Stem Cells Across The Curriculum

This module highlights the important role that cultural and religious systems play in framing the ethical and social questions surrounding stem cell research (SCR) and policy. Because we live in pluralistic societies, policies regarding which sources of stem cells are considered acceptable in promoting the public good are informed by diverse stakeholders with differing value systems. The module uses a 7E- Learning Cycle (elicit, engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate, extend). Learning Activity 1 involves reflecting upon the kinds of language and concepts individuals use when engaging in potentially contentious issues associated with SCR and highlights how assumptions are made about shared definitions and values. Learning Activity 2, emphasizes analytical skills through an exploration of conversations emerging within the secular/religion divide that dominates US policy deliberation regarding cloning research, the creation of animal-human hybrids, and the marketing of bodily goods. After discussing these issues in general terms, Learning Activity 3 turns to their application in the establishment and working of ethics advisory committees at the federal and state levels through an examination of the acts that create these bodies and the sorts of deliberative work that they do. Collectively, the Learning Activities highlight the challenges associated with policy making in pluralistic societies. The module tackles these questions: What kinds of approaches are available in trying to understand religious and cultural pluralism across nations? Do individuals within a given religious or cultural community necessarily share the same attitudes and opinions concerning human embryonic SCR (hESCR)? How are ethics committees established, and who is represented? What is the role of an ethics advisory committee in public debate about critical bioethical issues like hESCR? In the context of biomedical and bioethics standard practice, some claim that hESCR suffers from exceptionalism- what are some arguments that challenge that approach? How can systemic policy changes address concerns regarding community participation and biomedical trust? Please see our Permissions Page if you intend to use this curriculum and should you like to adapt or customize the assignments please email chamanyk@newschool.edu for a Word formatted file.

The Essential Resources, Learning Activities, and Teaching Notes for this module were updated in Aug 2017.