In this course we will explore the impact of diseases, whether pandemic, epidemic, or endemic, on the course of World History in the premodern period. From ancient times to the dawn of the Industrial Revolution (and beyond), diseases and their results have been constant factors in shaping human history. Yet because they were so poorly documented, understanding precisely how diseases spread and impacted different societies—even being certain about just what diseases actually existed, and how many were really affected by their spread—has long posed historiographic challenges. Recent scientific advances have begun to transform our understanding of historical disease patterns, shedding new light on many old questions. Our main focal points will be the "Black Death" pandemic disaster of the fourteenth century; the discovery, treatment, and moralizing of endemic syphilis in early modern Europe; and the genocidal effects of smallpox epidemics in the context of North American colonialism. Other related topics may also be addressed according to student interest. 3 credit hours.
- Teacher: Robin Vose