In this free course, Why are nonhuman
animals victims of harm? you will investigate why nonhuman animals tend to be overlooked as victims of violence. The course explores some of the social processes and structures that victimise other animals, such as ‘livestock’ farming. The course
also highlights some of the environmental harms related to ‘livestock’ farming. You will learn about how harms are perpetuated by language and imagery, as well as how language and imagery can be used to oppose and resist harms against nonhuman animals.
Study in the social sciences – and criminology in particular – inevitably touches on sensitive and emotive topics that may be difficult and upsetting. This course explores harms against nonhuman animals that you may find difficult to work with, including images of nonhuman animals in confinement.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
understand the role of language and imagery in shaping recognition of other animals as victims of harm
understand a range of direct and indirect harms that are inflicted on nonhuman animals, especially through 'livestock' farming
understand how harms against other animals are both legitimised and contested through language and imagery
understand the concept of the Animal-Industrial Complex.