The purpose of this course is to encourage students to think
critically about both national and international efforts in
controlling for illicit substances. Throughout this course we will
explore different forms of drug control from the perspective of both
administrative and criminal attempts in the regulation of illicit
substances. The course is designed to allow students to analyze
common discourse about drugs covering a variety of international
policies as well as an introduction to U.S. drug control policy.
Specifically, students will assess the impact of globalization on
the control of illicit substances; gain knowledge about the history
of both domestic and international drug wars; analyze conceptual and
methodological issues in the study of illicit substances; learn how
crime control priorities are constructed in relation to illicit
substances; understand the politics behind economic resources and
allocations of specific regions; appreciate the socio-cultural
implications of foreign policy; identify problems and differences of
specific countries method of drug control; and, be able to obtain a
sensible understanding of politics and policymaking reform.