Why study Representations of HIV/AIDS? What is our course philosophy?

This class engages students in a transdisciplinary conversation about representations of HIV/AIDS: in scientific articles, journalism, visual art, literature, drama, and popular culture. You will join us in studying widely varying representations of HIV/AIDS from the perspective of the kinds of academics we are: a literary critic and a scientist. We believe that scientists and literary/cultural critics can learn valuable lessons from one another, even as they create their own responses to HIV/AIDS. Today, over 30 years since the first scientific reports of HIV/AIDS, the pandemic remains a major health concern throughout the world. But, rays of hope have led to speculation that an AIDS-free generation may be possible. In such a timely moment, it is essential for us to connect across the "two cultures" as we consider the social and scientific implications of HIV/AIDS.