the major philosophical positions about human social policy regarding the future of animal/human relations. This high impact course includes field trips. This is a required class for the major and minor in Anthrozoology and a prerequisite for ANZ 108, and is open admission as social science Core class. This is the first step toward preparing the students for a multitude of careers encompassing humans and animals.
ANZ-108: Survey of Animals in Society
Credits 3The main objective of this course is to expose students broadly to the many and varied ways that animals interact with human society to improve the well-being of communities, educate, sustain, and build social capital. This course embodies a partnership between Carroll College and various organizations and individuals in the greater Helena area and the State of Montana. These entities and individuals will discuss with our students the important work performed with animals that share their lives. In addition, students will have the opportunity to provide service to the community through a group project using human-animal interaction to improve the well-being of communities. This high impact course includes field trips.
ANZ-131: Beginning Horsemanship Under Saddle
Credits 1Beginning Horsemanship Under Saddle. This course is offered to the student who has had little or no experience in horseback riding. The course places a major emphasis on the learning of the skills, terminology, and basic fundamentals necessary for participation in hunt seat-style, dressage, western and bareback riding.
ANZ-132: Dressage: Foundation for All Riding Disc
Credits 1This course is designed to help you understand the biomechanics and structural balancing of a horse's movements. Once that understanding is achieved, then applied, the student and horse can focus on the basic dressage exercises which lead to advanced performances. The student learns to move the horse's body correctly and efficiently so that gaits and muscular conformation are improved. Dressage is learning to ride with the horse in harmony, performing with precision that looks effortless and making the horse look beautiful and graceful. Riders will Increase their self-awareness in the saddle and how to enhance the relationship between horses and rider.
ANZ-189: Special Topic
Credits 1 3Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
ANZ-221: Canine Science
Credits 3This course explores the history and evolution of the relations between domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and humans. The course covers a wide range of topics on dogs including: genetics, anatomy and physiology, behavior, cognition, domestication, and cross-cultural relationships. The course will also involve direct observations and interactions with dogs. Students should develop skills and knowledge to properly care for and provide a healthy environment for dogs as well as understand the cause of basic health and behavior problems. This course includes a field trip to Yellowstone National Park.
ANZ-231: Horses & Humans: Historical Perspective
Credits 3This is an introductory course on the relationship between horses and humans in the outer physical world and the inner psychological world. We will investigate this relationship from an historical perspective. We will assess this evolving relationship from the point of view of two main questions: 1) What was the process of this evolution? 2) How does this process inform us about our relationship with horses today?
ANZ-233: Connecting With Horses
Credits 2his class will provide hands-on experiences with horses. The two main goals of this course are connection and safety. Horses are large sentient beings with minds and independent wills. Relationships with horses can lead to very powerful, exciting and rewarding experiences. Establishing this type of relationship is critical for therapeutic interventions through Equine Assisted Services, and working with horses as a veterinarian, equine facilities manager or owner. Horses crave safety, a primary goal of this course is to learn how to keep you, other people and horses safe both physically and psychologically during interactions with each other. There is no "right" way to build meaningful relationships with horses. However, there are procedures and practices for communicating with horses that are likely to produce positive outcomes and that are based in Learning Theory. The most important being: 1) observational skills, 2) knowledge of horse behavior, 3) positive and negative reinforcement, and 4) interpretations of intention and emotions; both your own and that of the horse. The lab will provide guidance and opportunities to learn these important equestrian skills. You will be observing and interacting with horses through guided exercises to promote the development of the above skills. This will include herd observations, working with individually assigned horses, observing and working with your classmates who are engaging with horses.
ANZ-233L: Connecting With Horses Lab
Credits 0Students will engage in hands-on activities with horses that teach concepts of human-equine bonding, general equine safety, and awareness such as human behavior around horses, interpreting equine communication, safe haltering, leading, tying, and grooming practices. It must be taken concurrently with ANZ 233.
