Description: Seminar, four hours. Designed for College Honors students. Study of intersection of science and society by examination of historical examples of ways in which health activists have contributed to moving specific health challenges into forefront of both public discourse and biomedical research. Some scientists argue that surest route to cures and health is through curiosity-driven science supplemented by serendipity, followed by integration of new knowledge into practical therapies. Others argue that extra scientific passion, financial incentives, social and political organization, and strategic planning may be more important. Research of one disease-related or health-related campaign in depth. Topics include autism, AIDS, cancer, politics of disability, economics of drug development, DNA sequencing, aging, and future roles of health advocates. P/NP or letter grading.

Units: 0.0