Genetics in Film: Frankenstein to Jurassic Park
Instructor: Leslie Lyons, Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine
Description: While you were watching the “X-Files”, did you ever wonder if they could really do that? Do you wonder how much of “Jurassic Park” is true? And what is the real deal with cloning? Do you catch all the references made in “South Park” and “The Simpsons?” This course will address how film and television present genetics and molecular biology to the lay audience. Both classic films and television episodes will be analyzed to find the “truth” behind the presented stories. Students will view films and television episodes, read a book version of one of the films and learn to critically analyze the science in the stories. Students will develop a sense of why science is distorted in order to make the headlines. This seminar is for any science or non-science major and a science background is NOT a pre-requisite. Course objectives are: Closer interactions between students and instructors; How does advertisement influence judgment?; Appreciate good films; Read a good novel; and Clarify the role of genetics in society
Format: The seminar will meet for approximately 2 – 2.5 hours each week for nine weeks. The time will be divided between media presentations and discussions. Full-length films and television episodes will be viewed. The class will discuss the presentations and critique the presentation of the science. Students will formalize a short critique written as based on these discussions. Students will have to read the novel “Jurassic Park” or “Frankenstein” and provide a short report on how the original novel is different from the film. There is no text for the course. Grading: Students will be required to prepare six short critiques (one page, double-spaced, 12 pt. Font) on each of the six films, to be handed in at the next session. These critiques will be based on the class discussion. A short book report will be due at the last session that compares the film’s novel with one of the films. Students select one novel: Frankenstein or Jurassic Park. Grading with not be based on grammar but on content. The course grade will be based on the quality of the critiques (1/4) presentations, the book review (1/4), and on the frequency and quality of their participation in class discussion (1/2). Students may miss one class, making up the class by viewing the film and meeting with the instructor.
About the Instructor: Leslie Lyons has a doctorate in genetics and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health & Reproduction in the School of Veterinary Medicine. Her research interests include the genetics and inherited diseases of cats and comparative genetics in cats, dogs, horses and primates. She has been interviewed by the press as part of her participation of the cloning of the domestic cat and has witnessed and been part of the production of several science programs for public and cable television. Dr. Lyons currently teaches a core course in veterinary genetics to the freshman veterinary students and is a member of the Genetics, Forensic Science and Comparative Pathology graduate groups.