This course examines how human-animal relations create and dismantle forms of humanity, animality, and species difference, particularly in relation to race. How is the category of human made, used, shaped by how we define ourselves and others against the category of animal? Conversely, how and through what mechanisms are particular groups of humans dehumanized, or animalized, and to what ends? The course takes as its starting point the idea that dehumanization and animalization occur within multiple scales, domains, and politics of life, and that they are often wrapped up in legacies of racialized and colonial violence. At the same time, we will think through the ways in which animalization can also be generative for spaces of experimentation, radical politics, and activism. Readings include work by Zakiyyah Iman Jackson, Joshua Bennett, Irus Braverman, Bénédicte Boisseron, Stacy Alaimo, Claire Jean Kim, Mel Chen, Donna Haraway, Megan Glick, and others. Students will write essays and short-form response papers, as well as work on a collaborative final project.