HIST304

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HIST304

Disease and Epidemics in Historical Perspective HIST304 FA

Crosslistings: SISP304

Not Currently Offered

This seminar examines how concepts of diseases have changed over time in both the West and in some non-Western cultures and how several diseases in particular have reached epidemic proportions from ancient times to the present. These diseases will include smallpox, plague, cholera, tuberculosis, syphilis, and AIDS, among others. It will provide students with the conceptual tools necessary for the study of diseases and epidemics in history, drawing from modern medical science and epidemiology, as well as from a broad range of historical sources.

MAJOR READINGS

William McNeill, PLAGUES AND PEOPLES
Alfred Crosby, THE COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE
Mirko Grmek, History of AIDS
Ludwig Fleck, THE GENESIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF A SCIENTIFIC
FACT
Charles Rosenberg, THE CHOLERA YEARS
Allan Brandt, NO MAGIC BULLET
Laurie Garrett, THE COMING PLAGUE

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Five short papers (2-3 pp) and one term paper (14-17 pp); class attendance and participation are mandatory.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS HIST

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999

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