The MA in Anthrozoology at The University of Exeter offered everything I was looking for in further study, the subject and distance learning. I loved the course, back on course for my passion, found my 'tribe', am challenged by the myriad of questions that orbit animal-human relations and found my supervisors fantastic. To be accepted to continue my PhD on my LifeLong Learning journey with the same stimulating but accepting community is a privilege.
One of the most significant aspects to the Anthrozoology department at Exeter is EASE. A working group within the department that resonates deeply with my learning. Throughout my life I came to realise that so much of my own life impacted so many. In 1991, at 27 I became vegetarian, in started my BSc in 1994, where I began to learn about environmental issues. (This was distance learning without a PC, with folders containing everything needed for a course and posting assignments through the mail). In 2004 I commenced my MA in Environment, Policy and Society which I completed in 2008. During this time personal computers, social media and mobile phones were becoming developed and accessible, more of how my actions impacted the environment and other species became obvious. However, change is slow and I found few people who wanted to discuss, never mind believe there are consequences to our actions. My MA in Anthrozoology exposed me to people who did believe the treatment of animals and the consequences are important. EASE encapsulates goals, a supportive space and people I have been searching to join for a long time.
EASE :
"The principal contention of the working group is that the recognition of other animals as ethically significant beings is both a necessary part of a sound understanding of these interactions, and a moral imperative."
"Consequently, we propose that Anthrozoology should be reframed as Symbiotic Ethics, to acknowledge the inextricable connections we share with other life forms at a time when our collective futures hang precariously in the balance."
(The University of Exeter, n.d., np)
The University of Exeter (n.d.) About EASE | Exeter Anthrozoology as Symbiotic Ethics (EASE) working group
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