SPRb7737 Drugs and Society

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2020
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
PhDr. Lenka Skácelová (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Lenka Skácelová
Department of Social Policy and Social Work – Faculty of Social Studies
Supplier department: Department of Social Policy and Social Work – Faculty of Social Studies
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to introduce selected sociological and public policy concepts and theories dealing with the use of drugs as a social phenomenon. Students will get acquainted with the basic questions about drugs that practically address all modern societies, ie, what is the nature and extent of the drug problem, how drug abuse responds to individual levels of government, why people use drugs, perceive them and what function in their lives, how to assess the risks and damage associated with drug use and others.
Learning outcomes
Students should be able not only to use professional terminology in the field of drug epidemiology and drug policy, but also to think critically about the relationship between society and drugs, which is at first glance complicated and full of paradoxes. This should enable them to understand different approaches and views on drug use and their regulation (objectivist, constructivist, historical, etc.), different sources of data and historical development.
Syllabus
  • 1. Drugs and Society - introductory lecture 2. The social context of drug use 3. The meaning of drug use from user perspectives 4. History of drug use and drug control efforts in the world and Czechoslovakia 5. Drug control regimes 6. Risks and harm associated with drug use and their evaluation 7. Paradoxic aspects of current drug policy 8. Symbolism and stigma associated with drug use, NIMBY 9. Theoretical explanations of drug use and addiction 10. Drug cultures and subcultures 11. Drugs and crime, minimizing risks 12.Concept of controlled use (Note: There may be minor changes to the timetable that will be announced in time)
Literature
    required literature
  • Adolescent problem behaviorsdelinquency, aggression, and drug use. Edited by Ricardo M. Marte. New York: LFB Scholarly Pub., 2008, v, 260 p. ISBN 1593322690. info
  • Drugs, victims and racethe politics of drug control. Edited by Anita Kalunta-Crumpton. Portland, Or.: Distributed in North America by International Specialized Book Services (ISBS), 2006, viii, 160. ISBN 9781906534134. info
  • KALINA, Kamil. Drogy a drogové závislosti : mezioborový přístup. 1. vydání. Praha: Úřad vlády České republiky, 2003, 343 stran. ISBN 8086734056. info
Teaching methods
lectures, discussions, group work
Assessment methods
The exam will be awarded on the basis of a written test which examines students' knowledge acquired during lectures and reading of compulsory literature, respectively. watching movies.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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