From the flickering screens of early cinema to the cages of metropolitan zoos and the dazzling tents of traveling circuses, animals have long stood at the center of human spectacle. This course explores the histories of zoos and circuses across the world, analyzing how these ‘hybrid’ institutions have shaped our understanding of wilderness, science and entertainment. Modern zoos and circuses became popular in Europe and North America during the 18th and 19th centuries. What distinguished the modern zoo from the menageries and traveling animal shows was its emphasis on promotion of science, education and conservation. Colonialism and imperialism facilitated the spread of these institutions across Europe, Asia, Americas and Africa. There were sophisticated networks of agents and dealers collecting, transferring, and exchanging exotic birds and animals across different continents. Zoos and circuses were ‘hybrid’ institutions which epitomized the blend of nature and culture. At the same time, both these institutions have been notorious for animal and human rights violations. Early zoos confined animals to cramped cages with little medical care. Furthermore, they had to endure harsh treatment and various other forms of cruelties from the zookeepers and veterinarians. The same is true for circuses in many countries even today. The circus ring is a site where both humans and animals – irrespective of their age and sex - are exploited and abused. Through novels, travel writing, films, photographs, newspapers, and memoirs, students will critically examine the social, political, cultural, and environmental histories of zoos and circuses in the modern era. All course materials will be uploaded in Brightspace. Assessments will include a film reflection, discussion posts, primary source analysis, quizzes and a final paper.