Courses and Seminars

Education is an important part of the HSCI mission. One course for undergraduates, Stem Cells and Cloning, is already in its third year - and its popularity has spawned many others, including graduate, postgraduate and clinical courses in areas including biology, philosophy and ethics. All of these classes place a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education. Below is a partial list of the 2007-2008 Harvard courses that address stem cell related topics.

Please note that this is a descriptive list only and students should refer to the Office of the Registrar Course Guide for scheduling and location information.

Undergraduate | Undergraduate and Graduate | Graduate

Biological Sciences 60. Ethics, Biotechnology, and the Future of Human Nature

Douglas A. Melton and Michael J. Sandel

Explores the moral, political, and scientific implications of new developments in biotechnology. Does science give us the power to alter human nature? If so, how should we exercise this power? The course examines the science and ethics of stem cell research, human cloning, sex selection, genetic engineering, eugenics, genetic discrimination, and human-animal hybrids. Meets jointly with Government 1093. Readings will be drawn from literature in the areas of biology, philosophy, and public policy.

Government 90w (formerly Government 90rw). Ethics and Biotechnology

Michael J. Sandel

The seminar explores the moral and political implications of recent advances in biotechnology. Topics include cloning, stem cell research, genetic engineering, eugenics, and the patenting of life forms.

Religion 18 (formerly Religion 1469). Religion, Medicine, and Suffering in the West

Robert A. Orsi (Divinity School)

Examination using a variety of theoretical approaches of the meanings of suffering and pain in Christian cultures. Course begins with theoretical reflection on culture and pain, then moves to consider how Christians have responded to the body in pain, including healing practice. Topics include theodicy as cultural practice; martyr as Christian hero; pain and the construction of religious meanings; power, pain, and discipline in religious settings.