ANTH123 PO - The Anthropology of Genetics

When Offered: Offered alternate years; next offered fall 2023
Instructor(s): C. Bejarano
Credit: 1

This course will provide an overview of how sociocultural anthropologists have studied genetic knowledge, practices, discourses, and technologies in different contexts around the globe. It will examine the origins of genetics as a field, its connection to Social Darwinism, and eugenics in the US and abroad. It will cover topics such as the ethics of gene-editing, cloning, and assisted reproductive technologies. It will examine sampling methods and informed consent, especially among indigenous peoples and other minority groups. It will address genetic ancestry testing, identity, and the new forms of sociality enabled by genetic information.

Satisfies the following General Education Requirement(s), subject to conditions explained in the Degree Requirements section of this Catalog:
Area 2