Images of goodness and evil reflect the ambivalent attitudes and cultural prejudices that govern human responses to animals. This course explores the cultural, historical, and ecological interactions between people and animals. Balances utilitarian and ethical perspectives on current patterns of animal use and abuse. Considers data sampling and descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for analyzing geographic data. Includes graphic techniques, tests of hypotheses, simple regression, and the analysis of variance.
Students use computer programs for statistical analysis.
Although no prior exposure to computers or statistics is assumed, the course is suitable for students of all levels and is one for which graduate students may receive credit. Emphasizes aspects of the environment of particular interest to geographers, geologists, and planners. Emphasizes approaches used by geographers to study natural resources. Approaches these questions from archaeology, history, and environmental studies, placing them within cultural ecology perspectives. Combines lectures, readings, discussions, films, and local field trips.