Discussion Topic
Discussion Board Details:
This week you selected either Gattaca or Blade Runner to watch. Both science fiction movies focus on genetic engineering. In Blade Runner, replicants are genetically engineered slave labor. In Gattaca, it has become the norm to create genetically designed children that have superior genes compared to those born naturally (de-GENEerates). Discuss if the science fiction presented in these movies (engineering life) is plausible. How close are we to designing or engineering life? Take a stance on if scientists should continue to pursue the advancement of genetic engineering, de-extinction projects, and cloning. Support your position with examples from the movie (science fiction) as well as examples from the readings (science fact). When replying to your peers, provide counterarguments to the stance that your peers choose. For instance, if your peer stated that genetic engineering research with respect to humans should not be conducted, provide a reason or reasons why genetic engineering research should be conducted. Can We Engineer Life?
“The cloning of humans is on most of the lists of things to worry about from Science, along with behavior control, genetic engineering, transplanted heads, computer poetry, and the unrestrained growth of plastic flowers.” – Lewis Thomas, American Physician This week we’ll be exploring the topic of genetic engineering, cloning, and engineering life as we explore the scientific question: Can we engineer life? You will have the option to choose one of two movies to watch this week as we discuss genetic engineering. Gattaca (1997) depicts a future shaped by eugenics; children are created by genetic selection to guarantee they inherit the finest hereditary qualities from their parents.
Blade Runner (1982) is loosely based on the short story “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Phillip K. Dick. The story envisions a future in which genetic engineering has brought us artificial animals and androids. Overview
Objectives
Identify the current science related to engineering life. Debate the research and advancement of genetic engineering and cloning. Explain a real scientific principle related to the Martian. Provide constructive feedback to peers.
Web Link 1: https://content.bellevue.edu/cst/NS/105-ultra/wk-5-articulate/#/lessons/NGN_XGixm_XycSxva
Blade Runner or Gattaca
In order to complete your assignments for this week, you have the option to choose one of the two movies below by clicking on the link below and signing into Bellevue Digital Campus using your Blackboard username and password.
Choose only one of the movies below to watch this week.
Blade Runner (1982) is an American science-fiction film, directed by Ridley Scott, with a screenplay written by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples, loosely based on the short story “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick.
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Gattaca (1997) depicts a future shaped by eugenics; children are created by genetic selection to guarantee they inherit the finest hereditary qualities from their parents. Movie Link 1: https://digitalcampus-swankmp-net.ezproxy.bellevue.edu/bellevue267968/play/c9bd78e96d3a71e0?referrer=
Movie Link 2: https://digitalcampus-swankmp-net.ezproxy.bellevue.edu/bellevue267968/play/5713a9d670f65b26?referrer=direct