Tues 10/31
In Class: Asynchronous- no formal f2f meeting
Asynchronous assignment- Read: Penrose & Katz textbook (online) Ch 3
Watch: “The Shocking Experiment on Henrietta Lacks”
Watch Democracy NOW! interview with Rebecca Skloot: (35.47 mins)
Answer the following questions
- Why are Henrietta Lacks’ cells (HeLa) considered “immortal”? What is special about “HelLa“ cells?
- What are the ethical issues involving Lacks’ cells and how they were acquired?
- Review the CDC report on the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, compare/contrast it with the Henrietta Lacks’ story, and explain how institutionalized racism played a role in both these events.
- What policies and regulations were established later as a result of Henrietta Lacks’ story?
- Are the policies addressing ethical issues involved in Henrietta Lacks story sufficient? Explain.
- Why did the Obama administration drop the proposed regulation requiring researchers to obtain consent from patients for future use of their specimens?
- Do you think doctors/researchers should be required to get consent from patients? Explain.
- Do you think patients should be compensated for their biospecimens if it leads to profitable outcomes? Explain.
- Should people be careful about sharing their genetic information? Explain.
- Could what happened to Locks occur today with the new regulations? Explain.
- How is science connected and influenced by the government, capitalism, and marketing?
Homework: Post completed PSA draft on BB by 11/1
Thurs 11/2
In class: Peer Review workshop on PSA projects- use rubrics from course website under course materials
Homework: complete and post peer review reports by Sunday 11/5, 10pm.
Final drafts of PSAs (including reflection papers and peer assessment sheets) due Mon 11/6 11:59pm on BB (and follow the submission directions on the assignment prompt so that it is posted in the correct places for the pilot program)
**be prepared to present PSAs in class on Tues 11/7.
