PED-118: Biotechnology in the Global Economy

Semester: Not Offered

Credit: 1.0

Faculty: Calestous Juma

Schedule

Day Time Location
First Day
Meet Day
Review

Description

This course examines the implications of the introduction of genetic modification in agriculture, pharmaceutical research, and environmental management. It focuses on the interactions between technological innovation and institutional adjustment, with emphasis on global institutional arrangements. While biotechnology is seen by some as an important source of economic productivity and global competitiveness, others point to the potential risks that genetic modification poses to human health and the environment. Divergent perceptions on these issues and lack of trust in regulatory institutions in some countries have resulted in major policy debates worldwide over the safety of biotechnology products. The seminar examines these issues, using case studies from contemporary debates on the subject, and reviews the policy options identified to address the challenges. It locates the policy discourse on biotechnology in the broader framework of the relationship between science, technology, and globalization. Students will be graded on a combination of class participation, a policy memo, and a final paper.

Not offered in 2007–08.