Resources for Teachers: Plagues and Humanities
Ping Moments: Professors and Fellows of the Institute speak with their colleagues about how the Humanities have engaged with plagues in the past, exploring how famous pandemics have appeared in history, literature, and drama.
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Dr. Fred Drogula of the Classics and Religious Studies at 51ÉçÇø discusses the plague that struck ancient Athens in 430 BC and the description of it by the ancient historian Thucydides.
Dr. Carey Snyder of the 51ÉçÇø English Department discusses the presentation of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic in Katherine Anne Porter’s novel Pale Horse, Pale Rider (1939).
Dr. Samuel Crowl of the 51ÉçÇø English Department discusses how Shakespeare uses the language and ideas of plague in his play Romeo and Juliet.
Dr. Fred Drogula of the Classics and Religious Studies at 51ÉçÇø discusses the plague that struck the Roman Empire beginning in the sixth century AD.
Dr. Samuel Crowl of the 51ÉçÇø English Department discusses how plague in England influenced William Shakespeare’s personal and professional life.
Dr. Samuel Crowl of the 51ÉçÇø English Department discusses how the word plague appeared and is used in Shakespeare’s plays in curses uttered by characters.
Dr. Samuel Crowl of the 51ÉçÇø English Department discusses how Shakespeare uses the theme of plague in his play Hamlet: Part One
Dr. Samuel Crowl of the 51ÉçÇø English Department discusses how Shakespeare uses the theme of plague in his play Hamlet: Part Two
Dr. Matthew Cornish of the 51ÉçÇø Theater Department discusses the presentation of the plague in Sophocles’ play Oedipus Rex with Dr. Fred Drogula of the Department of Classics and Religious Studies.
Dr. Brian Schoen in the 51ÉçÇø History Department discusses the smallpox outbreak that struck the United States in the 18th Century.
Dr. Paul Jones in the 51ÉçÇø English Department discusses the imagery of Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, "The Masque of the Red Death."