SOCY3131 · Sociology

Genetics and Society

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

This course is geared toward social science and humanities students as well as those in the sciences. We examine the rise of genetic knowledge and advanced biotechnologies and their consequences on society. We examine the historic and contemporary aspects of genetic research from the eugenics movement to the sequencing of the human genome. We provide a sociological lens focusing issues such as the ethics and science of genetics and genetic testing, genetic engineering, human cloning. We analyze the ethical, political, and economic impacts of genetic technologies. We delve into how genetic knowledge impacts concepts such as self, identity, disability, reproduction, and delinquency. We examine the nature versus nurture debate by analyzing the origins of sex differences, gender identity, and gender inequity.