Grade: /100

Exam

Topics in Animal Studies: Keeping Animals (ANST-UA 600)

Due March 8th, 2017

Once you have completed reviewing your class notes, readings and slides, put away all materials and open this exam (but only then), which should be completed in one continuous stretch of time (2hrs). Number your responses; avoid introductions and conclusions. Please format your answers as double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font with standard margins. Each answer should be about 1 page in length, but no less than ¾ of a page or more than 2 ½ pages. Save the final document as a .doc, .rtf or.docx file, title the document with only your N-number, and email it to me at by Wednesday March 8, at 16pm. Please do not put your name anywhere on the document; instead, write your N-number at the top or in the header.

This exam is worth 20% of your grade.The grading criteria are: structure/organization, coherence; grasp and use of course materials; critical skills, relevance, originality; clarity in writing. Please spell out your assumptions and arguments carefully, and avoid merely stating your own opinion. A complete answer will include references to key concepts, arguments, authors or studies discussed in class or the readings. You may not use any resources while completing the exam and may not read the questions until you are done reviewing the materials. No need to include formal citations, but do your best to cite author names and to use the relevant concepts and facts when appropriate. Illustrate with examples. Good luck!

  1. A chimpanzee walks into New York State’s Court of Appeals (NYS’ highest court). What is s/he there for? Is s/he alone? What are the arguments and exhibits of her/his case? What are the possible and/or likely outcomes of the Court’s decision?
  1. You’re taking a trip to your local zoo. As you walk by the sea lions pond you can hear visitors yelling and laughing as the seals swim and play around. You realize Lori Gruenand Peter Singer are standing next to you. They are arguing about the scene and the ethics of keeping sea lions in this setting. Most people seem to be enjoying the show. What are Lori and Peter saying to each other? What would they – respectively – tell the visitors? Depending on how you visualize the seals’ situation, state clearly the assumptions, relevant facts, and arguments of the debate.
  1. Suppose orcas (aka ‘killer whales’) have become critically endangered in the wild. As a result of widespread ocean pollution and food scarcity, the odds are their species might go extinct in the next couple years. Make the case for why they should be preserved and how this could be implemented in captivity. Cite all the relevant factors and values at stake and how to balance them; cite potential conflicts.
  2. As part of your (actual or imagined) class project, you go visit your local zoo. Describe your project in a few words but precisely. What do you want to learn? Outline your hypotheses and methods. What are the limitations and/or benefits of this setting for your purposes?
  3. BONUS Question: How does Gary Francione think we should treat our pets? Why?

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