First-Year Seminars 110NC - Identity, Science, and the Politics of Difference

What is an identity? Who gets to declare its "truth?" What role do science and social movements play in categorizing human beings? How has the notion of difference structured our modern political world? In pursuit of answers to these questions, we will explore the twists and turns of history that led us from oppressive race-based scientific ideas of the past century to today's celebration of "born this way" queer identities. We will also consider the role that ideas about "doubt" and "scientific uncertainty" play in conflicts over identity today. In all, we will interrogate the ethics of theories of difference as well as their impact on citizenship and equal rights.

Mount Holyoke first-year students only, by placement.