The Anthropology of Genetic Knowledge

(Same as Anthropology M265.) This seminar will explore how sociocultural and political dynamics shape our understandings of genetic discoveries and how genetic information is used to create conceptions of the self and society. Offered Spring quarter. For two units, students are expected to come to class, do the assigned reading, and write critical summaries of them. For three units, all of the above plus a 20-25 page synthesis of the class readings into a coherent statement of the issues the class has raised. For four units, all of the above (minus the synthesizing paper) plus a 20-25 page research paper based on a topic drawn from the classes themes. Prerequisite: graduate standing in Anthropology or consent of instructor.