The Houston-based private institution marketed the course as “the study of Black-life matter,” a play on words combining scientific terminology with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Sunday, November 3, 2024
The Houston-based private institution marketed the course as “the study of Black-life matter,” a play on words combining scientific terminology with the Black Lives Matter movement.
The description notes that no prior chemistry or African-American studies knowledge is required, and students will not have to complete a final exam.
Online commentators from the Wall Street Journal are among those who called the course the latest instance of questionable college classes combining science with identity politics. However, one noted that Johnson is an ideal candidate to teach how racial bias influences chemistry research.
Academics questioned whether the focus of the course would be on scientific investigation, racial politics in the area of chemistry, or a combination of both.
The Daily Mail reported that some scholars were concerned identity politics would dilute the study of science, but others speculated it could be helpful to encourage Black students to learn chemistry.
“While the title of the course is a bit wince-inducing, I don’t think the course will necessarily be a bad thing,” someone wrote in an online forum. “I can imagine there being a number of legitimate scientific issues that might especially impact African-Americans and their environments.”
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