IMMUNITY IN MEDIA, SCIENCE, AND CULTURE

Credit Hours: 3 · Undergraduate Upper-Level

This course examines immunity as both a medical and theoretical phenomenon. In a globalized world, immunity functions as an organizing principle for a range of different bodies: the national, the collective, and the individual. What are the consequences of immunity being such so central, both practically and ideologically, for these different bodies? To explore this question, we will consider immunity in a range of medical, literary, and film texts.Topics include the philosophy of immunity, study of contagion/epidemics/outbreaks, representations of failed immunity (including zombies and other post-apocalyptic texts), immunity and inequality in global health, and the relationship between immunity and national identity. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MDHM 201 Repeatable for Credit.