Course Details

Why cows? This course will focus on the history of cattle as a lens to explore patterns in human-animal interaction from the Palaeolithic era until today. Our principal goal is to gain insight into the use and conception of animals in various societies, past and present, not least our own. To keep the topic within manageable bounds, we will focus on just one type of animal: the cow, since, arguably no animal has had a greater impact on the evolution of human societies and the environment in world history. We will concentrate on three broad geographical and chronological areas — the ancient world, Western Europe, and the Americas — but with forays into other periods and regions, including India and East Africa.

Assignments: Class participation (20%), in-class presentation (20%); Weekly 1-page response papers (35%), 8-12 page final paper (25%).

Course website available at: https://catalyst.uw.edu/workspace/jwalker/47208/