The Humane Society of the United States invites applications from college and university faculty members for its tenth annual Animals and Society Course Awards. The awards recognize excellence in courses concerning the human-animal bond, human obligations toward animals, the status of animals and related topics. Past recipients have included scholars working in academic fields including animal science, animal-assisted therapy, anthropology, art, biology, education, environmental studies, history, law, literature, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, veterinary medicine and more.
Two Animals and Society Awards of $1,500 will be presented for courses at either the undergraduate or graduate level at colleges and universities worldwide. The first award is for an established course currently taught. The second award is for a new course offered in the upcoming semester.
Judges use criteria such as depth and rigor within the topic, impact on the field of human-animal studies and originality of approach. Competitive entries for the awards are courses that bring the study of animals and society into new arenas; approach the field from a novel perspective, or make use of novel teaching methods; provide exposure to students who would not otherwise address academic issues relating to animals and society; or are tailored to participants whose learning experience will have a direct impact upon animals and/or animal protection.
Nominees may submit multiple applications. The prize money will be given to the institutional department in which the winning course is taught.
Nominations must include:
- a cover letter from the faculty member
- a course outline or syllabus with enough detail and annotation to show the substance of the course
- a one or two paragraph description of the pedagogical strategy or framework that guides the course
- a one paragraph description of how the prize money will be used
- student evaluations for the previous two years the course was offered, where appropriate
- a letter of recommendation from the relevant department chairperson
The deadline is September 30, 2008. No special forms are necessary. Send nominations to:
Animals and Society Awards
Humane Society University
The Humane Society of the United States
700 Professional Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
-30-
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.
