We're excited to host the GRAD 202: Racism in Science course for all first-year basic sciences PhD students, offered by the Graduate Division Dean's Office.
Instructors
Aimee Medeiros, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
D'Anne Duncan, PhD
Assistant Dean for Learner Success
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Graduate Student Instructors
Victor Alcala-Kellogg, PSPG PhD Student
Miranda Cabanski-Dunning, Tetrad PhD Candidate
Geremy Lowe, History of Health Sciences PhD Candidate
Alexzandria Simon, History of Health Sciences PhD Candidate
Halle Young, Medical Anthropology PhD Student
Course Dates and Time
Fall 2024 | October 3rd/4th to December 5th/6th | 10 a.m. – Noon (Pacific Time)
| October 3/4 | In-person Lecture at Mission Bay |
| October 10/11 | In-person Lecture at Mission Bay |
| October 17/18 | Asynchronous Lecture |
| October 24/25 | Online Lecture |
| October 31/November 1 | Asynchronous Lecture |
| November 7/8 | In-person Lecture at Mission Bay |
| November 14/15 | Online Lecture |
| November 21/22 | Asynchronous Lecture |
| November 28/29 | HOLIDAY - NO CLASS |
| December 5/6 | In-person Lecture at Mission Bay |
Course Description
This introductory course provides the historical background of systemic racism in scientific research, with a particular emphasis on anti-Black racism. As Derek Bell reminds us, "discussions of injustices experienced by Black Americans frame and guide the needed work to end racial injustice for other groups” (Bell 1993). Grad 202 explores the relationship between notions of race and science and how scientific research has been informed by and perpetuates anti-Black racism. It also examines the impact of bias and a lack of diversity in science and ways in which to address these deficiencies.
Course Objectives
- Diagram the centrality of anti-black racism in scientific research
- Describe specific examples of racism in the history of science
- Distinguish how science naturalizes racial inequalities
- Execute the principles of social justice-oriented scientific research
- Devise actions to address bias and a lack of diversity in scientific research
Course Schedule
Week 1 – COURSE INTRODUCTION
Week 2 – KNOWLEDGE
Week 3 – CAMPUS CULTURE
Week 4 – RESEARCH & FUNDING
Week 5 – ACTIVISM & AI
Week 6 – MIDTERM PAUSE
Week 7 – GENETICS
Week 8 – REIMAGINING SCIENCE
Week 9 – HOLIDAY - NO CLASS
Week 10 – PROFESSIONALISM & MENTORSHIP