SOC 204 - Sociology of Drugs

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
This course introduces a sociological perspective on drugs. It examines patterns of both legal and illegal drug use among the U.S. population. The course uses sociological theories to understand risk and protective factors. It compares different societal responses to drug behaviors, including policy, prevention, and treatment.

Recommended: READ 088 or higher.
Course Outcomes:

Describe patterns of drug behaviors and attitudes across subpopulations in the U.S.
Apply sociological theories, concepts, and empirical research to understand individual and cultural attitudes and behaviors related to drugs.
Analyze historical and contemporary cultural landscapes to understand the socially constructed nature of drugs.
Evaluate drug-related policies, prevention efforts, and treatment programs.

Course Topics:

Shifts in prevalent drug attitudes, behaviors, and societal responses throughout U.S. history
Prevalence of drug behaviors
Drug taxonomies
Pharmacology and drug effects
Drug subcultures
Risk and protective factors
Drug prevention models
Harm reduction models
Drug treatment programs
Drug policies

Course Attribute(s): Social Science