Taylor Rezvani and Corey J. Butler recognized by the American Sociological Association for innovative course development
BANGOR, MAINE. — Husson University has received recognition from the American Sociological Association for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching the relationship between humans and animals.
Assistant Professor Dr. Taylor Rezvani and Online and Distance Education Senior Instructional Designer Corey J. Butler have been honored with the Clifton Bryant Animals & Society Course Award for developing Anthrozoology: Animals, People, and Society.
The award is presented by the Animals and Society Section of the American Sociological Association and recognizes outstanding work in courses examining human-animal relationships. Husson’s course was selected for its combination of international perspectives, interdisciplinary study and an emphasis on reflective learning.
The course is part of Husson’s Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare master’s degree pathway and introduces students to the broader academic study of human-animal relationships. Its curriculum uses the Understanding by Design framework while giving students an active role in shaping their learning experience.
Students work with topics involving culture, species, interaction and audience before examining perspectives from different parts of the world. Their research includes a structured literature review and leads to an Anthrozoological Visiting Scholar Welcome Talk. The process also asks students to examine their own assumptions and research methods as they develop knowledge relevant to animal care, policy, advocacy and research.
Rezvani brings two decades of experience in veterinary practice and animal behavior education to her work at Husson University. She earned an interdisciplinary Ph.D. combining biology, education and psychology from Washington State University. She also co-founded a nonprofit dedicated to canine-human interaction outreach and serves as education committee chair for the Human Animal Bond Association.
At Husson, Rezvani has contributed to the development of the university’s undergraduate Animal Care and Behavior program as well as its graduate Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare program.
Butler has more than 10 years of experience developing asynchronous online learning programs. His work has played an important role in the development of Husson’s animal studies programs.
Rezvani and Butler are scheduled to receive recognition during the Animals and Society Section’s Human-Animal Futures in a Changing World mini-conference. The event follows the American Sociological Association Annual Meeting and is scheduled for August 12 at New York University.
Students interested in studying animal behavior and welfare can find information about Husson Online’s Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare program through the university.
Husson University has been providing undergraduate and graduate education for more than 128 years. The university offers classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities across areas that include technology, business, finance, education, animal care, legal studies, healthcare, science, humanities and communication.
For more information about educational opportunities, visit Husson.edu.
ENDS
Name: Sarah Walker Caron
Company: Husson University
Email: admit@husson.edu
Website: https://www.husson.edu/