ANZ-240: Cross-Cultural Anthrozoology
Credits 3Cultural Diversity. Social Science. This course provides a tool for critical evaluation of human-animal interactions from the perspectives of anthropology and anthrozoology. Anthrozoology is the study of the relationship between human and nonhuman animals. Animals play profoundly important roles in the lives of humans, whether as companion, food, spiritual guide, symbol, totemic ancestor or family member. All human interactions with animals and nature take place within a cultural context. Since culture is a central concept of anthropology, this discipline provides an effective theoretical perspective for studying human-animal relationships. In this course we consider the symbolic, economic, ecological, and social consequences of human/non-human animal interaction in a variety of cross-cultural contexts. A global perspective is used to help students better understand world trends regarding modernization and its consequences to animals and their habitats. This course provides a cross-cultural understanding of the concept of the animal by examining how our relationships with animals are mediated by culture, and thus how belief systems contribute to current animal, human, and environmental social problems.
ANZ-245: Animals in Popular Culture
Credits 3Intermediate Writing. Animals in Popular Culture looks at how the use and representation of animals in popular and mass-mediated culture-in genres like film and television, fiction, animation and comic books, art, and the Internet-shape and reveal cultural values. In addition, how animals are represented in popular culture in turn shapes how animals are treated in everyday society. By studying selected elements of popular culture, students will also look at how we understand and represent concepts like "human," "nature," and "culture."
ANZ-252: National Parks & Zoos
Credits 3This course investigates the ecological and anthrozoological aspects of national parks and zoos. Students will gain deeper insight into the history and development of national parks and zoos across the globe. Additionally, students will explore human impacts on animals and environments within national parks and zoos, and reflect on ways to improve welfare, conservation, and visitor experiences. Field trips are incorporated into the curriculum to provide in-depth, experiential learning opportunities related to course material.
ANZ-268: Humans, Animals, and Nature
Credits 3Humans, Animals, and Nature: Ecologies of Religion. This course explores the relations between humans, animals, and nature as those relationships are depicted, understood, and influenced by religious thought and practice. Religion builds human self-understanding by providing answers to questions such as: "What are animals? What are they for? What are humans and what are we for? How should we live together on the land?" The specific answers given to these questions as well the way those answers are put into practice has varied substantially across history and culture. The course focuses on Christian theology, but other religious traditions are engaged in a comparative manner as well.
ANZ-289: Special Topic
Credits 3Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
ANZ-289CD: Special Topic
Credits 1 3Cultural Diversity. Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
ANZ-289IW: Special Topic
Credits 3Intermediate Writing. Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
ANZ-309: Research Methods I
Credits 2This course introduces students to qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research methods, and their application in anthrozoology. This course provides a basic introduction to the principles, methods, and techniques of empirical social research. Emphasis is on qualitative and quantitative research approaches, experimental design, sampling, measurement, analysis, ethics in research, and literature review. Topics include the fundamentals of the scientific method and scientific inquiry, ethical considerations in research, basic methods of quantitative and qualitative data collection, and strengths and weaknesses of various data collection methods. At the end of the semester, students will have chosen a research topic and will have written a proposal that will be used as the basis for each student’s work in ANZ 310, which will be taken in the spring. Research projects including interactions with human/animal subjects will seek IRB/IACUC approval.
ANZ-310: Research Methods II
Credits 2Advanced Writing. This course is the second in a two part series, and is required for all ANZ juniors. It follows ANZ 309, where students learn how to conduct independent research in anthrozoology, and allows students to get real experience in designing and conducting an independent research project. Students will investigate an anthrozoological topic of their choosing, develop a thesis, conduct a thorough literature review, conduct data collection, and complete a comprehensive research paper. Research projects including interactions with human/animal subjects will seek IRB/IACUC approval.
Students will begin this class with a completed research proposal, written in ANZ 309, which they will use to receive permission to conduct the research via either the Institutional Review Board and/or the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. After receiving approval, students will then go about the process of collecting and analyzing data, which will be written up into a final paper. The final product is a paper that reviews literature that provides the foundation for the student's research question, describes the methods the student employed, reports the study's results and provides an interpretation of the study's findings and contributions to the field of anthrozoology. This paper should be suitable for submission to a peer reviewed journal.
