CHS 421: Sociology of Drugs and Addiction (Crosslisted: SOC)

This course is an overview of the sociological research related to drug use. We will study the historical significance and social construction of drug use, users, abuse, and addiction. We will cover sociological perspectives on drug use, correlates of drug use, drug lifestyles, and the societal response to drug use. Students are responsible for assigned readings and should ask questions to clarify material in the book. In addition, some of the material required to complete course requirements will be discussed in class and may not be in the book. At the end of the semester students will have a better understanding of drug use from a sociological perspective. This will be accomplished by exposing students to both classic and contemporary sociological research on drug use.