This special topics course will explore the social, environmental, and community impacts of communicable disease. Significant pandemic, epidemic, and endemic diseases will be examined, in light of catastrophic outbreaks that have shaped the course of human history. Students will be exposed to the thrilling stories of many people who were involved with these events, as victims, investigators, and scientists. Weekly discussion will revolve around students perceptions of disease, the future of epidemiological studies, and specific questions about microbes and other disease agents.