No Class: March 3

“Social diseases” have exacted a large toll on humanity, both at the individual as well as the population levels. They have affected many notable people over the centuries and have affected our history in many ways. These diseases have been particularly difficult to prevent and control because of the political, social and behavioral stigmas associated with them. Perhaps the fact that the name for these diseases, such as social diseases, VD, STD, and STI, continues to evolve is indicative of our changing attitudes and understanding of these diseases. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with this set of diseases that are spread through sexual contact. Background information will be provided on the clinical aspects of the diseases, as well as their epidemiologies. We will then examine and discuss the social history of some of these diseases, including their historical, health, and economic impacts. We will also examine how these diseases have been depicted in the arts.