Epidemics: Plagues, Peoples and Politics (CH-0108)

Spring 2026 · CH 0108 · Tufts University · 4 credits · Undergraduate

Origins and evolution of epidemics, rooted in biology, social organization, culture, and political economy. Societies' efforts to contain diseases with a global reach, their effects on world history, their record in literature and art. Cases from early plagues (syphilis, smallpox, bubonic plague), the recurrent threats of influenza, malaria, and tuberculosis, 19th century famines and cholera, to AIDS, emergent diseases like SARS, Ebola and the "epidemics" of globalization spawned by changes in work, living conditions, and the environment.

Course codes: CH-0108, CH 0108, CH0108, CH-108, CH 108, CH108, SOC-0108, SOC 0108, SOC0108, SOC-108, SOC 108, SOC108, STS-0108, STS 0108, STS0108, STS-108, STS 108, STS108

• 01-LEC (Lecture) — Rosemary Taylor