Friday, November 18, 1:45 PM–5:30 PM

Sponsored by the Sustainability Task Force and the Animals and Religion Consultation

What roles do and can animals play in the religion classroom? How can thinking about animals and religion help our students better understand both religion and their own relationships with animals? In this teaching workshop, experienced scholar-teachers will help attendees work through these and related questions. One panel will introduce key issues concerning animals, religion, and sustainability through the specific themes of urban wildlife, companion animals, and animals as food. Another panel will focus specifically on teaching about animals in three different kinds of religion courses: introduction to religion, comparative religion, and seminary courses (e.g., Biblical Studies, Christian Ethics). Participants will also discuss how to teach about animals and religion through service-based or community-based learning. Guided small-table discussions following the panels will give attendees the chance to further discuss issues raised by the presentations and to share pedagogical techniques with each other. We will also have a comprehensive bibliography for all participants.