SOC 295-01 - Special Topic: Global Perspectives on Racisms, Science, and the State

4 credits (Spring)

This course explores explanations for the timing, spread, and tenor of modern racisms in the Western Hemisphere since the 19th Century. It does so by examining the relationship between racisms and political ideologies like liberalism, organizations like the state, and institutions like science. These intersected in the international eugenics movement especially in the fields of human reproduction and migration. Eugenics is therefore a central focus of the course and its study serves as a backdrop to a consideration of recent scientific claims about the reality of “race” and of new genetic applications such as pharmacogenetics.

Prerequisite: A 100-level course in Social Studies and a 200-level course in Social Studies. Science majors are encouraged to inquire about the prerequisite.
Instructor: Cook-Martin