Infectious Disease on the Run
This Praxis Lab examined the history, science, and ethical implications of pandemics, from the Black Plague to COVID-19. Students analyzed how diseases spread, the social and political responses to outbreaks, and the ethical considerations of public health interventions.
Through case studies, expert lectures, and interdisciplinary research, participants explored past pandemics like smallpox and syphilis, investigated modern public health challenges, and considered strategies for future disease prevention. The course also provided a foundation in ethical theory, guiding discussions on the intersection of science, policy, and human rights in pandemic response.
Instructors:
Margaret P. Battin, PhD
Wendy Hobson-Rohrer, MD
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