Time Schedule:
Amy Absher
HIST 200
Seattle Campus
Offers introduction to history by examining ten events of great importance for both past and present. The ten events, which vary from quarter to quarter, come from diverse times and places, thereby encouraging a sweeping view of world history. (See department advisor for the current quarterly list of the ten events.)
Class description
BRING OUT YOUR DEAD: PLAGUES AND PEOPLES
The focus of this course will be the history of humanity’s encounters with infectious diseases and the far-reaching social consequences of plagues.
The list of possible plagues to be considered includes: Athenian Plague, Black Death, Smallpox, Syphilis, Tuberculosis, Cholera, Polio, the Chinatown Plagues, 1918 Influenza, and HIV/AIDS.
Student learning goals
• To acquire the skills of a historian in terms of critical/creative thinking
• To analyze and assess historical sources through writing assignments.
General method of instruction
Lecture, course readings, and writing assignments.
Recommended preparation
More important than knowledge of world history is the desire to attend and be prepared for classes. Students should understand that their preparation for class will influence their learning as well as the learning of others.
Class assignments and grading
The course assignments consist of primary source analysis papers; discussions; reading assignments; and exams. Readings will be on library electronic reserve. Students should be prepared to print out the readings and bring them to class.
