SOC 243 - Drugs - Crime - Addiction

WR 115  or designated placement

WR 115Q  as required

Recommended Prerequisite(s):  

COMM 111Z  and WR 121Z  

Course Description: This course will introduce students to the dynamics of drug and alcohol addiction, the social and legal issues of drug abuse, as well as examine the political considerations behind contemporary drug enforcement policy. It will also explore the historical origins of the illegal drug trade. Drugs - Crime - Addiction is a college-level transfer course and is a core requirement for students majoring in Human Services. 

Course Learning Outcomes:

• CLO#1: Identify and describe terms, concepts and related items used in the study of substance use, abuse, treatment, prevention and policy development. (ILO: Communication)
• CLO#2: Utilize sources of information and research related to prevention, treatment, policy options and enforcement strategies related to substance abuse.
• CLO#3: Debate positions on key issues in the continuing controversy over public substance abuse policy in the United States. (ILO: Critical Thinking)
• CLO#4: Explain patterns of substance abuse in relation to individuals’ life cycle to include elements of each phase or stage of abuse.
• CLO#5: Describe how body organs, tissues, and systems are impacted by drug use and abuse/addiction.
• CLO#6: Evaluate primary and secondary approaches to substance abuse prevention as viewed in the context of strategies applied by social institutions, the criminal courts, and in various correctional interventions.
• CLO#7: Outline the historical, social, economic, and policy developments along with issues associated with the abuse of alcohol and other substances in the United States.
• CLO#8: Delineate the social and economic contexts, and organization of systems behind the worldwide distribution of controlled substances.
• CLO#9: Outline key provisions of federal and state controlled substances legislation, including regulatory provisions, used in controlling the cultivation, manufacture or distribution of abused substance.
• CLO#10: Apply knowledge and understanding about the criminal justice system’s response to substance use, abuse, and related problems including investigative strategies and policies.
• CLO#11: Analyze pharmacological aspects of drug use from ingestion to secretion.
• CLO#12: Depict resources and include description of principles and practices along with risk and protective factors for the prevention, treatment and response to substance abuse problem in a community.