This course examines public health in the United States, its institutions, practices, and policies and how they have been applied to infectious and chronic disease, as well as related to health and wellness more broadly. American public health is contextualized historically and pandemic problems, such as AIDS, tuberculosis, heart disease, obesity, and infectious disease, are examined critically relation to American culture and politics, including the most recent corona-virus pandemic. Students will gain an in-depth perspective on public health in the United States and how the history of American public health is deeply influenced by politics and culture, particular the dimensions of race, class, gender, and sexuality.