CJ 215 Drugs and Society (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled General Transfer Elective
Course Description
An analysis of political and social conditions, drug trafficking, laws and current treatment philosophies regarding drug use, abuse, addiction and recovery as it pertains to the criminal justice system.
Course Content
A. Social theories regarding the cause of psychoactive drug use and drug dependence
B. Terms commonly used in the study of drug use, such as dependency, set and setting, non-specific effects, the placebo effect, dose-response relationship, etc.
C. Personal and social problems that can arise from the use of depressants, stimulants, narcotics, and hallucinogens
D. Major psychological effects of depressants, stimulants, narcotics, and hallucinogens
E. The major characteristics of illicit drug processing and distribution systems
F. The problems that drug traffic produces for society, individual neighborhoods, the criminal justice system, and the dealers themselves
G. Philosophy and history of the legislation to control drug use and drug trafficking in the United States
H. The legal, political, and practical limitations upon drug law enforcement and the strategies and tactics that are used by law enforcement agencies and correctional agencies to respond to the drug problem
I. Major approaches to the treatment of drug dependency and the rationale of each
J. Major problems that have been encountered in designing and administering “Drug Abuse Prevention” programs
K. Ethics surrounding drug use in criminal justice agencies
L. How drug use and dependency impact the criminal justice system
M. Assessment for possible drug use
N. Self-medicating through drug use to cope with trauma, mental illness, etc.
Student Outcomes
1. Identify and examine the physical, emotional, and social characteristics of drug use and abuse in the community (which may include coworkers and clients).
2. Articulate possible consequences of drug/alcohol manufacturing, distribution and use, including consequences for individuals, society, the criminal justice system, and environment.
3. Define, use and categorize appropriate terms specific to drugs and drug use.
4. Given a case study, identify critical information to determine possible areas of drug use and abuse.
5. Assess individuals for possible drug use and/or abuse and make appropriate referrals.
6. Analyze the major challenges in administrating “Drug Abuse Prevention” programs.
7. Describe a variety of social theories surrounding psychoactive drug use and drug dependency.
8. Determine which social theory applies to a given scenario involving drug use or drug abuse.
9. Discuss the impact of drug control philosophy and legislation on the criminal justice system and society in the United States.
10. Access community resources regarding drug use or drug abuse. 11.Reflect upon personal drug use and abuse philosophy.
Degree Outcomes
Program Outcome: Graduates will critically evaluate past, present and future discrimination and privilege of individuals, societies, groups and institutions.
Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.
Intercultural Engagement: Graduates demonstrate self-efficacy in intercultural engagement to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion through reflections and expressions of cultural humility, empathy, and social and civic engagement and action. Further, graduates examine how identities/positionalities such as races, social classes, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, and cultures impact perceptions, actions, and the distribution of power and privilege in communities, systems, and institutions.
Global Citizenship: Graduates will be able to critically examine the relationship between self, community, and/or environments, and to evaluate and articulate potential impacts of choices, actions, and contributions for the creation of sustainable and equitable systems.
Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50
Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)
|
