Animal Studies

Animal Studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the relationships between humans and non-human animals. It examines various aspects of animal life, including behavior, biology, culture, and the ethical implications of human-animal interactions. This field draws from diverse disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, literature, philosophy, history, and ecology to understand how animals are perceived, represented, and treated in society. Animal Studies also critiques anthropocentrism—the focus on humans as the central or most significant beings—by emphasizing the agency and intrinsic value of animals. Scholars in this field investigate topics such as animal rights, conservation, domestication, and the impact of globalization on animal habitats. Through critical analysis and theoretical frameworks, Animal Studies aims to raise awareness about the complexities of animal existence and advocate for more humane and ethical treatment of animals within various contexts.