This course, combined with ANZ 309, counts for your CORE Advanced Writing requirement.
ANZ-321: Citizen Canine
Credits 3Continuing where Familiar Canine left off, students will apply and expand on their knowledge of canine related topics to the dogs in their community. Learning theory, cognition, antecedent arrangement, applied behavior analysis, animal sheltering, and the animal training profession will be major focuses of the course. Special attention will be made on topics including human-animal attachment, communication, expectations, conflict, and compassion fatigue. Working with assigned dogs is required for completion of assignments. Fostering a dog is optional (see ANZ 321L 1 or 2 credits). This course includes both written and oral evaluation techniques to assess student learning.
ANZ-321L: Citizen Canine W/ a Dog Lab
Credits 2This lab is for those students who foster and train an assigned dog or participate in training while not fostering. Students enroll for 2 credits when fostering. Must be enrolled in ANZ 321 and have consent of the instructor to foster a dog. Students fostering enroll for 2-credits.
ANZ-322: Community Canine
Credits 3This course applies the knowledge and skills acquired in ANZ 321 and applies them to the working canine world. The different training, function, professionalism, and practices of a variety of specialized work will be examined and evaluated, including service dogs, therapy animal work, sport dog work, search and rescue, conservation scent detection, and military/police work. Human and animal protections including federal (ADA) and state laws will be discussed. A critical evaluation of training methods, animal labor, and the intersections of canine training and society is an essential part of the course. Multiple guests will join the class to discuss practical applications of canine training, including highlighting career options, discussing working with clients with special needs, and further developing an understanding of the human-canine bond. Fostering a dog is optional (see ANZ 322L 1 or 2 credits). This course includes both written and oral evaluation techniques.
ANZ-322L: Community Canine Lab
Credits 2This lab is a continuation of ANZ 321L for those students who foster and train an assigned dog or participate in training while not fostering. Students enroll for 2 credits fostering.
ANZ-326: Animal-Related Bus and Non-Profits
Credits 3This course offers students an opportunity to create a business plan for either a for-profit animal-related business, or for running an animal-related non-profit organization. The course focuses on the sequence of events that take place starting with the original idea for a new animal-related product or service to actual beginning a new business. It emphasizes the understanding of the various "stages" of development that any new product or service must pass, and the various activities each functional area of the organization must contribute, in order to have a successful business launch.
ANZ-332: Equine Science: Nature of Horses
Credits 4This course focuses on a scientific understanding of the horse and is designed to provide students more in-depth information about horse behavior, physiology, and wellness. Understanding the nature of horses contributes to their care and management. Understanding their physical needs and social behavior contributes to a safe and rewarding relationship with these animals. This class is designed to teach students about horses including their care and management. Must be taken concurrently with ANZ 332L.
ANZ-332L: Equine Lab: Nature of Horses
Credits 0The laboratory component of this class is designed to provide hands-on experiences with horses. During the lab students will be taught specific skills necessary for owning a horse and helpful in working at or managing a stable. Guided instruction will be provided on topics such as first aid, vaccinations, hoof care, horse transport, care and use of tack, pasture management, feeding, manure management and equitation. Must be taken concurrently with ANZ 332.
ANZ-341: Equine Facilities Management 1
Credits 3This course is part one of a two semester course which is designed as the Anthrozoology CORE Practicum Sed Vitae requirement. Students will need to take the spring semester course ANZ 342 to fulfill the Sed Vitae requirement. This course will introduce students to all aspects required to manage an equine facility coupled with hands-on experience. Topics include the needs of a horse such as feeding, exercise, cleaning the facilities, scheduling and helping out at farrier and vet appointments. Students will help manage the day to day activities at the Carroll College Equine Center, help with ideas on running a smooth operation and help supervise tasks.
