# HISTSCI 2440: Improving Humans: A History of Eugenics, Heredity, and Genetics in the United States Semester: Fall | Year offered: 2026 | Link: [Course Website](https://canvas.harvard.edu/courses/173254) With Professor Evelynn Hammonds on Tuesday at 9:00-11:45 am Eugenics was the idea that humans could be improved through selective breeding of populations. It emerged in the late 19th century and by the early decades of the 20th century it was a world-wide movement involving biologists, physicians, politicians and educators. Based on early genetic ideas about the inheritance of human qualities such as intelligence, social behaviors, and complex diseases, the movement led to many practices that targeted the poor, women, and racial minorities. We will explore the long history of eugenic ideas and practices in science and medicine in the United States. --- [### Evelynn Hammonds ](/people/evelynn-hammonds) [Evelynn\_Hammonds@harvard.edu](mailto:Evelynn_Hammonds@harvard.edu)Barbara Gutmann Rosenkrantz Professor of the History of Science Professor of African and African American Studies & Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, T. Chan School of Public Health Areas of Research: African & African-American Studies, History of Medicine, Science & Race, Science & Technology Studies, Women & Gender Studies Professor Hammonds is the Barbara Gutmann Rosenkrantz Professor of the History of Science and Professor of... ![Hammonds](/sites/g/files/omnuum9516/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/hos/files/new_2021_prof_hammonds_melissablackall_-16_03_1.jpg?itok=6P_Q8sUP)