Drugs and Drug Policy in the United States

Catalog description

Examines the history and dimensions of drug use and analyzes the impact of drug policy. CRIMJ 469 / HIST 469 Drugs and Drug Policy in the United States (3) For nearly a century, the United States has been waging its version of a hundred years' war on drugs, spending billions of dollars and incarcerating thousands of offenders while failing to significantly reduce the use of illicit drugs. This course examines drug use in a historical context while addressing the changing nature and dimension of drug use, including the pharmacology of drugs, patterns of drug use, and sentencing policies. Because drug control is inextricably linked to social, political, and public policy, the course will provide the student with a foundation for critical thinking and rational decision making relative to the efficacy of the various drug control initiatives. Since drugs seemingly permeate every level of American society and directly or tangentially touch most Americans' lives, issues such as drug testing in the workplace, the use of drug courier profiles, legalized medical marijuana, and needle exchange programs are evaluated. Students will be expected to learn the pharmacology of various drugs, the history of drug use in the United States since the colonial era, the evolution of federal drug agencies, and acquire knowledge about contemporary drug issues. They also will be expected to develop and strengthen their critical thinking skills as they assess the consequences of implementing particular anti-drug policies and their impact on reducing the use of illicit drug use. An example of the evaluation methods would be: students will be evaluated on the basis of three exams and four "think pieces" (requiring students' critical responses to an assigned topic) scheduled throughout the semester. Class attendance also will influence the grade. Faculty Member Proposing Course : John C. McWilliams