Drawing from the extensive experience and knowledge of our faculty, the Kerulos Center is building a trans-species curriculum: the study of animal and human psychology, values, and cultures.
These courses are open to graduate and university students, animal and human healthcare professionals, sanctuaries and shelters, and others interested in animal and our relationships with other species. In conjunction with a network of sanctuaries, Kerulos also offers internships and tutorials for those seeking to further their knowledge and training.
Core courses are offered several times during the year, other special topics courses less frequently. To enroll for courses or to receive further information about these courses or private in-service trainings, please contact
us.
About Our Online Courses
We offer two types of courses, General Interest and Professional Intensives. Some courses assume a certain background; however we can recommend which courses may be most suitable for the learner and which prerequisites may be needed for a more enjoyable learning experience.
- Maximum class size—Ten (exceptions made for private in-service trainings)
- Participative—We include discussion time additional to the lecture to answer student questions.
- Scheduling—A core set of courses will be offered regularly. Specialized courses will be available at various times. If your organization wishes to schedule a customized session for a given course, this can be arranged.
- What you need—A computer, internet connection, telephone, and a quiet room. Lecture slides are provided while instructor teaches.
Current Course Offerings: General Interest
A Meeting of Minds: The World of Trans-species Psychology
This course provides an overview of scientific discoveries that have brought human and other animal minds together. Using examples from elephants to orcas, chimpanzees to parrots, we explore the new field of trans-species psychology: how heart and mind integrate to create greater understanding of our animal kin. A Meeting of Minds provides an introduction to other in-depth Kerulos courses including professional intensives that focus on specific topics and species.
Duration: One 1.5 hour session
Cost: $85
When:
TBD
Principles of Animal Trauma and Recovery in Sanctuary and Shelter
This course is intended as a primer for volunteers who work, or intend to work, at sanctuaries, shelters, and other animal care organizations. It introduces core philosophy, concepts, and practices of psychological trauma recovery in animal care settings.
Duration: One 1.5 hour session
Cost: $85
When:
TBD
Talking With The Animals: The Science and Sensibility of Inter-species Communication
Whether conversing with our dogs or scolding the rose-eating doe, we communicate with the animals in our lives. Traditional indigenous peoples depend on their abilities to understand birds, grazers, and hunters who share land and waters. Through the lens of the new field of trans-species science, we explore how people and animals communicate together and reflect on the opportunities and challenges that these insights bring.
Duration: One 1.5 hour session
Cost: $125
When:
TBD
Elephants on the Edge: Elephant Psychology and Culture
Through the stories of individual elephants, Kerulos director, Gay Bradshaw, discusses elephant minds, society, and the struggles they face drawing on her new book “Elephants on the edge: What Animals teach us about humanity” (Yale 2009). Learn about elephants in Asia and Africa, their magnificent societies, and the people who are helping them in their struggle to maintain elephant culture.
Duration: Two 1.5 hour sessions
Cost: $175
When: TBD (Part I & II
Current Course Offerings: Professional Intensives
These courses are intended for those interested in in-depth study of animal psychology, concepts of animal trauma and methods of recovery, and other specific topics. The series will be offered starting June 2010. They are taught with a maximum of 10 students, however, one-on-one or special tutorials can be arranged. Please contact
us for details and schedule.
Trans-species Psychology I: Introduction
Provides foundational background and principles of trans-species psychology as seeding the broader ethical, cultural, and educational paradigm of trans-species science and societal studies. Through a discussion of theory and case studies, this intensive course discusses new models of brain, behavior, and mind as it applies to animals in captivity and conservation. The course is designed for students and professionals from diverse fields including conservation, human and other animal (mental) healthcare, advocacy, and sanctuary. Some practical experience with animals and exposure to psychology and ethology is assumed, however, not required. This course is required for successive courses.
Duration: Two 2-hour sessions
Cost:
$225
Trans-species Psychology II: Animal Traumatology
This course follows Trans-species Psychology I. Through discussion of theory and case studies, we compare the neuropsychology of free-ranging, domesticated, wild-caught, and captive-bred individuals and the roles of humans in animal trauma recovery. The course is designed for students and professionals from diverse fields including conservation, human and other animal (mental) health care, animal protection, and sanctuary.
Duration: Two 2-hour sessions
Cost:
$225
Trans-species Psychology III: Animal Trauma Recovery
This course follows Trans-species Psychology I and II and focuses on concepts and methods pertaining to animal psychological trauma recovery. We discuss implications for individual animals coming to and living in sanctuary and shelters and free-ranging wildlife communities The course is designed for students and professionals from diverse fields including conservation, human and other animal (mental) health care, animal protections, and sanctuary and shelter, and other fields..
Duration: Two 2-hour sessions
Cost:
$225
photo credits
"Lauren and friend", courtesy Phebe Green Linden
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"Science in service to animals"
