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March 3, 2008Vanderbilt Class Explores Genetic Link to Voters' Behavior |
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From Ascribe Newsfeed: A quirky new Vanderbilt University course blends politics and biological science to explore the effect of genetic make-up on political choices. Distinguished Professor of Political Science John Geer and David Bader, a professor of medicine and cell and developmental biology, are co-teaching Genetics and Politics this spring. "A series of papers and books suggests there is a potential connection, and we are excited to look at this emerging field of study with our students," said Geer, who teaches and writes about campaigns, elections, public opinion and the presidency. "Some research suggests that your partisanship - whether you tend to support the Republican or Democratic Party - is a product of how you were raised," Geer said. "However, your ideological bent toward conservatism or liberalism could have a genetic component." Topics being covered include how politics influences science, such as funding for stem cell research, and the continuing debate over teaching evolution versus creationism in the schools. She talked with students about the media's coverage of science news and how she chooses what stories to cover. His friendship with Bader makes the class fun as well, with the professors playing off each other's areas of expertise. For more information on "Genetics and Politics," contact John Geer at john.g.geer@vanderbilt.edu. Vanderbilt University is a private research university of more than 6,500 undergraduates and 5,300 graduate and professional students. We provide direct, immediate access to mainstream national media for 600 colleges, universities, medical centers, public-policy groups and other leading nonprofit organizations.
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