Humane Education Elective: A Sample Course

Theme One: Inherent Dignity

1. Defining What is Human
   What exactly makes humans unique?
2. Defining Human Rights
   What does one need to live with dignity?
3. Defining Human/Animal Relationships
   Is it practical to be humane to animals?
4. Where Do You Draw the Line?
   At what point does animal use become animal abuse?
5. Tata Nano Debate
   Should everyone be allowed to own a car?
6. Livable Streets
   How do pedestrians, vehicles, and public welfare best interact?

Theme Two: Who Decides?

1. Vegetarian vs. Omnivore Debate
   What does it mean to eat sustainably?
2. Are Animals Protected by Law?
   Is there a hierarchy of animals?
3. In the Caste System
   Can education transcend cultural divisions?

Theme Three: The Hidden Story...

1. Greenwashing
   What are labels selling and what are we buying?
2. Meatrix 360 Interactive
   What is behind our meat?
3. The BP Oil Spill and Habitat Destruction
   How does the spill look to turtles and oysters?
4. How Much is That Dog in the Window?
   Are we ethically obliged to find adopted animals companions?
5. Child Labor
   Who profits and loses from child labor?
6. Sweatshops
   What responsibilities do employers have to their workers?

Theme Four: Necessity vs. Luxury

1. Housing: A Global Inventory
   How much is enough?
2. 50 Liters a Day?
   How much value should we place on water?
3. Clothing: Leather and Fur
   Which creatures are slaves to fashion and what are alternatives?

Theme Five: Advocacy

1. The Apprentice: Transport Edition
   Which transit mode gets fired and which hired?
2. Standing Up for Animal Protection
   How can great animal rights activists inform our own actions?
3. Standing Up for Human Rights
   How can great human rights activists inform our own actions?