Continuing Education Course Finder: ANTSG01-1a

Plagues and Pandemics: Past, Present and Future (ANTSG01-1a)

Status: Closed

Fee: $140.00

Timing: 10 sessions from October 7, 2009 - December 16, 2009 on Wednesdays, 1:30pm - 3:30pm No class November 25

Course Description: This course will examine the ways the great epidemics of the past influenced religion, politics, class, and scientific discoveries. We will talk about how the infectious diseases of the present are shaping nations and perpetuating inequalities and prejudices. Then, we will look at the possibility/probability of future pandemics, either caused by nature or brought about by mankind.

Beginning with the plagues of the ancient world, including those mentioned in the Bible, we will move to a historic look at the Black Death and its role in European history. Next, we will consider the epidemics the explorers of the New World spread, as well as some of the diseases they acquired from native people.

Smallpox, tuberculosis, and other former killer diseases now controlled in most of the world by inoculation will also be included. Are these illnesses truly in the past?

Moving to modern times, we’ll look at influenza, AIDS, Ebola, SARS, and the prevalence of diseases spread by insects and by poor sanitation.

Finally, we will assume the worst: the effect on the world as we know it by massive outbreaks of drug-resistant disease or biological warfare/terrorism.

Text: A list of suggested readings will be included with the syllabus.

Format: Presentations by class members, with discussion.

Instructor(s): Barbara Dickinson

Instructor(s) Bio: