732315 History of hunting

Type
Lecture and field trip
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Dieberger, Johannes
Organisation
Offered in
Wintersemester 2024/25
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

Sources and methods of research in the field of history of hunting, examples of misinterpretations, evolution of mankind and invention of hunting; impact of hunting on wildlife populations at different points of time in history; ´Neolithic revolution´ (invention of agriculture) and its consequences; importance of hunting in early high cultures; in the antiquity; development of hunting and hunting management in Central Europe up to the present; development of far-ranging weapons (bow and cross-bow, fire-arms); degeneration of hunting in the Baroque and Rococo period; excessive use, intentional eradication, excessive care and protection of game; history of hunting law (Teutonic hunting laws, hunting in Roman Law; concept of ´gewere´ ´ concept in Teutonic law concerning the ownership right over things, official positions and persons [unfree servants]; proscription; legal development of land ownership, Austrian ´Weistümer´ ´ legal sources in the late Middle Ages based on customary rural law, which were originally handed down orally; prerogative rights of use or exploitation; limitations by hunting; burden to the rural population; reforms by Joseph II; General Federal Law Gazette in 1811; changes after 1848, Länder jurisdiction from 1920 onwards; German Reich Hunting Laws; hunting laws up to now); development of hunting culture including the hunting horn; patron saints of hunting, presentation of domain-specific literature;
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

The priority aim of the course is to make the student familiar with the sources and methods of the history of hunting and sharpen their eye for a critical view of the literature on the history of hunting. Students should learn to see and ´ while taking economic and legal conditions applicable into consideration - understand interrelations in the historical development of hunting. In particular, the importance of hunting for those entitled as well as its impact on the population sections concerned at different points of time in history and under various conditions should be explained. Knowing about the basic facts in the history of hunting should enable the students to understand today´s situation of hunting (as a quite relevant aspect of land use). Insights gained from a historical view on hunting may contribute to foreseeing developments or choosing a promising approach respectively when planning and making decisions with regard to hunting policies.

Moreover, students should develop interest in working in this field and should be offered the opportunity to inform themselves on topics concerning the history of hunting by reading the respective literature.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.