SOC 259 Drugs and Society
Course Information
| Course Number | SOC 259 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Drugs and Society |
| Description | This course focuses on drug use and abuse as a social rather than as a medical or psychopathological phenomenon. Specifically, the course deals with the history of drug use and regulatory attempts in the United States and around the world; the relationship between drug use and race/social class; pharmacology and use patterns related to specific drugs; perspectives on the causes of drug abuse; AIDS prevention and harm reduction interventions; drug-using subcultures; drug policy, drug dealing and street gangs, drug legislation, and drug enforcement; and the promotion and condemnation of drug activities in the mass media. Each week, students can expect to discuss one of these issues and also view an episode of a program from the popular media used as a basis for discussion. ((Prerequisites: Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score 250+ OR Classic Accuplacer Reading score 77+ OR MCA Reading score 1046+ OR ACT Reading 21+ OR completion of one of the following courses with a grade of C, 2.0, or higher: READ 0099, ENGL 0099, or ENGL 100 [or equivalent].) (MNTC Goal Areas 5 and 9; History and Social Sciences, Ethical and Civic Responsibility) |
| Total Credits | 3 |
| Total Hours | 48 |
| Instruction Type | Credits and Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 3 Credits, 48 Hours |
Pre/Corequisites
Prerequisite: Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score 250+ OR Classic Accuplacer Reading score 77+ OR MCA Reading score 1046+ OR ACT Reading 21+ OR completion of one of the following courses with a grade of C, 2.0, or higher: READ 0099, ENGL 0099, or ENGL 100 [or equivalent].
Institutional Core Competencies
- Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility - Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to engage in the social responsibilities expected of a community member.
Course Competencies
- Explain the historical foundations of drug use in human history
- Explain the historical foundations of drug use in the United States
- Analyze current drug use patterns in the United States
- Evaluate the legal controls attempted and currently used to curb drug use in the United States
- Examine the history of and attendant circumstances surrounding the "War on Drugs"
- Estimate the effects of substance abuse on wider society
- Estimate the effects of substance abuse on the individual
- Explain the various methods of drug dealing
- Evaluate law enforcement strategies used to combat substance abuse and drug dealing
- Formulate the various ethical and moral implications surrounding drug and substance abuse, with particular emphasis on the preceding competencies
- Explain the etiology of substance abuse
SCC Accessibility Statement
South Central College strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you have a disability and need accommodations for access to this class, contact the Academic Support Center to request and discuss accommodations.
North Mankato: Room B-132, (507) 389-7222; Faribault: Room A-116, (507) 332-7222.
Additional information and forms can be found at: southcentral.edu/disability
This material can be made available in alternative formats by contacting the Academic Support Center at 507-389-7222.