Listed in: First Year Seminar, as FYSE-127
David I. Ratner (Section 01)
The sequencing of the human genome ranks as one of the most significant scientific achievements of the last century. How might we ensure that scientific progress is matched by society’s ability to use that knowledge for human betterment? While the scientific ramifications of the genomic revolution continue to be explored, major implications are already apparent in such diverse fields as philosophy, medicine and law. The course will begin with a primer on genetics and molecular biology but quickly move to consider some of the philosophical, ethical, and very practical societal concerns raised by recent genetic discoveries. We will consider such issues as the safety of recombinant DNA, the origin of humans and of human races (and are there such?), the use and potential misuse of DNA fingerprinting by governmental agencies, the complex interaction between one’s genes and one’s environment, the ability of parents to screen potential offspring for a range of diseases, the creation of genetically altered plants and animals, and human gene therapy.
In this discussion-based course, students will consider the “code of life” from molecular, evolutionary, philosophical, ethical, and legal perspectives. Students will be expected to engage the full range of thought–from the evaluation of primary-source scientific data to the consideration of their societal ramifications–that accompanies a major scientific revolution. Readings will be drawn from an array of sources including original-research articles, histories, popular-science works, and essays. Careful attention will be paid to the conveyance of ideas: frequent writing projects will be assigned, and students will discuss their work in formal presentations and the occasional debate. All students should expect to contribute to the back-and-forth exchange of ideas in the classroom each day.
Fall semester. Professor Ratner.
If Overenrolled: assigned by First Year Dean
Cost: $10 ?
Section 01
Tu 11:30 AM - 12:50 PM MCLS 428
Th 11:30 AM - 12:50 PM MCLS 428
This is preliminary information about books for this course. Please contact your instructor or the Academic Coordinator for the department, before attempting to purchase these books.
| ISBN | Title | Publisher | Author(s) | Comment | Book Store | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNA: The Secret of Life (1st ed.) | Knopf, 2003 | Watson, J.D. | Available via Amazon | TBD | ||
| Mapping Human History: Genes, Race and Our Common Origins | Houghton Mifflin, 2003 | Olson, S. | Amherst Books | TBD | ||
| Genetic Justice: DNA Data Banks, Criminal Investigations, and Civil Liberties (Reprint ed.) | Columbia Univ. Press, 2012 | Krimsky, S., Simoncelli, T. | Electronic Copy | TBD |
These books are available locally at Amherst Books.