SOCI 3344 - Biotechnology and Social Change

3 Class Hours 0 Laboratory Hours 3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: SOCI 2105 or SOCI 2201 or permission of the instructor.
Modern biotechnology, a revolutionary innovation in science, is having major transforming effects on society. It is impacting the dinner table, agriculture, health and medicine, industrial processes, reproduction and has far-reacting implications for other areas of social life. This course is designed to examine the multiple manifestations of biotechnology and their social change implications. The course begins by locating the biotechnology revolution in the broader socio-historical context within which it is emerging, and explores its links to the new knowledge based economy. The course then focuses on the examination of the ways in which the development and application of biotechnology in its various manifestations are transforming the cultural and institutional character of modern societies. This will include an examination of social, ethical/moral and legal/legislative issues and their impact on policy.