Courses on

Genetics and Literature

Jay Clayton

 
Department of English
Vanderbilt University

Fall, 2005

English 243, 01 - Literature, Science and Technology: Genetics in Literature (undergraduate)

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.

Spring, 2003

Fall, 2001

Fall, 2000