AIDS: Fear and Hope (Coursera)

AIDS: Fear and Hope (Coursera)

The basic biology of the virus, HIV, and the disease it causes, AIDS. The economic, social and political factors that determine who gets sick and who remains healthy, who lives and who dies. The progress of scientific research and medical treatments. The reasons for hope; the reasons for fear.

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Syllabus

WEEK 1
Beginnings: A New Disease Surprises The World
HIV Basics, Stigma, Three Books, Chimps to Humans, Some Memories

WEEK 2
Transmission, Gender, Politics
Transmission, Gender, More Memories

WEEK 3
Testing (and Some Politics and Memories)
The Critical Issue--Testing

WEEK 4
Living With HIV
Not a death sentence, but not easy; More Politics, Sexual Orientation

WEEK 5
Caring for Patients
Doctors, Medication, More Politics, More Memories

WEEK 6
Prevention, Art, Poetry

WEEK 7
Wrapping Up
Cure? Legal Issues, Cost, The Future, Acting Up

Suggested Readings:

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