Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - HSCI 180 D100

Drugs and Society (3)

Class Number: 2120

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2021
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Substance use within societies. Licit and illicit drug pharmacology, drug effects, risk factors, opportunities for intervention, drug policies and their implementation, and populations with unique vulnerabilities or needs. Major theories of substance use and addiction. Strengths and limitations of alternative approaches to managing substance use as a component of public health in Canada and globally.

COURSE DETAILS:

For Fall 2021 HSCI 180 will focus on addiction and substance use. The course integrates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual forms of knowledge related to addiction. The course examines the settings in which addictions have arisen and the search for causal factors. The course also examines the contexts in which addictions are prevented and those in which addictions are overcome. Practices that promote the reduction of addiction are considered, ranging from individual level actions to those involving groups, communities, and at the level of public policy. Students will be challenged to understand the strengths and limitations of alternative approaches to promoting health related to substance use. Most of the required readings are from primary sources (i.e., scientific journals) and include articles written in different historical, social, and theoretical contexts. Students would be well served by having experience reading scientific and scholarly writings and an interest in the challenge of integrating knowledge to guide action.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Following completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Define addiction and discuss its relevance to personal and public
  2. Know major categories of drugs and behaviours associated with
  3. Describe and differentiate between major forms of knowledge related to substance use and
  4. Describe effective forms of prevention and intervention involving substance use problems and addiction at the population
  5. Identify factors that make individuals and groups vulnerable to

Grading

  • Midterm #1 30%
  • Midterm #2 30%
  • Final Exam 40%

NOTES:

Regular class attendance is expected. Students are responsible for completing all assigned readings prior to class.

Grades are based on mid-terms and a final examination as specified below. All material covered up to each exam date is eligible for inclusion.

The Faculty of Health Sciences Grading Guidelines state that lower division (i.e., 100-200 level) courses usually have no more than 5% A+s, and upper division (i.e., 300400 level) courses usually have no more than 8% A+s. The median letter grade is typically in the B range.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Readings for each week, slides, and related media will be available via Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.