COVID-19 and the History of Pandemics: Bubonic Plague

The Bubonic Plague, or “Black Death,” stands as one of the most catastrophic pandemics in recorded history, wiping out 25%-75% of populations in affected areas during the 14th century. This course examines the zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, detailing its origins in flea-ridden rats and its rapid spread across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Without modern science, people attributed the disease to "bad air," astrological misalignments, or divine punishment. Through this lens, you’ll explore how societal fears, religious fervor, and cultural misunderstandings shaped responses to the plague. This course delves into the factual history of the Black Death, and at the same time frames the crisis as a way of understanding how broader societies and cultures shift, survive, and evolve.

Learning Objectives

• Explore the origins, causes, and effects of the Bubonic Plague in the 14th and 15th centuries in Europe.
• Contextualize the pandemic within late medieval culture.

Prior Learning

This noncredit course is beginner-friendly, with no prior expertise required. However, to ensure success, students should:

• Be comfortable reading and understanding English, as all materials are provided in English.
• Have basic computer skills, including navigating the internet, downloading/uploading files, installing software, and using applications like Microsoft Word.

These foundational skills will help you engage fully with our primarily online courses.

About the Series

This is the second course of the COVID-19 and the History of Pandemics series. This series offers a deep dive into six pandemics that profoundly altered human history. This interdisciplinary exploration connects the dots between scientific advances, cultural shifts, and governmental policies, revealing how societies have historically confronted widespread disease. By enrolling in the entire series, you’ll gain a nuanced perspective on pandemics as recurring phenomena, equipping you with a broader understanding of how past events inform present and future challenges. Together, these courses reveal the resilience, ingenuity, and cautionary tales that pandemics bring to light.