Fostering Environmental Awareness and Behavior Through a Course on Human–Animal Studies

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Higher education can promote environmental awareness and action through hidden curricula. This study at the Witten/Herdecke University examined the impact of the Human–Animal Studies course on students’ environmental awareness and behavior, comparing participants with the general student population. A cross-sectional and longitudinal survey was conducted using a 12-question Likert-scale questionnaire. Course participants were surveyed three times, while the general student body was surveyed once. In addition, reflective writing was qualitatively analyzed to assess changes in attitudes and behaviors. The results showed that both groups exhibited high levels of environmental awareness and behavior, exceeding the German population average. Female students showed greater commitment than male students. While no significant differences were found between course participants and other students, reflections indicated that the course promoted personal awareness and behavioral change and that the course encouraged participants to think about changes in their attitudes and behaviors toward the environment. These findings suggest that courses such as Human–Animal Studies can promote environmental awareness and self-reflection among students.