Details from the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 or the quarantines during the bubonic plague sound familiar today. In our second episode, we talk to historians about how past societies dealt with disease, and what happened when a new understanding of germs revolutionized our approach but led us to overlook the larger picture of health. A legal historian explains why the U.S. pandemic repose was state-centered. And an English professor looks at the AIDS epidemic, and reflects on the human right to mourn.

Guests:

David Barnes, Associate Professor of History and Sociology of Science

Sarah Barringer Gordon, Arlin M. Adams Professor of Constitutional Law and Professor of History

Alexander Chase-Levenson, Assistant Professor of History

Dagmawi Woubshet, Ahuja Family Presidential Associate Professor of English

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Produced by Susan Ahlborn

Narrated and edited by Alex Schein

Interviews by Susan Ahlborn and Jane Carroll

Theme music by Nicholas Escobar, C'18

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

Illustration by Nick Matej

Logo by Drew Nealis

In These Times is a production of Penn Arts & Sciences. Visit our series website to learn more and listen to the first season of In These Times. 

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