Disease, History and Society

(Cross-listed w/ HIST 38 & STS 34) Social history of disease outbreaks, from the 18th century to the present: why societies are often unprepared to cope with them, how and why governments and populations respond as they do. Examines social fault lines that disease tends to follow and exacerbate. Situates local outbreaks in comparative-historical and global context, tracing changes in scientific knowledge, as well as measures to contain the “same” disease in different times and nations. Introduction to research methods including archival research; locating and analyzing primary sources such as diaries, letters and government documents; and oral histories.