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Richard Meisler, Ph.D.

The basic biology of the virus, HIV, and the disease it causes, AIDS. The economic, social and political factors that determine who gets sick and who remains healthy, who lives and who dies. The progress of scientific research and medical treatments. The reasons for hope; the reasons for fear. (To get a glimpse of some of the materials that students have been posting on the course forums, go to @AIDSFAH or #AIDSFAH.)

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What's inside

Syllabus

Unit 1 - Beginnings: A New Disease Surprises The World
HIV Basics, Stigma, Three Books, Chimps to Humans, Some Memories
Unit 2 - Transmission, Gender, Politics
Read more
Transmission, Gender, More Memories
Unit 3 - Testing (and Some Politics and Memories)
The Critical Issue--Testing
Unit 4 - Living With HIV
Not a death sentence, but not easy; More Politics, Sexual Orientation
Unit 5 - Caring for Patients
Doctors, Medication, More Politics, More Memories
Unit 6 - Prevention, Art, Poetry
Unit 7 - Wrapping Up
Cure? Legal Issues, Cost, The Future, Acting Up

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers HIV basics, history and terminology, using the textbook "The Fire Next Time:" the first credible account of the origins, development, and impact of AIDS
Examines the economic, social, and political factors that determine who gets sick and who remains healthy, who lives, and who dies
Outlines the progress of scientific research and medical treatments and discusses the reasons for hope and fear
Taught by Richard Meisler, Ph.D., a prominent HIV/AIDS expert with extensive experience in the field
Emphasizes the importance of testing in HIV prevention and management
Provides insights into the experiences of people living with HIV, including their challenges and resilience

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Reviews summary

Aids: comprehensive understanding

Learners say this course offers a comprehensive approach to HIV and AIDS, covering its history, stigma, politics, and research. They found it engaging and highly informative.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in AIDS: Fear and Hope with these activities:
Organize and review course notes, assignments, and quizzes
Regularly reviewing your course materials will enhance your retention and understanding of the key concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Keep organized notes during lectures and readings
  • Review your notes after each class
  • Organize and file your assignments and quizzes
  • Periodically review your organized materials
Seek a mentor with expertise in HIV/AIDS
Connecting with an experienced professional in the field of HIV/AIDS will provide invaluable insights, guidance, and support throughout your learning journey.
Browse courses on HIV
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors through professional organizations, conferences, or online platforms
  • Reach out to your identified mentors and express your interest
  • Set up regular meetings to discuss your progress and seek advice
Read and summarize 'And the Band Played On'
Reading 'And The Band Played On' will cement your understanding of the events leading up to and during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, fostering deeper comprehension of the socio-political factors that contributed to the crisis.
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'And the Band Played On'
  • Read the book, taking notes on key events and people
  • Summarize the main points of the book in your own words
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Complete practice questions on HIV transmission and prevention
Solving practice questions will reinforce your understanding of the modes of HIV transmission and the measures to prevent infection.
Browse courses on HIV
Show steps
  • Find practice questions from textbooks, online resources, or previous exams
  • Attempt to solve the questions on your own
  • Review your answers and identify areas for improvement
Join a study group and discuss course materials
Engaging in peer discussions will provide diverse perspectives, facilitate deeper comprehension of the material, and enhance your critical thinking skills.
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with classmates
  • Meet regularly to discuss course readings, assignments, and concepts
  • Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights
Read and analyze scientific articles on HIV
Examining scientific articles on HIV will enhance your grasp of the biological aspects of the virus, its transmission, and potential treatments.
Browse courses on HIV
Show steps
  • Identify reputable scientific journals and databases
  • Search for articles related to HIV
  • Read and analyze the articles, paying attention to methodology, results, and conclusions
  • Summarize your findings and discuss the implications for HIV prevention and treatment
Develop a presentation on the history of HIV/AIDS
Creating a presentation on the history of HIV/AIDS will allow you to synthesize your knowledge, strengthen your understanding of the timeline and events, and improve your communication skills.
Browse courses on HIV
Show steps
  • Research the history of HIV/AIDS
  • Organize your information into a logical flow
  • Create visual aids to support your presentation
  • Practice delivering your presentation

