Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to provide a basic orientation and technical vocabulary for the study of illicit drugs.  The course will introduce the subject of drug abuse, estimate the extent of the problem, and examine the relationship between drug use and crime.  The course provides students with a proper grounding in the pharmacological, sociological, and criminal dimensions of the drug problem.  The course also examines drug trafficking and drug-law enforcement.

Course Objectives:

Students should develop an understanding of the following topics:

1.        The Pharmacology of Drugs: how drugs work on the body and mind.

2.        The history of drug use and drug legislation.

3.        Current patterns and trends in drug use.

4.        Biological, psychological, and sociological theories of drug abuse

5.        Drug-Taking Behavior: The Personal and Social Concerns.

6.        Drug use and the criminal justice system.

7.        Drug-Law Enforcement

8.        Drug Trafficking

9.        Drug Policy

10. Drug Treatment and Prevention

Evaluation Methods:

Course Content:

Week 1: An Introduction to Drug Use

Week 2: The Pharmacology of Drugs

Week 3: A History of drug use and drug legislation.

Week 4: Explanations and theories of drugs use

Week 5: Alcohol

Week 6: Tobacco and Steroids

Week 7: Marijuana

Week 8: Narcotics

Week 9: Stimulants

Week 10: Hallucinogenic Drugs

Week 11: Depressants and Inhalants

Week 12: Drug Trafficking

Week 13: Drug Law-Enforcement

Week 14: Drug Policy

Week 15: Drug Treatment and Prevention