Drugs and Alcohol in Society uses a sociological framework to explore implications of various substances conventionally referred to as “drugs.” Topics of discussion will include the history of drug use in the U.S., the social construction of epidemics and drug scares, the social costs of the drug war, and policy alternatives to prohibition. Throughout the course, special attention will be paid to the prescription opioid and heroin crisis.
The course provides an overview of causes and consequences of alcohol and drug abuse from the sociological perspective. The effects of society, family, peers, ethnicity and the media on alcohol, tobacco,and drug use will be discussed along with the historical framework of individual drugs. Additionally, theories of addiction, theories of use, use within subcultures, drug policy, and the relationship between substance abuse and crime will be examined. Discussion of controversial issues will include drug testing in social institutions, harm reduction, and legalization.
Recommended Preparation: SOCY 101 or PSYC 100 or ANTH 211.
MoWe 6:00PM - 9:10PM
Fine Arts 006
Kimberly DeMichele
05/31/2016 - 07/08/2016
