Legal and Semi-Legal Addiction: Alcohol, Cannabis and Tobacco

Catalog description

This multi-disciplinary class examines the legal and socially acceptable substances known to be addictive, including alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. The approach will emphasize psychological aspects of addiction from several approaches, including learning and memory, developmental psychology, neuroscience and clinical psychology.Aditionally we will discuss historical, cultural, medical and economical aspects of addiction. Students who take this course will examine the physical and psychological aspects of addiction and the current treatment options. Additionally, we will examine how these drugs have gained "accepted" status around the world, and their impact on society and media. This course will develop critical thinking, writing, oral and research skills, and will particularly appeal to students with an interest in neuroscience, clinical psychology and/or the development of cultural norms. Prerequisite Course(s): Prerequisite: Take one course in each group: Group 1 (FCWR 101 or FCWR 111 or WRIT 101 or WRIT 111) and Group 2 (FCWR 151 or FCWR 161 or WRIT 151 or WRIT 161) Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3