Recent developments in genetic research, particularly those involving the potential cloning of humans, raise profound and distinctive moral and political questions. This tutorial proposes to engage both kinds of questions. Morally, we will consider how to think about the consequences of genetic research, the extent to which scientists should have considerable autonomy in these matters, the difficulty of making decisions about the costs and benefits of genetic engineering when both are unknown, and the implications of trying to decide questions of the definition and limits of human life in the absence of widely agreed ethical standards. Do issues raised by genetic research require the government to regulate science and, if so, how extensively and on what basis? Politically, this tutorial will consider some of the factors that underpin and influence the moral decisions. How does American politics typically deal with issues of "slippery slopes," where most of the public wants the benefits provided by a certain endeavor yet deeply fears some of the eventual outcomes? And how, in the particular case of genetic engineering, is public opinion and public policy being influenced by the biotechnology industry? To those ends, we will consider the sources of public opinion and examine the interests and influence of the biotechnology industry in the United States. Finally, we will consider whether these issues can be addressed adequately by any nation state. Does the fact of globalization obstruct governments from regulating the conduct and application of objectionable research, providing markets for the outcome of the research can be found? Format: tutorial/discussion. Requirements: Each student will write five, 5- to 7-page papers; discussion and comments on papers of other students. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 10 (expected: 10). Sophomores from all backgrounds welcome. This course is writing intensive. American Politics and Political Theory Subfields