Genetic Manipulation

Catalog description

This seminar provides an interdisciplinary examination of practices and policies relating to actual or imagined genetic manipulation of human beings and other life forms. We will discuss the history and practice of eugenics, the attempt to create “better” offspring, and its relationship to potential genetic technology. In part drawing from a Rawlsian framework we will discuss issues such as human cloning, genetic screening, and genetic manipulations of humans in light of principles such as justice, fairness , discrimination and other values such as the sanctity of life. We will also consider broader 2025-2026 Campus Academic Catalog 285 genetic manipulation of plants and animals and resulting ethical controversies from broadly scientific, ecological, philosophical and religious perspectives. Prerequisite: B IO 114/115, BIO 328, BIO 124/125, PHL 101, PHL 212, PHL 221, PHL 222, PHL 242, PHL 244, PHL 246, REL 101, or REL 102