Poverty and Public Health in 20th Century US History
HSHM S461E (CRN: 30377)
Instructors: Molly Harris
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: Online
Meeting Times: MW 1.00-4.15
Distributional Requirements: Humanities
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students
Online Course. This seminar explores the connections between public health and poverty in American life and politics, with a particular focus on social programs intended to improve health and welfare. We will examine the social, political, legislative, and regulatory histories of the welfare state during the twentieth century, ultimately considering how these histories shaped the contemporary health and welfare apparatus and our current moment. Students will critically consider the meanings of “sickness,” “health,” and “poverty” in this course. Further, the seminar will acquaint students with federalism and theories of “the state,” as well as provide them an understanding of the mechanics of the US welfare system; the ways it shaped and was shaped by constructions of gender, race, disability, and class; and how it has overlapped with the carceral state. Readings throughout the course will urge students to consider how poverty and health are measured, who they are measured by, and what it has meant to be poor and/or unhealthy in the United States during the twentieth century. This is a reading-intensive course designed for undergraduate students who have an interest in US history. While a prior introduction to US history is helpful, no prerequisite is required. Any student excited about the topic and willing to sharpen their analytical, investigative, and reading skills is welcome. Enrollment limited to 18 students. 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270. Technology Fee: $85.
Yale Summer Session 2025