ANZ-342: Equine Facilities Management 2
Credits 3This course is the second semester of the two semester Anthrozoology CORE Practicum Sed Vitae experience. This second semester fulfills the Sed Vitae requirement. This course will continue to teach students all aspects required to manage an equine facility coupled with hands-on experience. Topics include the business aspects of running a horse facility, including contracts and records, budgeting, insurance, employees, taxes, advertising, client relationships and the development of a professional attitude will also be taught. Students will help manage the day to day activities at the Carroll College Equine Center, help with ideas on running a smooth operation and help supervise tasks. This course will culminate with students creating a business plan/proposal final project to show that they know how to set up and run a successful equine business.
ANZ-388: ANZ Teaching Assistantship
Credits 1The teaching assistantship course provides students with a unique opportunity to apply the skills required in their Anthrozoology course to a real world setting. Students will participate in instructing other students while they learn about anthrozoology and work with horses and dogs. They will provide faculty support in lecture based classes or experiential labs. They will receive increasing levels of responsibility as the semester progresses. This is excellent preparation for graduate school or a student's chosen profession.
ANZ-389: Special Topic
Credits 1 3Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
ANZ-421: Specialized Animal Training
Credits 2This sequence of courses (ANZ421/422) is an optional extension of ANZ321/322. In ANZ421/422 students raise a second dog for another specialized task chosen by the student. Students will employ the training skills they learned in ANZ321/322 and function as a more independent trainer. Most of the training will occur on the student's own time. Regular weekly meetings to ensure meaningful training progress, to address any problems that arise, and to train in a more distracting setting. ANZ421 is the first semester of the two-semester sequence. Students must enroll in both ANZ 421 and ANZ 422.
ANZ-422: Specialized Animal Training
Credits 2This sequence of courses (ANZ421/422) is an optional extension of ANZ321/322. In ANZ421/422 students raise a second dog for another specialized task chosen by the student. Students will employ the training skills they learned in ANZ321/322 and function as a more independent trainer. Most of the training will occur on the student's own time. Regular weekly meetings to ensure meaningful training progress, to address any problems that arise, and to train in a more distracting setting.
ANZ-425: Internship
Credits 1 6Sed Vitae. Internship Experiences recognize that learning can take place outside the classroom. Carroll College allows its students to participate in opportunities that relate to their area of study. This opportunity must relate directly a student's program of study in order to qualify for an internship. Close cooperation among Carroll and the participating organizations ensures an experience that contributes significantly to the student's overall growth and professional development. Juniors and seniors in any major area may participate with the approval of faculty internship advisor and/or department chair, Career Services, and a site supervisor. Students will receive academic credit and may or may not receive monetary compensation for an internship. A student may apply a maximum of 12 semester hours to degree requirements; academic departments will determine the number of credits that may count toward the major (most majors accept 6 hours total). Enrollment in the course must be during the same semester in which the experience takes place. Interested students should contact their academic advisor and Career Services prior to the start of an experience.
ANZ-431: Modalities in Equine Assisted Services
Credits 2Modalities in Equine Assisted Services. This course will explore a variety of methods for partnering with horses for therapy, learning and horsemanship. A major focus will be on Equine-Assisted/Facilitated Learning in education, in organizations and in personal development. Equine-Assisted Therapies including Physical, Occupational, Mental Health and Speech-Language Pathology will be investigated. Horsemanship, including adaptive equestrian sports, adaptive/therapeutic riding, driving and interactive vaulting will be discussed. Additionally, students will explore the ethical dilemmas and issues facing incorporating horses in human services, as well as the current best practice standards for the welfare of the horse. Finally, students will review the current state of research and what is needed for the future.
ANZ-431L: Modalities Equine Assisted Services Lab
Credits 1Modalities in Equine Assisted Services Lab. This course is the lab component to ANZ 431.
