Biolegality: Human Bodies and the LawSemester Course

This research course takes its point of departure from the intersection between bioethics, law, sociology, and social policy. You will be introduced to the legal and ethical frameworks that govern the human body, as well as the current controversies in biopolitics. Discussion topics range from reproductive technologies and organ transplantation to forensic medicine and crime. The course aims to promote dialogue and collaboration by bringing together students and instructors from different academic backgrounds. The course is divided into three modules: concepts and theories, methods and ethics, and research. The first module covers the central conceptual and theoretical frameworks of biolegality. You will then take your foundational understanding and explore various methodological approaches to studying the social problems that interest you the most, while also learning about the importance of ethical considerations in science. The final module is dedicated to individual and group work, where you will develop a research plan and carry out your own study, which will be presented at the end-of-semester research symposium.