HIST 105-03, Disease and Epidemics in History. Fall 2008

Abstract

This course analyzes the influence of infectious disease on human history. Epidemics are causative (often caustic) agents in shaping society. Society‟s responses to disease reveal cultural values, social processes, political agendas, and evolving medical practices. Biological invasions of the body politic carry significant consequences on both a local and global scale. We will explore the interactions between humans and parasites, bugs, bacteria and viruses by focusing on a select group of diseases and epidemics. Our case studies will include the bubonic plague, small pox, tropical diseases, cholera, influenza, syphilis, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. The class meetings will be primarily discussion based on the assigned reading. On a few occasions we may use our time to watch films, go on field trips, or host guest lecturers.