To gain a deeper understanding of historical content through reading and discussing primary source documents.

To understand the spread of infectious diseases and epidemics and their impact on life in 19th- and early 20th-century America.

To assess the role and responsibility of government in containing the spread of disease in 19th- and early 20th-century America, particularly in the case of typhoid.

To examine the tension that exists between public health needs and individual rights during times of public health crisis.