Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - HSCI 180 D100

Drugs and Society (3)

Class Number: 3265

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 5, 2025
    Fri, 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:

This course integrates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual forms of knowledge related to addiction. The course examines the meaning of addiction and scientific evidence regarding causal factors. Attention is placed on historical and current contexts in which harmful 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. Past and present controversies in the field of addiction are examined. Students will be challenged to understand the strengths and limitations of alternative approaches to promoting health related to substance use and addiction. Most required readings are from primary sources (i.e., scientific journals) and include articles written in different historical, social, and theoretical contexts. Examinations are primarily in essay format. Prior experience reading scientific and scholarly writings and good writing ability are assets for this course.

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 health;
  2. Know major categories of drugs and behaviours associated with addiction;
  3. Describe and differentiate between major forms of knowledge related to substance use and addiction
  4. Describe effective forms of prevention and intervention involving substance use problems and addiction at the population level;
  5. Identify factors that make individuals and groups vulnerable to addiction.

Grading

  • Midterm 1 30%
  • Midterm 2 30%
  • Final exam 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All readings will be available via the course web page. Students are not required to purchase any readings.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.