Get an in-depth look at how ancestry DNA kits have been used to change our perspective of lineage, human migration, and ancestry. If you've considered one of those DNA kits, here's a spoiler alert: Regardless of race or background every human on Earth is 99.9% the same. Join us for an eye-opening journey into … you.
Wondrium Pilots: Identity in the Age of Ancestral DNA
If you've considered one of those DNA kits, here's a spoiler alert: Regardless of race or background every human on Earth is 99.9% the same. Join us for an eye-opening journey into … you.
Rated 3 out of
5
by
cpr_morcal from
Narrow Focus
Although the presenter was engaging and the information interesting, it focused only on race and geography. On the individual cases, I agree with another commenter that the quoted results generally lacked usefulness, except potentially to disrupt some biases.
What I missed was any mention of ownership and use of health information gathered as part of these analyses, whether or not the person paying for the service requested health as well as ancestry information. We all know that any information can be compromised despite any assurances to the contrary. The potential to use personal health info to discriminate in areas of employment and insurance exists, as well as other possible nefarious schemes.
I think some discussion related to these and other risks associated with interpretation of the health information should be included or at least mentioned to assist the viewer in making a decision about getting an ancestry test
Date published: 2022-03-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
cat444 from
Engaging Speaker
I found Dr. Foeman to be a very engaging speaker. It's obvious she has a real passion for the subject matter. DNA testing to determine genetic history/makeup is interesting, and I'm sure a lot of us would find some surprises in our backgrounds, which makes for a more diverse family tree.
Date published: 2022-01-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
bbright49 from
Fascinating
This would make a great pilot. I had a few surprises in my own DNA test that I was very happy with, and a little surprised about. Would really like to see a full course with this wonderful presenter!
Date published: 2021-08-06
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Nicholas87 from
Lukewarm
I'm encouraged by the subject matter brought up in the pilot, especially with relation to ones relationship between genetic legacy and cultural identity. However, the presenter's use of "trendy" terms such as Latinx make me a bit leery as to how these subject will be handled in longer form. Less than ~3% of Latino's identify as such, which can indicate future discussions on groups will come from a similar narrow cultural perspective.
Date published: 2021-04-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
LauraKH from
Potential to be a fascinating full-length course!
I certainly hope that you develop this into a full-length course. I'd like to see more on genetics, and perhaps also genealogy.
Date published: 2021-04-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
whgeorge from
Well done. We are all brothers and sisters and children of God.
Date published: 2021-01-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
petrarch from
Identity Ancestral DNA
This is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in genealogy through the use of DNA. I hope the Great Courses continue publishing information on the how-to's of tracing one's ancestors through this marvelous technology.
Date published: 2020-10-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
slcleary from
Great Presenter and Interesting Material
Dr. Foeman was an excellent presenter. She presented the material in such an engaging manner that led me to want more when the lecture ended. I learned some insights into ancestry and identity that I had not encountered before.
Date published: 2020-10-15
Overview
About
Anita Foeman is a Professor of Communication and Media at West Chester University. She received her PhD in Communication Studies from Temple University.
Anita’s scholarly work explores diversity in different facets of society, and she has 30 years of experience in diversity and leadership consulting for educational, government, and private agencies. Her research examines identity based on new ancestry DNA data, with findings and advice gathered in a book cowritten with Bessie Lee Lawton titled Who Am I? Identity in the Age of Consumer DNA Testing. She has also been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Here & Now on NPR, BBC Newshour, National Geographic magazine, National Geographic Explorer, and NOVA.
01: Identity in the Age of Ancestral DNA
Twenty years ago, the first draft of the full human genome map was completed, and consumer-based ancestry DNA kits started to get popular. Join Professor Anita Foeman to look at how—and if—these kits work, what the results mean, and the ways people have changed how they think about lineage, race, and ancestry.
29 min
