“Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of understanding what animals are saying. How wonderful that may now be a real possibility” —Jane Goodall
A follow-up to a course on animal emotions, this 12-session investigation closely studies the text Why animals talk: The New Science of Animal Communication by Arik Kershenbaum, 2024. The class text will be supplemented by a variety of scientific and literary readings on many animal species. Some of the issues we will explore are the following:
* The unique and extraordinary compendium of animal senses, and how they are used to communicate;
* The efforts currently being used to interpret animal communication:
* Will the promise of artificial intelligence and CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative) projects deliver?
* Can animal languages be decoded using mathematical algorithms?
* The ways in which we could use the knowledge and abilities we gain to foster mutual relationships and fruitful interactions with our animal counterparts.
Will advances we make in this area improve our ability to listen to and care for each other? Will they help to foster greater respect for our “wild” friends, and what could be the impact on current practices that exploit the animal world?
Books to purchase:
Why animals talk: The new Science of Animal Communication by Arik Kershenbaum, 2024
New Participant: $140.00
Returning Participant: $200.00
Day: Thursdays
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Location: 3405 Atwater, Montreal
Course leaders: Esther Spector, Heather Stephens and another
First session: March 5 2026
Course length: 12 weeks
Degree credit: 3 credits
Maximum number of participants: 18
Please note that the Thomas More Institute does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities in Montreal since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts, including discussion-based courses, lecture-style courses, writing workshops, and more. Our courses are held in small groups, offering an alternative learning environment to that of traditional university courses. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Share Your Curiosity at TMI!
About course fees: all prices displayed include Tuition and the Administrative fee.
Leaders of another course, and anyone else wishing to register by phone, should call (514) 935-9585 to register.
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