ANZ-441: Animal Behavior
Credits 3In this class students will learn how scientists investigate and interpret the reason and the causes of animal behaviors. There are four general approaches to the study of animal behavior including: evolutionary, ontogenetic, proximate mechanisms, and functional consequences. Students will learn how to apply these different approaches to the study of both domestic and wild animals. The development of normal and abnormal behavior will be an important component of this course.
ANZ-442: The Science of Animal Welfare
Credits 3This course will explore issues involving the use of animals in agriculture, science, education and society. Students will examine the scientific research involved in understanding and improving domestic animal welfare and the philosophical positions on the use of animals. Topics addressed will include the physiological components of animal well-being, the concept of quality of life, the history of the humane movement, and the changing role of animals in society. The course will include reading, discussion, critical thinking, literature searches and student presentations.
ANZ-452: Wild Animals and Society
Credits 3This course engages students in an exploration of the meaning and value of connecting with wild animals. It provides a comprehensive and foundational examination of the interactions people have with wild animals, and complements the current course offerings in Anthrozoology pertaining to human interactions with domesticated animals. This course draws on readings from a variety of backgrounds to frame the human-wildlife connection as an expression of our desire to interact and connect with nature. This is a way to help overcome the growing separation of humans and nature, and will advance the wellbeing of people and wildlife. The goal is for students to increase their personal effectiveness in the field of Anthrozoology through a greater understanding of diverse perspectives that people hold toward wildlife issues. Students will work on their own and in groups to identify solutions to contemporary wildlife issues and policies that have at their core diverging perspectives of the value and significance of wildlife. Students will learn and practice the scientific method by conducting a social science survey to explore people's views of wildlife.
ANZ-462: Senior Seminar in Anthrozoology
Credits 1The class will offer graduating seniors the opportunity to explore contemporary issues in the field of Anthrozoology through small group discussions. Students will learn to link the theoretical concepts that they have learned throughout the curriculum with the practical application of those concepts. The course will cover topics in the field that are new, exciting, and/or of particular relevance.
ANZ-485: Independent Study
Credits 1 4Independent study is a unique learning opportunity not offered in the regular curriculum or an existing Carroll course offered to a student in special circumstances. Only junior and senior students may enroll in an independent study. At the time of application, a student must have earned a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. A student may register for no more than three (3) semester hours of independent study in any one term. In all cases, registration for independent study must be approved by the appropriate department chairperson and submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
ANZ-486: Independent Research in ANZ
Credits 1 3This is an individualized instruction course through which a student engages in an advanced research topic chosen in conjunction with an Anthrozoology Department faculty member. Regular conferences with the supervising faculty are required. Credits are variable. May be repeated for credit.
ANZ-489: Special Topics
Credits 1 3Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.
ANZ-499: Senior Thesis
Credits 1 3The senior thesis is designed to encourage creative thinking and to stimulate individual research. A student may undertake a thesis in an area in which s/he has the necessary background. Ordinarily a thesis topic is chosen in the student's major or minor. It is also possible to choose an interdisciplinary topic. Interested students should decide upon a thesis topic as early as possible in the junior year so that adequate attention may be given to the project. In order to be eligible to apply to write a thesis, a student must have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 based upon all courses attempted at Carroll College. The thesis committee consists of a director and two readers. The thesis director is a full-time Carroll College faculty member from the student's major discipline or approved by the department chair of the student's major. At least one reader must be from outside the student's major. The thesis director and the appropriate department chair must approve all readers. The thesis committee should assist and mentor the student during the entire project. For any projects involving human participants, each student and his or her director must follow the guidelines published by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Students must submit a copy of their IRB approval letter with their thesis application. As part of the IRB approval process, each student and his or her director must also complete training by the National Cancer Institute Protection of Human Participants. The thesis is typically to be completed for three (3) credits in the discipline that best matches the content of the thesis. Departments with a designated thesis research/writing course may award credits differently with approval of the Curriculum Committee. If the thesis credits exceed the full-time tuition credit limit for students, the charge for additional credits will be waived. Applications and further information are available in the Registrar's Office.