Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examination of substance use and addiction focusing on alcohol and 'illicit drugs" as major psychoactive use categories — within a framework of public health. Major topics covered in the course include fundamental concepts in substance use and addiction: historical, economic, political factors influencing substance use and control, epidemiology and patterns of substance abuse in general and special risk populations, substance use related morbidity, mortality and social harms and their impacts on public health: social and environmental determinants of substance use, risks and harms, prevention, treatment and approaches and interventions and policy/control options to reduce substance use related risks and harms in the population.

COURSE DETAILS:

PREREQUISITES: HSCI 214 with 90 units, including at least 15 upper division HSCI units.

This course examines substance use and addiction within the context of public health. Major topics covered in the course include: social determinants of substance use and addiction; varieties of substance abuse and their associated impacts on public health; economic, political, and global factors influencing the conceptualization and prevalence of addiction; etiological theories of addiction; treatment approaches and interventions to reduce risks and harm; models and policies for prevention and control.

TEACHING METHOD: The course is an advanced lecture with discussion. Students are expected to complete all readings in advance of class, and to engage in discussions based on their critical examination of course readings and ideas introduced in class. Slides that are presented in class will be posted on Canvas. Classes will not be recorded.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course is designed to provide students with strong foundational knowledge related to psychoactive substance use and public health. Through readings,
discussion, and assignments, the course will: define a ‘public health’ framework for psychoactive substance use; illustrate the impact of select forms of psychoactive substance on
public health; identify risk and protective factors; and critically examine evidence for select interventions with reference to policy and programs.

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

• Critically evaluate major theories and conceptualizations of substance use and addiction at the population level.
• Critically examine the role of social determinants related to the prevalence of substance use and addiction.
• Critically examine public health approaches to substance use and addiction in terms of social norms, values, and scientific evidence.
• Articulate and evaluate public health responses to substance use and addiction in a defined context.


COURSE FORMAT: The course is taught as a senior undergraduate course combining lecture style teaching with class/seminar based discussions. The course includes class discussions and interactions based on course content and materials. In-depth understanding, critical analysis and integration of key concepts and evidence covered in the course will be facilitated and evaluated through exams and an essay.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Readings will be available to students via Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES: