On the cover of the October, 1999 National Geographic a piglet with human DNA introduces an issue dedicated to asking: "Are we ready for the gene age?" This cover story is only one of a multitude of articles in the media on genetics, covering topics such as Dolly the cloned sheep; newly discovered genes for breast-cancer, homosexuality, and long life; ecological and religious protests against gene tampering; controversies about evolution; insurance problems arising from genetic screening; the patenting of genes; DNA forensic evidence in criminal cases and paternity suits; the prospect of cloning a wooly mammoth; and eco-terrorism over genetically modified food.

Literature and film have not been far behind in responding to breaking developments in genetics. In this course we will explore cultural texts that attempt to come to terms with--or exploit--the revolution in contemporary genetics. These texts will come from a number of different genres, including postmodern novels, science fiction movies and novels, advertising, and critical essays on contemporary science, evolution, and medicine.

The novels and films will be grouped into five broad categories, each exploring a major issue arising from genetics in society:

1. Evolution
2. The discovery of DNA
3. Cloning
4. Genetic engineering
5. Genetic testing and forensics

No expertise in genetics, biology, evolutionary theory, or other forms of science is required. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of genetics and evolution in small doses of engaging popular science writing by people such as Richard Dawkins, Stephen Jay Gould, and Matt Ridley, as well as in accessible works by some of the pioneers of the new genetics. (Advanced biology students will be encouraged to substitute more challenging readings in genetics on a case by case basis.) Novels will include Andrea Barrett's Ship Fever, Eva Hoffman's The Secret, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, Philip Kerr's A Philosophical Investigation, Simon Mawer's Mendel's Dwarf, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and Zadi Smith's White Teeth.

 

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Jay Clayton

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt English