2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

HNRS 240 Of Plagues & People: The History of Disease

Illness and disease have plagued humans since the beginning of our history. However, epidemics have always had consequences reaching far beyond the individual, leaving entire populations devastated in their wake. This class will introduce students to both biological and societal impacts of major pathogens throughout modern history, including cholera, influenza, and HIV. 

Credits

1

Offered

Spring, odd years

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Improved communication skills: writing clearly, reading intelligently, and analyzing critically
  2. A basic understanding of the various ways pathogens have infected/affected humans throughout history
  3. A thorough understanding of the importance of modern public health measures
  4. An appreciation of the historical scientific advances that have allowed for increased public health awareness