REC 285 - Perspectives on Animal-Assisted Therapy

This course explores the human-animal bond in contemporary society with a special emphasis on understanding the role animals can play in the physical, psychological, and rehabilitation of persons with a variety of disabilities. In addition, the course will demonstrate how animals can benefit community health at large. Students will gain a real-world view of animal-assisted therapy through engaging with invited guest speakers, conducting a site visit, and creating a group program intervention. Additional topics to support content include animal behavior, roles that animals play in disaster relief and in the criminal justice system, and how an appreciation of wildlife habitats can be therapeutic for all audiences. Students from many fields will find this course useful to future careers in Recreation and Leisure, Nursing, Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, Biology, Criminology, Teacher Education, and anyone with a strong interest in companion animals.

Prerequisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Credits: 3

Course Typically Offered: Fall and spring
Course Type: Recreation