This module aims to investigate aspects of the history of past pandemics or "plagues" and how they have impacted on society. We will attempt to answer questions such as: Where do plagues come from? How do they spread? What counter measures have been taken in response to plagues throughout history? What have been the attitudes of society to victims of plague, and how have these changed? Finally, we will look at how infectious diseases have been significant factors in some major historical events. Part of the module will include student-led analysis of past pandemics. These may be historical but could also include more recent and emerging diseases such as Ebola and Zika virus.