EM5: Ze Cat

Exploratory Mission #5: Ze Cat

For Exploratory Mission #5, your assignment is to produce an exposé of the human species on behalf of Tsat Feihan K'rah and Tsat Burd'i. Your directive is to review archive data documenting the evolutionary superiority of the feline species, and with optional but recommended consultation with local representatives of this species inhabiting planet Wc.203, create a short documentary film or investigative journalism article on their behalf about the human species.

Completion of EM #5 is recommended by November 30th, 2025.

Materials:  

• Video: “Did Cats Actually Domesticate Us?” Animalogic
• Article: “Cats Are Perfect. An EvolutionaryBiologist Explains Why,” Kate Wong
• Article: “How Cats Used Humans to Conquer the World,” Sarah Zhang
• Video: “True Facts: Cats' Killer Senses,” Ze Frank
• Video: “Sad Cat Diary,” Ze Frank
• Video: “World’s Grumpiest Cat,” BBC Frozen Planet II

Supplementary Resources:

• Slides: Ze Cat 
• Video: “Cat Tales,” NOVA PBS Documentary
• Article: “What Do Cats Think About Us? You MayBe Surprised,” Christine Dell'Amore
• Article: “What Do Cats Think About? Science MayFinally Have the Answer,” Dr. Holly Anne Hills
• Article: “A French Veterinary Psychiatrist PutsCats on the Couch,” Sadie Stein

Mission Protocol: 

Review the provided archive materials above, supplementing with additional research as needed, to develop an understanding of cats—how they think, what they value, how they interact with humans, etc. Using this insight, along with any information gained from interviewing members of the feline species, develop a short documentary film about humans, from the perspective of cats, in the style of Ze Frank or David Attenborough (see examples above).

An alternative to creating a film is to write a long-form investigative journal/magazine article (similar in style to the Atlantic, New York Times, or Scientific American articles above/that you have read for class) about what cats think about humans.

You may collaborate with a fellow Pleakley-in-Residence (classmate) for this mission, or recruit outside assistance in creating your film and recording the voiceover; but remember, use of AI is strictly prohibited. The majority of the work must be done by you or split equitably with fellow PiRs, and any additional assistance should be credited.

Note: If you have difficulty accessing any of the articles due to paywalls, first attempt to find the article through the Wofford library website, then through an internet archive--but if all else fails, ask

for assistance.