We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
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.)
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/lsdttl/aids
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
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
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
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Comprehensive look at aids
According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive overview of HIV/AIDS, covering its biology, social impacts, and history. Many students found the content informative and thought-provoking, particularly appreciating the instructor's perspective and personal anecdotes. While the course receives largely positive feedback, some reviewers noted that certain sections felt outdated or that the discussion forums were less active than desired. It's often described as a valuable starting point for understanding the complex issues surrounding AIDS.
The course requires significant time.
"This course has a high commitment factor for the time required, so make sure you have the time before you enroll."
"Be prepared to spend a good amount of time each week on lectures and readings."
"The workload is considerable, but manageable if you dedicate the time."
"It takes a significant amount of time to go through all the materials properly."
Material is insightful and impactful.
"It is a very thought-provoking course and it definitely broaden my understanding of the topic beyond the scientific aspects."
"This course delves into the human side of the AIDS epidemic, which is very powerful."
"An excellent course that covers the topic very well and makes you think about its global impact."
"The historical context and social discussions were particularly insightful."
The instructor's teaching style is effective.
"The professor is knowledgeable, kind, and obviously passionate about the subject matter."
"The professor is brilliant and speaks with great passion."
"The instructor's personal anecdotes added a lot of depth and humanity to the lectures."
"I found the lecturer very engaging and easy to listen to."
Offers a broad look at the epidemic.
"The course offers a very comprehensive overview of the AIDS epidemic and the biological, social, economic, and political factors involved."
"I really like how this course takes on the subject of AIDS from multiple angles, covering the biology but also the human side of it."
"This course gives an overview of the global epidemic considering biomedical, social, political and economic aspects."
"It is a very good course to have an initial understanding of the AIDS epidemic."
Discussion forums could be more active.
"The discussion forums were not very active, which made it harder to engage with other learners."
"I wish there had been more interaction and discussion among students."
"The community aspect was lacking due to low participation in the forums."
"Participation in the discussions was quite low."
Certain sections might need updates.
"Some of the lectures seem a bit outdated, particularly regarding the latest treatments and statistics."
"The course could benefit from updates to reflect current scientific progress and global trends."
"While the historical context is great, the information on treatments feels a few years behind."
"Some of the materials were clearly from several years ago and could be refreshed."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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'
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Organize and review course notes, assignments, and quizzes
Show steps
Regularly reviewing your course materials will enhance your retention and understanding of the key concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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'
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Engaging in peer discussions will provide diverse perspectives, facilitate deeper comprehension of the material, and enhance your critical thinking skills.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
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.
AIDS Activist
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.
Social Worker
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
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.
Biomedical Scientist
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
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
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.
Epidemiologist
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.
Policy Analyst
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.
Health Educator
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.
Public Health Nurse
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.
Pharmacist
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
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.
Teacher
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.
Writer
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lsdttl/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.
Save
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.
Save
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.
Tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells were used to create the first immortal cell line. Her story raises important questions about race, class, and the ethics of medical research.
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.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the human immune system, and how it works to protect us from infection. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about the biology of HIV and AIDS.
Save
Explores the social and cultural history of infectious diseases, including AIDS, and how they have shaped our understanding of ourselves and our world.
Save
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lsdttl/aids
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Effort
2-4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Richard Meisler, Ph.D.
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser