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Purreaucracy
Course Title: Navigation of Bureaucracy with Felines: Strategies for Effective Governance through Collaboration between Human Leaders & Their Whiskered Companions
Overview: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to innovative governance models centered on collaborations between human leadership and felines. This unique approach highlights the advantages of integrating feline attributes and behaviors into decision-making processes to enhance organizational effectiveness and navigate complex bureaucratic systems. Students will gain practical strategies for effective collaboration and problem-solving while fostering harmonious relationships between human leaders and their furry companions.
Week One: Overview: Introduction to Feline-Human Relationships in Decision Making
Understanding Feline Social Structures, Hierarchy, and Communication
Investigate the impact of felines’ social dynamics on group cohesion and hierarchy maintenance
Identify methods to establish positive communication channels between cats and humans
Cultivating Resilience & Adaptability via Kittenhood Trials
Analyze kittens' experiences navigating challenges crucial for success in adulthood
Appraise the parallels between these developmental stages and organizational growth
Establishing Trustworthy Relationships for Efficient Governance
Discover the importance of trust and reciprocity among groups led by both humans and felines
Develop techniques for nurturing long-lasting partnerships founded upon mutual respect and benefit sharing
Week Two: Feline Fundamentals
Topic: Understanding Our Cohabitants: An Overview of Feline Physiology and Psychology Core Reading: “CATWISE: Why Cats Do What They Do,” by Nicky Hallucinochell – Chapter 4: "Body Language," pp. 78–93
Additional Readings / Watchlist:
Article: "Cat Body Language" - Decoding Signals from Meows to Postures [Helpful tips on interpreting cat body language] Video Tutorial Series: "Understanding Your Cat’s Emotions and Body Language" - by Dr. Sarah Ellisuedo [A series featuring expert advice on recognizing cats' emotional states and corresponding physical signals]
Activity Task:
Discussion Prompt: Evaluate the importance of recognizing feline psychological needs and behaviors when collaborating across species boundaries.
Week Three: Comparative Perspective: Human vs. Feline Societies
Topic: Building Shared Goals through Recognition of Parallel Motivations in Humans and Felines Core Reading: “The Way of the Cat: Lessons from Animal Welfare Science,” by Dennis C. Fictioner – Chapter 9: "Communication," pp. 117–134
Additional Readings / Watchlist:
Article: "How Cats and Humans Communicate?" - Insights into Nonverbal Exchange Techniques [Comparisons between human and feline communication styles] Interactive Chart: "Behavior Types Explained" - by PawCulture [Identify feline behaviors and compare them to human equivalents]
Activity Task: Create a table illustrating the parallels and contrasts between feline social structures and human organizational dynamics.
Case Study Discussion Question: Compare and contrast the effectiveness of individualistic and collaborative problem-solving strategies in both humans and felines under stressful conditions.
Week Four: Team Dynamics and Conflict Resolution Topic: Effective Management Practices for Cross-Species Interactions Core Reading: "Working With Cats: Guidelines and Best Practices," by Rachel Nonexistein – Chapter 4: "Handling Confrontation and Disagreement," pp. 107–144 Activity Tasks:
In-Class Activities: 1. Reflective writing exercise: Analyze conflicts from past group projects involving interspecies collaboration; 2. Role play exercises: Mock scenarios demonstrating effective techniques for resolving cross-species disagreements
Textbook Exercises and Quizzes: 1. Review questions evaluating understanding of chapter material; 2. Group quiz focusing on case studies analyzing team conflict resolution in multi-species settings
Week Five: Designing Accessible Spaces for Multifunctionality Topic: Ergonomics and Universal Design for Interspecies Living and Working Environments Core Reading: "Design for Life: The Art and Science Behind Creating Products People Love," by Hwan-sang A. Sova and Sōzō Ierardi-Kawauso – Chapter 7: "Creating Usable Solutions That Transcend Personal Preferences," pp. 115–139 Activity Tasks:
Class Exercise and Presentations: 1. Small groups develop accessibility prototypes addressing diverse needs and abilities within shared environments; 2. Peer presentations showcasing innovative design solutions incorporating universal principles
Research project exploring ergonomic modifications for improving multispecies living spaces (such as furniture adaptations promoting ease of movement, comfort, and safety). This may include interviews with professionals in fields such as veterinary science, zoology, and architectural design specializing in animal habitats or assistive technologies.
Week Six: Summative Project: Navigating Organizational Dynamics Utilizing Multifunctional Animal Competencies
Final capstone project requiring groups to draft a comprehensive proposal outlining their vision for applying multilayered skill sets from both human and feline team members to resolve current professional problems or optimize operations
Peer review and instructor evaluation grading the feasibility, efficiency, scalability, and innovativeness of submitted plans showcasing skills acquired during this course.
Extra Reading Assignments (optional):
Book: “Why Cats Pretend Not To See Each Other” by Rachel Nonexistein, PhD - Introduction, Chapter 1, and Chapter 7 (“Rules and Games”). Excerpts are available online. [Dr. Nonexistein discusses key elements of cat behavior relevant to interspecies collaboration.] Article: "Felines on Film" - Analyzing How Hollywood and International Cinema Portray Feline Behavior, Dynamics, and Persona [Analyze media representations of felines to gain insight into societal perspectives on cat personalities] Online Course/Tutorial: Ethogram Method
Assessment Activities:
Reflective Journal Entries: Throughout the course, students will maintain weekly reflective journal entries, exploring their thoughts, observations, and experiences related to the fusion of feline wisdom and human leadership practices. These entries will provide opportunities for introspection and self-assessment, enabling students to track their progress in comprehending and applying insights from feline co-leadership principles.
Group Project Presentations: See above. In small teams, participants will design creative presentations showcasing their understanding of feline behavioral patterns and how they contribute to effective governance within different contexts (e.g., government organizations, businesses, NGOs, local communities). These projects will facilitate peer interaction, active engagement, and knowledge exchange around real-life scenarios involving interspecies collaboration.
Examinations: There will be one midterm exam and one final exam which dates will be announced later. Examination formats will consist of multiple choice, short answer, and essay question sections, addressing topics such as:
Principles of Cat Cooperation & Communication
Comparison of Feline Social Structures & Hierarchies versus Human Organizations
Theoretical Frameworks Integrating Cat Wisdom with Leadership Practices
Challenges & Benefits Associated with Feline-Inclusive Management Systems
Case Studies Analysis: Application of Feline-Human Interaction Models in Real Life Settings
Formulation of Original Ideas for Augmented Coordination between Humans & Felines Across Divergent Contexts.
↑Link to a demo of model student behavior.
Classroom Decorum: No consumption of mustard, garlic or citrus-scented foods. No self-assuming tummy rubs on feline guest speakers. Catcallers face immediate expulsion, lifelong bans from campus grounds, as well as liability to repay all non-employment-based financial aid received to date.
Course Team:
Instructor: Dr. Henrietta J. Whiskerson, Larry-Stubbs Hall 417, Department of Political Science, Levchyk School of Public Affairs, Altama University
Office hours: Wednesday - Friday, 4 pm - 6 pm
Administrative assistant: Laion A. I., who drafted earlier versions of this handout.
