This course examines the nexus between drugs and crime as well as the social and historical context which define contemporary drug policy. Particular emphasis will be given to policy processes surrounding drugs and criminal justice. At the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1) Understand the history of drug regulation.
2) Discuss the Critical Interpretivist approach to unde
rstanding drug policy.
3) Discuss individual and structural theories explaining drug use.
4) Identify and explain drug groups and their effects.
5) Discuss the social and economic factors explaining (il)licit drug use.
6) Understand the policy process which defines contemporary views and regulation of drug use.
7) Understand the disproportionate impact of drug policy on various racial and ethnic groups.
8) Identify and discuss social policies aimed at drug regulation.
9) Discuss drug prevention and treatment programs.
10) Understand the implications of contemporary drug control policies for policing, courts, and corrections.
