This course challenges the normative assumptions made about our genetic make up and and our environment by exploring the field of epigenetics using a social justice framework. Course sessions and assignments retrace the experiments that led to the discovery of genes and their inheritance patterns, review molecular analyses to understand the functional products of genes, reveal how the acquisition and accumulation of mutations along with sexual reproduction lead to genetic diversity, and examine how behavioral and physical diversity can be influenced by the natural, built, and social environment. Course resources include texts, videos, and animations depicting molecular DNA techniques and processes specific to biology. Assignments include essays, genetics problems, an independent semester research project, and exams. Prerequisite for many biology intermediate level courses. This course is required for the Interdisciplinary Science Major, satisfies the foundation requirement for the Interdisciplinary Science Minor, satisfies the elective Gender Studies Minor, Civic Engagement Minor, and the "subject by subject" course requirement for Journalism + Design Major. This course is offered every spring.