“Racial capitalism” refers to the fact that to generate profits, capitalism exploits – and in turn produces – differences among peoples. Not just differences in “race” but also gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, and physical abilities, among many other distinctions that can be used to create hierarchies of human worth and disposability.

In this seminar, we will study the roles that science plays in racial capitalism. We will explore how scientific work facilitates the differentiation of people into groups in order to control human reproduction and social life – as part of the quest for wealth accumulation.

We will draw examples from several scientific fields, such as biology and psychology, but pay special attention to the roles that statistics and computation play in manufacturing and exploiting difference. Throughout the course, we will look for moments of rebellion against racial capitalism and mainstream scientific practice, and the possibility of alternatives.

We will discuss topics such as eugenics, intelligence testing, racialized medicine, and reproductive technologies. And we will strive to situate scientific theories and practices within the broad agendas of institutions such as the state, the academy, the prison, and the hospital.

*Registration Note*

FYS is reserved for first-year students, any students who are not Y1 students will not be permitted to register. Additionally, seats for FYS are not all released at once - they are released in batches. Please continue to monitor Wolverine Access to view seat openings.