Post Secondary Teaching and Learning - PSTL

Description:  There are two components to this course: science and politics. The science of genetics and reproduction involves learning the basics of DNA, fertilization, embryos, developmental biology, etc., as well as new developments in the science of becoming pregnant, such as in vitro fertilization techniques, as well as new science to prevent pregnancy while still being sexually active, such as the morning after pill. The political portion of the course will revolve around bioethics; the hard work involved in making decisions surrounding genetics, DNA, sex, and reproduction. Topics will range from personal decisions, e.g., using a condom, to federal law, e.g., Row vs. Wade, and even world politics, e.g., the one child rule in China. Cultural and religious traditions will be used as a framework for many topics and special consideration will be given to the lessons learned from our country?s history with eugenics. This course will include many topics related to citizenship and public ethics, and specifically, bioethics. Should a human try to reproduce as much as possible? Should one person be able to tell another person to stop reproducing? Should state or national government bodies influence family planning? Should family size be linked to welfare laws? These and many more bioethical topics will be examined within a context of science, politics, religion, and history. Consideration will be made to significant events such as the Row V. Wade abortion ruling, mandatory sterilization laws and eugenics, the development of the birth control pill, and the Tuskegee study of untreated syphilis, to recognize how history has shaped our current opinions and laws relating to human reproduction. Special attention will be made to how religious and cultural beliefs interact with the quickly advancing fields of genetics and reproduction technologies, and how these interactions influence individuals, families, communities, and even governments when making bioethical decisions.

Class URL:  http://msjensen.cehd.umn.edu/1903/

Class Time: 10% Lecture, 70% Discussion, 20% Student Presentation.

Work Load: 50 pages reading per week, 10 pages writing per term, 2 exams, 1 papers, 4 presentations.

Grade: 50% mid exam, 30% final exam, 20% reports/papers.

Instructor:  Jensen,Murray Stowe (Morse Alumni Award) | Instructor Photo