Teaching Materials and Syllabi

AAAG members have contributed syllabi and teaching materials that are available for community use and support teaching in genetics, anthropology, and related fields. 

Genetics Resource List

Since the discovery of the structure of DNA nearly 70 years ago, genetics has garnered significant attention across a wide range of academic fields and has captured the imagination of the media and the public. Advances in genetics and genomics have had wide-reaching implications for disciplines such as anthropology, biology, medicine, history, agronomy, and criminal justice, and now also have commercial applications.

As a result, the ways people encounter and engage with their identity, health, and reproduction have changed dramatically. As collective knowledge about genetics expands, so does the potential for misuse of this information and its capacity to cause harm to people and other living beings. In response to the rapid growth of genetic knowledge, increasing accessibility of genetic information, and the dangers of misinformation, AAAG recognized the need for a reputable source of high-quality information about the scientific and social implications of genetics. This resource list was created to inform readers about contemporary genetics and to reduce the potential for misinterpretation of genetic information.

This resource list contains materials related to recent studies across a variety of topics in genetics and genomics. Each resource has been systematically reviewed and curated by elected members of AAAG based on the quality and credibility of the material presented. While most resources are peer-reviewed research, any resources that are not peer-reviewed are clearly labeled as such.

Although widely cited publications may be included, the list also explicitly incorporates work from researchers from marginalized communities and perspectives in order to remain as inclusive as possible. While this list is not exhaustive, it represents a carefully vetted selection of research that conveys reliable information. Although work by AAAG members may appear in this list, the goal of this resource is not to promote specific researchers but to assist anyone seeking credible information about contemporary genetic and genomic research.

These materials may be useful for students, the general public, academics, journalists, and professionals interested in identifying reliable sources on genetics.

This resource list is organized alphabetically by subject matter and is periodically updated by members of the AAAG Outreach and Education Committees. Suggestions for additions may be emailed to the current Chairs of the Outreach Committee and the Education Committee.

Click the links below to explore each section:

1. Race, Ancestry, and Genetics : This section includes news articles, peer-reviewed scientific articles, podcasts, and educational materials related to genetic variation, race, identity, and ancestry. It highlights how these concepts are intertwined and explores their limitations and nuances. It also includes literature that critically examines how pseudoscientific discourse has appropriated and misused genetic ancestry.
2. Ethics : These resources focus on ethical considerations in research, including sampling, capacity building, community engagement, extractive research practices, and IRB review. Materials also address ethical implications for research involving ancient DNA, sediment DNA, archaeogenetics, and nonhuman primates.
3. Genetics and Education : This section presents pedagogical resources for teaching human genetics and related topics such as genetic ancestry. Materials aim to improve education at multiple levels and prevent misuse of genetic concepts. Resources also address teaching about the history of eugenics and promoting inclusive and decolonial academic spaces.
4. Genetics and Human Sex, Gender, and Sexuality : This section highlights materials exploring relationships between genetic variation and gender, sexuality, and sexual diversity. Resources examine essentialist interpretations of biology while also addressing the limitations of such perspectives.
5. History of Genetics and Eugenics : These materials critically examine the historical relationship between genetics and the eugenics movement. Understanding this history helps promote inclusivity and prevents repeating harmful mistakes from the past.
6. Genetics, IQ, and Cognitive Ability : This section discusses literature on genetic variation and cognitive ability or educational attainment. It focuses primarily on resources that explain the limitations and challenges of interpreting these studies.
7. Privacy Concerns: Resources discussing privacy risks associated with sharing genetic and phenotypic data. Topics include law enforcement use of genetic databases, genetic genealogy, health insurance implications, data re-identification, and interpretation of genetic testing results.
8. Interpreting GWAS and Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS/PGS): This section provides resources explaining genome-wide association studies, polygenic scores, and the interpretation and limitations of these analyses. It also highlights literature critically assessing misuse of PRS results.
9. Other Topics : Additional resources relevant to genetics, ancestry, and race that originate outside anthropological genetics or genomics literature. These materials draw from multiple disciplines to provide broader perspectives on genetics and society.