Section outline

  • Course Resources

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    Animal Minds

    • Announcements Forum
    • Syllabus - Animal Minds (Updated 9/7) File DOCX

      Here you will find a description of the learning goals, course policies, assignments, and a detailed reading schedule.

      This is a living document and will be updated as the course proceeds. Be sure to keep your copy up-to-date. 

      Updated 9/7 with revised Workshop readings (based on your questions from the first class)

      110.6 KB · Uploaded 09/7/26, 09:21
    • Sign Up For Conference 1! URL

      Please try to sign up for a conference on 9/23. If you cannot make those times, you can choose another time that week. 

  • Assignments

  • Writing Resources

    • Mills, A. "How Arguments Work: A guide to writing and analyzing texts in college" URL

      We will read several chapters from this resource book. When you read a chapter, be sure to complete all of the affiliated exercises. Bring your responses (and your questions!) to class. 

    • Harvey, G. "Writing with Sources: A guide for students" URL

      We will use this resource to develop strong scholarship. If you have questions about how to cite, you can find answers here!

    • General MLA Guidelines - Paper Formatting URL

      If you have questions about how to format your paper including things like font size, margins, title page vs header, and so forth, this resource has the answers! 

    • Sample Essay: MLA Format URL

      Here you will find a sample essay in MLA format. Your first paper will be short (~3 pages double-spaced) and will not need section headings. Later in the course, you may choose to use section headings as your writing grows in length and complexity.

    • General APA Guidelines - Paper Formatting URL

      If you would like to compare MLA to APA formatting, this resource will be your guide. I will accept your work in either format, provided it is done consistently and correctly.

    • Common Grammar Mistakes URL

      Looking for tips to improve your grammar? Here you will find a collection of handouts that teach you how to correct common grammar mistakes. 

    • UNC Proofreading and Editing Checklist URL

      Once you have completed your final draft, use this checklist to help edit and proofread your work.

  • I. Knowing Other Minds

    • Andrews, Chapter 1. Other Minds URL
      1.  Using the technique you learned in Mills Chapter 2, create a diagram of an argument. 
      2. What is the mind?
      3. What are the biggest challenges to studying other minds? How can we overcome them?
    • Video 1: The Robot Dog That Helps With Dementia - BBC URL
    • Video 2: Meet Erica - The Guardian URL
    • Video 3: Paro, The Robot Seal - BBC URL

      These three videos accompany Andrews, Chapter 1. 

      What is anthropomorphism? How can we avoid anthropomorphism when studying other animals? 

    • Andrews, Chapter 3. The Science of Other Minds URL

      Continue to experiment with identifying and diagramming arguments in the text. 

      Bring one quote (or argument diagram) that you'd like to discuss in class. It can be something you find insightful, wrong, confusing, etc. 

      What makes one explanation stronger, better, or more "scientific" than another? Which explanations of animal behavior do you find most compelling, and why? 

      What is Morgan's Canon? Why should we consider adopting it? What problems does it raise? 

    • Writing Workshop 1 Page

      For the first writing workshop (in class)

      • Bring a draft of Paper 1 to class. Aim for two pages double-spaced (~500 words).

      • Readings (all available on Moodle or via Tripod): 

        • Harvey “Writing with Sources,” Chapter 1 (read in full)
        • General MLA Guidelines – Paper Formatting (consult as needed to format your paper)
        • Explore other optional writing resources posted on Moodle. 

      • Develop good scholarship habits: include in-text citations & works cited. If you need help with formatting, consult Harvey Chapter 4 & Appendix. 

      • Grading& Assessment: The workshop draft is NOT graded. You will receive full marks for the workshop if you attend (with a draft) and participate.

      • Conference sign-ups will open in class on 9/10
    • "Humanlike?" Aeon URL
    • Dennett, "Out of the armchair and into the field" URL