The Literature of Plagues
Schedule: Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 28 and November 4, 2009; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Trilogy at Redmond Ridge, Redmond (see maps)
Reg. # 105361

Course Description
This course focuses on the cultural construct of plagues as illustrated by contemporaneous literature-from Biblical times to the present. We will define and redefine the meaning of the term "plague" as history and science mold it and as those affected perceive it. The learner's task will be to study the literature carefully, first as literature and than as cultural artifact and to continue to ask him or herself; how do individuals and societies react to the assault of an epidemic disaster and what can we do, in 2009, take from this body of works to help us consider future threats of biological epidemics?

Instructor

Janice Willms
Instructor in English at Southern Oregon Community College, Willms began her professional career as a physician. While teaching at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine she became interested in the possibility of introducing the humanities into medical education. She earned her PhD in English and was tapped to head the newly founded Institute of Medicine and Humanities at St. Patrick Hospital and the University of Montana. From Missoula she traveled to the University of California at Santa Barbara to establish a curriculum in medical humanities in the College of Creative Studies. She retired to the Oregon Coast in 2002, and while still teaching literature, she "specializes" in beach walking, hiking, and whale watching.