Course Description

Exploration of the science, the hype, and the hope of psychoactive drugs. Emphasis on drugs that treat mental illness, as well as cannabis, sedatives, stimulants, hallucinogens and other drugs which can enhance or diminish well-being. In addition, it will help students evaluate the scientific validity of claims about potential risks and benefits of drugs.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Apply basic terms and concepts in psychopharmacology.

2. Evaluate research findings related to psychoactive drugs for research design, implications and limitations of findings.

3. Compare the psychological effects of various drug categories.

4. Debate contrasting perspectives on benefits and risks of drug use and societal drug policies.

Textbooks

Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear-Dr Carl L Hart

Your Brain on Food: How Chemicals Control Your Thoughts and Feelings-Dr Gary L Wenk