Our Genes/Our Choices Series: Fred Friendly Seminars at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism 2002
Highly Recommended
Distributed by Films Media Group, PO Box 2053, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by Liz Bernstein Norton (tapes 1 and 2); Mike DeWitt (tape
3)
Director n/a
VHS, color, 3 tapes, 57 min. each
College - Adult
Bioethics, Ethics, Genetics, Law, Health Sciences
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Zana Etter, Director, RWJ Medical School Media Library,
UMDNJ, Piscataway, New Jersey
- Tape 1: Who Gets to Know? Genetics and Privacy
- Tape 2: Making Better Babies: Genetics and Reproduction
- Tape 3: Genes on Trial: Genetics, Behavior, and the Law
Each tape begins with a brief introductory interview by an ABC
News journalist together with Eric Lander of MIT, sometimes using
animation to help the audience understand the topic. The program quickly
launches into a panel discussion moderated by Harvard Law School
professors (tape 1 and 3) or a news correspondent (tape 2), in front of a
live audience. Using hypothetical scenarios and role playing, the
facilitator leads panelists in a lively discussion on controversial topics
which highlight issues like consequences of genetic testing, legal
implications of scientific research, and patient confidentiality. The
panel of ten individuals include physicians, attorneys, researchers,
politicians, journalists, and community leaders. Several panelists and one
moderator have disabilities. The discussions move along at a fast pace,
and humor is sometimes used to lighten the mood while thought-provoking,
weighty issues are tossed back and forth. Technical quality is good, and
panelists' titles are shown as they talk, which helps identify the
speakers.
Recommended to supplement curriculums in
ethics, law or genetics courses, the
Our Genes/Our Choices Series would
enhance a public, academic, or medical library collection.
A video clip is available on the distributor's Web site.
