Course Description
Sociohistorical analysis of cultural and policy changes regarding alcohol and psychoactive drugs; theoretical approaches to defining abuse and addiction; causes of substance abuse; treatment strategies, especially Alcoholics Anonymous; and intervention strategies, especially those based in the workplace.
Athena Title
Sociology Alcohol and Drug Use
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ECHD 3170, ECHD 3170E
Prerequisite
SOCI 1101 or SOCI 1101H or SOCI 2600 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The object of this course is to examine psychoactive substance use and abuse, and related policies and issues, primarily in North America. There is particular emphasis on the sociopolitical sources of models of addiction and treatment that have been dominant at different points in history. Students in this course are required to engage themselves in the scholarly practices of reading and evaluating current work in the field of substance abuse and to participate in class discussions. Students who apply themselves fully to this course should leave with a broad understanding of the issues surrounding substance abuse. Students will be asked to demonstrate their mastery of the course content in written work that is appropriate for an academic context. Students will be asked to demonstrate their mastery of the course content in speech that is appropriate for an academic context.
Topical Outline
The Creation of Deviance and Normality The Creation of Illness and Health Socio-Historical Overview An Epidemiological Overview Cultural Dimensions Drug Use and Social Context The
Syllabus