We are in the midst of an alarming pandemic. It is unlike anything we have ever experienced.
Covid-19 is a novel viral disease, spreads widely in the community, causes frightening
symptoms and has mounted a disturbing death toll. Meanwhile, government officials downplay
its significance while blaming foreign countries for its perpetration. We adhere resignedly to
restrictive population measures, including our own remote learning experience, that deprive us of
social interaction, cultural fulfillment, and intellectual vigor. Our behavior is divided—some
complacent citizens mistrust scientists and perceive their recommendations as a threat to their
personal liberties, whereas others anguish at the thought that they or their loved ones are
vulnerable. We are unsettled by the uncertainty of the pandemic’s trajectory and are frustrated by
the lack an effective vaccine or therapy. We remain confident that biomedicine will at some
point deliver potent remedies and preventives, but after what cost to society, our economy and
livelihood? Covid-19 is unprecedented in our lifetime.
In this course, we look to the past to find deep historical analogues for today’s pandemic.
Students will explore leprosy and Black Death in medieval times, syphilis from 1492 to today,
1918 Influenza, AIDS in contemporary society, and today’s emerging epidemics, including
multidrug resistant microbes (e.g., “superbugs”), Zika, and Ebola in the DRC. Students will learn
to recognize recurring themes that are applicable today—the trope of fear, blaming of the
outsider, the growing confidence as well as skepticism that scientific medical experts can handle
epidemic threats, and the tensions that develop between public health recommendations and
personal liberties. Studying these past epidemics at key historic moments will provide students
with insight into the social, economic and cultural impact of each disease. It will also give them
perspective, consolation, and possibly direction as they live through Covid-19 today.
Course Requirements:
Readings will stress primary source materials. There will be a midterm and final exam, along with one independent research paper.
Intended Audience:
The intended audience will be undergraduates from freshman to seniors.