Equine cultural studies has become one of the most exciting fields to emerge out of Critical Animal Studies for how it looks at the intersection of humans and horses across histories, cultures, and the humanities. This seminar will provide an introduction to Equine Cultural Studies through the lens of feminist studies in its focus on the boundaries between horses and humans. Some of the questions we explore include: Did Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty (1877) inspire the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention Against Cruelty to Animals as well as the backlash against Victorian women’s corsets? Is there a feminist way to ride a horse? How does feminist thought offer a unique interrogation of race, flesh, and femaleness that sheds new light on equine studies? How has the horse been an integral partner in therapeutic healing in both Native and Indigenous communities as well as in non-Native communities?

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Crosslisted Courses: ES 343

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. At least one course in either WGST or ES or ANTH 240 is recommended. This course is intended for juniors and seniors.

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring