This course offers participants a multi-disciplinary perspective on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) -- its etiology, immunology, epidemiology and impact on individuals and society. How AIDS is framed by a society determines not only how sick persons are treated by the degree to which the rights of the individual are upheld

GOAL: To understand the complexity and multi-dimensionality of the evolving phenomenon known as AIDS as a paradigm for the relationship between disease, society and public policy.

COURSE OBJECTIVE: (See below for specific objectives for each class topic).

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify the syndrome of AIDS by describing the etiology, epidemiology, clinical disease manifestations and treatments.

2. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the syndrome by describing how society has framed this disease, the historical background, and the legal and ethical issues associated with it.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of disease implications for HIV-infected people, AIDS patients and their families by describing psychological considerations.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of disease implications for society, by describing infection control measures, contact tracing, education, economics, community resources, the stress of care-giving and prospects for the future.