POLS 497-1
Small Group Study, Spring 2008
Politics of Stem Cell Research
Myong-Hwa Lee Class Information
Office: DU 222
(SOCQRL lab) Class
Time: M 12-1:15 PM
Office Hours: M 3-4 or by appointment Room: DU 464
E-mail:
Z111890@niu.edu
Purpose
This
course is designed to discuss various perspectives regarding current stem cell
research. The major issue of stem cell debate might be whether using human
embryos for research is morally acceptable. If we accepted the restrictive
religious view that human life begins at conception, human embryonic stem cell
research would be unethical. However, if we considered the medical benefit of
stem cell research, the use of human embryos could be justified.
In
addition to this fundamental debate, stem cell research brings many other issues.
The course will explore not only focus on the classic religious debates but
also on more contemporary social, political, policy, and global issues. This
course will open your minds to the complexity of stem cell research issues, and
will attempt to find more balanced ways of looking at the issues.
Required Texts
1) Solo, Pam and
Pressberg, Gail. 2007. The Promise and Politics of Stem Cell Research.
2) Articles posted on Blackboard.
Assignments
*** I will not accept any late papers. If you want an exception, you must
notify me in advance and/or bring documentation of your emergency.
1) Five
Commentaries
At the beginning of each session (except the first) students
will have to turn in a brief commentary (1-2
pages) on the topics assigned each week. For each commentary, students should choose
one among the three topics listed in the
Course Outline in this syllabus. Students can use readings as evidence for
their assertions, but they have to make their own arguments (* Do not merely
repeat readings.) Commentaries should be double-spaced, have 12 point font and
one-inch margins.
2) Final Essay
At the end of
the semester students should submit a double-spaced 4-5 page essay on one topic discussed in
class. Students can develop their commentary(/ies) into final essay by
providing more evidence gained from various sources, i.e. academic articles,
newspapers, governmental documents, etc. Your essay may use any regular format
for citations. The essay is due by 4 p.m. on April 14. Please turn in it
via email.
Participation
Since this
course is a discussion-oriented class of a very small size, students are
expected to demonstrate their understanding of the subject through active class
participation. Attendance is mandatory.
Grading
Five
Commentaries – 25%
Final Essay – 25%
Participation
(including attendance) – 50%
Course Outline
Session 1 (Jan. 14) - Introduction and
Distribution of Syllabi
Session 2 (Jan. 28) – Science and Society
1)
Solo and Pressberg’s Preface (xi-xv) and Ch.1 (Page
1- 14)
2) President’s
Council on Bioethics. 2002. Human Cloning
and Human Dignity.
Executive Summary (Page 6-8 only)
3) Hayes,
Richard. 2006. Stem Cells and Public
Policy.
Foundation Press (Page 26-34 only)
**
Topic 1 - How does the
development of stem cell research affect our society?
** Topic 2 – Do you agree or disagree
with using human embryos for stem cell research?
Why?
**
Topic 3 – Compare and contrast between the debates on stem cell and abortion.
Session 3 (Feb. 11) – Politics of Stem Cell Research
1) Solo and Pressberg’s Ch. 2-3 (Page
15-41)
** Topic 1 – How do supporters or opponents of embryonic stem cell research play
political arena?
** Topic 2 – Do you agree or
disagree with granting federal funding to human embryonic stem cell research?
Why?
**
Topic 3 – Can we say stem cell debate presents new politics? Why?
Session
4 (Feb. 25) – Stem
Cell Research and Religion
1) Solo and Pressberg’s Ch. 6 (Page 71-84)
2) Walter, LeRoy. 2004. “Human Embryonic Stem
Cell Research: An Intercultural Pespective.” Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal Vol.14. No. 1. pp. 3-38
(Page 4-5 and 20-34 only)
**
Topic 1 – Does religious tradition matter in stem cell debate?
**
Topic 2 - How differently do each religious group respond to stem cell
research?
** Topic 3 – Why do some countries
that share same religion establish different stem cell policy (i.e. the
Session 5 (Mar. 17) – State Policies Regarding
Stem Cell Research
1) Solo and Pressberg’s Ch. 7 (Page 85-100)
2)
Levin, Aaron. 2006. “The Rise of State-Sponsored Stem
Cell Research in the
**
Topic 1 – What makes some states move forward to fund stem cell research?
** Topic 2 - Why could some states grant funding to stem
cell research while others could
not?
** Topic 3 – How would different stem
cell policies at state level affect
researchers and the public?
Session 6 (Mar. 31) – Global Competition
in Stem Cell Research
1) Solo and Pressberg’s Ch. 8 (Page 101-110)
2) Banchoff, Thomas.
2005. “Path Dependence and Value-Driven Issues: The Comparative Politics of
Stem Cell Research.” World Politics 57. pp. 200-230 (Page
200-211 only)
** Topic 1 – Why do some countries establish supportive policies while
others do not?
** Topic 2 – What kind of
impact will Bush’s restrictive policy bring to the
**
Topic 3 – Why does achieving competitiveness matter in stem cell research?
April
14 – Final Essay is due by 4 p.m.