From cholera to Aids: the history of infections diseases in Europe, 1800-2000
HSTM20031 (10-credit); HSTM20081 (20-credit)
Semester One, Mondays, 14.00-16.00
Contact: Dr Elizabeth Toon
Aims
This course develops understanding of the historical links between epidemic diseases, cultures of health and healing, and the emergence of modern medicine and science. Students will examine case studies of important disease outbreaks in history, using a range of primary sources as well as secondary literature from history as well as other social scientific disciplines. By locating epidemic outbreaks within their wider historical contexts, the course integrates histories of medicine, biology, disease ecology and society.
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Understand the complex historical relations between epidemic disease outbreaks and the particular cultural, social and political context
- Apply a disease-led approach to the history of medicine and microbiology
- Analyse the history of health and disease using quantitative and qualitative material
Lecture Content
Lectures form a connected series of explorations across the history of epidemics and follow the case study principle.
- Cholera I: pandemics in Europe (1800-1900)
- Cholera II: Miasmas, germs and public health
- Tuberculosis I: Campaigns, treatments and experiences (1875-1939)
- Tuberculosis II: Antibiotics, clinical trials and global dimensions (1945-2000)
- Immunization I: Smallpox to diphtheria (1750-1950)
- Immunization II: Polio, MMR, HPV (1945-2010)
- Nosocomial Infections I: Hospitals, communities and cleanliness (1800-1950)
- Nosocomial Infections II: MRSA and infection control (1948-2000)
- HIV/AIDS I: Western case studies (1980-2000)
- HIV/AIDS II: Global health crisis
Seminar Content
Seminars consolidate lecture material through a set of weekly readings.
Assessment
10 credit unit (HSTM20031) - 1500 word essay (50%); 2 hour examination (50%)
20 credit unit (HSTM20081) - 1500 word essay (25%); 2 hour examination (25%); 3000 word project report (50%)
Feedback
Students may ask questions at any time during lectures and seminars. Teaching staff will answer specific queries by email and during office hours, and will provide contact details in the course handbook or at lectures. All submitted coursework will be returned with annotations and an assessment sheet explaining the mark awarded.
Prerequisites
None.
Recommended Reading
- Hamlin, Christopher, Cholera: The Biography, Oxford 2009 (required)
- Farmer, Paul, Infections and Inequalities. The Modern Plagues, London 1999 (background)
- Berridge, Virginia (ed.), Aids and Contemporary History, Cambridge 1993. (portions required)
A recent copy of the course outline is available to view (pdf). Please note that course content may change in the next academic year.