Beyond Race: Human Biological Diversity, Presson Joelle C.

Beyond Race: Human Biological Diversity answers these questions and provides the most recent scientific studies on human genetic groups and on the origins of the human family tree. Beyond Race allows students to view humanity through the lens of modern biology and re-evaluate societys traditional ideas about human races. Exciting new findings about human evolution are presented along with DNA analyses that have revised our understanding of human history. In this context the reader will reflect on race and how racial distinctions have influenced societys attitude to and treatment of different groups of people.

Beyond Race begins with discussions of the concepts that are the foundation of biology. These foundations provide the basic biological context that is essential to a genuine understanding of the current revolution in the study of human relationships. Coverage of Darwins principles, evolution, biological classification, the emergence of life from chemistry, cell reproduction, and genetics lead to a sophisticated appreciation of DNA lineages. The reader will find all of this invaluable in navigating the modern world of genetic and ancestry testing. The study of genomics also is central to understanding human biological diversity and is woven into the content.

As a result of this comprehensive and integrated coverage, students will learn that the separation of humans into races is not biologically valid and that the idea of race can now be replaced with the concept of a more accurately detailed human family tree. The primary goal of Beyond Race is not to give students simple answers to complex questions concerning race, but rather to enable them to draw their own conclusions about the value of continuing to use races as labels for human beings.

Sections entitled Threads... begin each chapter and demonstrate the clear, vital, critically important connections between the science studied in the classroom and life on a broader stage. Of special note are the Now You Can Understand, What Do You Think?, and Chapter Review sections that conclude each chapter. These offer opportunities for reflection and synthesis, reinforce important ideas and concepts, and enhance student retention of the material.

Beyond Race is designed for use in courses on Human Biology and Genetics.

Joelle Presson earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of South Florida and her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Oregon. Currently she teaches at the University of Maryland, where she focuses on teaching biology to non-majors. In addition to teaching, Dr. Presson serves as the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Academic Programs in the College of Chemical and Life Sciences, working to develop the curriculum within Biology, as well as across other disciplines.