Modern Genetics and Public Policy

The course examines broad scientific, social, political, and philosophical problems raised at the intersection of genetics and public policy, including the echo of eugenics in gene therapy and gene enhancement; the ways in which genetic disease plays out in different cultural settings and shape conceptions of the self and race; genetic applications and practices in the criminal justice system; genetically modified agricultural products; commercial genetic testing; the patenting of genes; pandemic preparedness and response; and policies regulating genetic research that is deemed to be potentially dangerous.