Career center

Learners who complete AIDS: Fear and Hope will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Infectious Disease Doctor
As an Infectious Disease Doctor, you will diagnose and treat patients with infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a comprehensive overview of the latest medical treatments for HIV/AIDS. By understanding the latest advancements in treatment, you will be better equipped to provide the best possible care for your patients.
Social Worker
As a Social Worker, you will help people cope with the challenges of life, including those affected by HIV/AIDS. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a unique perspective on the disease by exploring the personal stories of people affected by HIV/AIDS. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people living with the disease and help you develop the skills needed to provide compassionate and effective care.
HIV Counselor
As an HIV Counselor, you will provide support and guidance to people who are living with HIV/AIDS. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course offers a unique perspective on the disease by exploring the personal stories of people affected by HIV/AIDS. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people living with the disease and help you develop the skills needed to provide compassionate and effective care.
AIDS Activist
As an AIDS Activist, you will work to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and fight for the rights of people living with the disease. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a comprehensive overview of the history of HIV/AIDS, the social and political factors that affect the disease, and the latest advances in treatment. By understanding this information, you will be better equipped to advocate for effective policies and programs to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS.
Biomedical Scientist
As a Biomedical Scientist, you will apply your knowledge of biology, chemistry, and medicine to research various diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a solid foundation in the basic biology of HIV and the disease it causes, AIDS. By understanding the science behind the disease, you will be better equipped to research and develop new treatments and preventative measures.
Medical Researcher
As a Medical Researcher, you will conduct research to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of HIV and the disease it causes, AIDS. By understanding the disease process, you will be better able to develop new treatments and preventative measures.
Virologist
As a Virologist, you will study viruses, including HIV. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of HIV and the disease it causes, AIDS. By understanding the virus, you will be better able to research and develop new treatments and preventative measures.
Policy Analyst
As a Policy Analyst, you will develop and analyze policies to improve public health, including policies related to HIV/AIDS. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a deep understanding of the economic, social, and political factors that affect HIV/AIDS. This course will help you develop the skills needed to analyze these factors and develop effective policies to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS.
Epidemiologist
As an Epidemiologist, you will study the patterns of disease in populations to find ways to prevent and control them. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a comprehensive overview of the social and economic factors that determine who gets sick and who remains healthy, who lives and who dies. By understanding these factors, you will be better able to identify and address the root causes of HIV/AIDS and develop effective prevention strategies.
Public Health Nurse
As a Public Health Nurse, you will promote health and prevent disease in the community, including working to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a comprehensive overview of the transmission, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS. By understanding this information, you will be better able to educate the public about the disease and help them make healthy choices.
Health Educator
As a Health Educator, you will teach people about health and disease prevention. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a wealth of information on the transmission, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS. By understanding this information, you will be better able to educate others about the disease and help them make healthy choices.
Teacher
As a Teacher, you will educate students about a variety of subjects, including health and disease. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a comprehensive overview of HIV/AIDS, including its transmission, prevention, and treatment. By understanding this information, you will be better able to educate your students about the disease and help them make healthy choices.
Pharmacist
As a Pharmacist, you will dispense medications and provide advice on their use, including medications for HIV/AIDS. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a comprehensive overview of the latest medications used to treat HIV/AIDS. By understanding these medications, you will be better able to provide accurate information to your patients and help them manage their treatment.
Substance Abuse Counselor
As a Substance Abuse Counselor, you will help people overcome substance abuse, including those who are at risk for HIV/AIDS. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. By understanding this relationship, you will be better able to help your clients overcome addiction and reduce their risk of HIV/AIDS.
Writer
As a Writer, you may write about health and science topics, including HIV/AIDS. The AIDS: Fear and Hope course provides a comprehensive overview of HIV/AIDS, including its history, transmission, prevention, and treatment. By understanding this information, you will be better able to write accurate and informative articles about the disease. This course may also be helpful if you are interested in writing about the social and cultural aspects of HIV/AIDS.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in AIDS: Fear and Hope.
Provides a collection of personal stories from people living with HIV/AIDS. It offers a powerful and moving account of the human toll of the epidemic.
Tells the story of the activists and scientists who fought to bring attention to the AIDS epidemic and develop effective treatments.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book tells the story of the early years of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, and the political and scientific failures that allowed it to spread.
Provides a comprehensive history of the global fight against AIDS. It offers a valuable overview of the scientific, political, and social challenges that have been faced in the effort to control the epidemic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. It offers a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the challenges that need to be overcome in order to achieve an AIDS-free world.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of HIV-1 infection. It offers a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the virus's structure, replication cycle, and pathogenesis.
Explores the social and cultural history of infectious diseases, including AIDS, and how they have shaped our understanding of ourselves and our world.
Argues that the medical establishment has failed to adequately address the AIDS epidemic, and that this has led to the deaths of millions of people.

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