About the Course
How and why do people bond with animals? How do human-companion animal relationships differ by culture? In this course, we'll read books that explore human relationships with domestic and domesticated animals and discuss the books with peers. Together, we'll examine how relationships with animals add meaning to our lives, shape our beliefs, and inform our attitudes about non-human creatures. Students will select and read books about human-animal connections from categories such as: pets and companion animals, service animals, working animals, and farm animals. Citing examples from your chosen books, you will discuss your perspectives and share ideas with classmates. Projects may include giving short presentations, creating informational multimedia, writing persuasively, or comparing cultural perspectives.
The content in Young Readers Series: Amazing Animals overlaps with the CTY course Young Readers Series: Good Dogs. Students who have already taken Young Readers Series: Good Dogs may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before enrolling in this course.
Learning Objectives
- Draw inferences from books read, cite textual evidence, and contribute to discussions about the connections between humans and animal
- Compare human-animal relationships by culture over time
- Create writing, multi-media or other output to show their own perspective on human-animal relationships within their own culture/ethics
- Provide feedback and pose neutral questions about classmates' ideas and writing
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Sun for 6 weeks
Times: 5 - 6:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: August 11, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per week (90 minutes of synchronous class time, 3-4 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online class times are in Eastern Standard US time.
Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details. https://ctyhelp.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/43000543074
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 6 weeks
Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: September 15, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per week (90 minutes of synchronous class time, 3-4 hours of independent work). Course will include 6 sessions over 6 weeks.
All online class times are in Eastern Standard US time.
Technical Requirements
This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details. https://ctyhelp.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/43000543074
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid