Preparing Professionals for Changing Educational Contexts
HED 435/635 Health Studies on Dangerous Drugs
AAHE/NCATE Accredited Program
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Department of Health Promotion
School of Public Health
I.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Course Information
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
WRI 239; Wednesdays 4:00 – 6:30
Spring,
II.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Instructor Information
Dr. Warren McNab
Office: BHS 353
Office Hours: T-Th 2:30-4:30, W 1:30-3:30, or by appointment
Telephone: 895-3837
e-mail: mcnab@ccmail.nevada.edu
III.
Catalogue Description
Analysis and evaluation of scientific data on effects of tobacco, alcohol, narcotics and dangerous drugs. Current problems relating to
control of, use, and abuse of these drugs, and the role of education in preventing substance abuse.
IV.
Course Objectives
The health education program faculty is dedicated to the creation and preservation of learning environments that lead to academic
excellence. To achieve this end, the activities within the Health Studies on Dangerous Drugs course are listed as behavioral objectives
in the areas of knowledge, dispositions, and performances and are listed below.
Knowledge: As a result of completing the Health Studies on Dangerous Drugs course, students will be able to:

Identify how to locate and use sources of information at the local and national level pertaining to the prevention and treatment of
substance abuse.
Identify and describe the characteristics of the major categories of drugs .
Dispositions: As a result of completing the Health Studies on Dangerous Drugs course, students will be able to:

Define and correctly use terminology pertaining to drug use, misuse, and abuse .

Discuss the use and abuse of drugs in relation to their potential positive and negative effects on the individual, their families, and
society.

Act as a resource person in a variety of settings who can network with other professionals in the prevention of substance abuse.

Describe legal, physical, mental, and cultural factors influencing choice related to substance use .

Effectively demonstrate positive communication, refusal, and decision-making skills related to the prevention of substance abuse.
Performances: As a result of completing the Health Studies on Dangerous Drugs course, students will be able to:

Identify criteria by which drug-use can be distinguished from drug abuse.
 Describe the major means of drug administration.

Describe characteristics of drug treatment programs based upon information obtained from a visitation of a program in Las Vegas.

Describe and demonstrate methods one can use to resist substance abuse .

Describe the importance of individual values, self-concept, and decision-making in regard to responsible drug use.

Demonstrate effective learning activities which can be used to teach comprehensive drug education.

Identify a variety of methods and audiovisual materials useful in teaching comprehensive drug education .

Describe ways drug education can be correlated with other content areas in a curriculum through in-service and
workshop programs.

Describe the health educator’s role in consulting, planning, marketing, and referring people to valid sources of drug education
information.
V.
Suggested Resources
Required:
Carroll, C.R. (2000). Drugs in Modern Society, 5th ed., McGraw-Hill
Supplemental Resources
Journal of Drug Education; American Journal of Health Education; Journal of School Health
Suggested:
American School Health Association. Teaching Drugs: A Curriculum Guide K-12. Kent, Ohio
Journal of Drug Education; American Journal of Health Education; Journal of School Health
Beattie, M. 1997. Codependent No More and Beyond Codependency. New York: Fine Communications.
Schuckit, M. A. 1998. Educate Yourself About Alcohol and Drugs: A People’s Primer. Rev. ed. New York: Plenum Press
Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention. http://www.edc.org/hec
Additional resources (hard copy as well as electronic) for the course’s topic areas can be found within the resources identified above
and in the text. If you need additional recommendations, please contact the instructor of the course directly.
VI.
Evaluation Methods
The course requirements and grading policies for Health Studies on Dangerous Drugs include:
1. Written Examinations
a.
Three objective tests.
b.
Exams will cover lecture/discussion material and text assignments.
c.
ABSOLUTELY NO MAKE-UP EXAMS - Unless I am notified PRIOR to the exam with a valid excuse.
2. Students are expected to have read the chapters before class and be able to discuss the content of assigned chapters.
3. Students must select a drug-related topic and write an abstract an article from a professional journal on this topic. Example
journals
include: J of Drug Education, Am J of Health Education, J of School Health. (See example booklet.)
a. Students will write the abstract and perhaps present it to the class.
b. 1. Describe the purpose of the article, including positive or negative aspects, and 2. how you could teach this drug
education topic to a specific target audience (explain a specific example method that could be used to present the
topic). Ex. Role Playing, Problem Solving etc.
c. Due date: February 22nd (See the example booklet for examples of well written abstracts.)
4. Treatment Program
A number of community programs involving tobacco, alcohol, and psychosocial programs are now in operation in the Las
Vegas area. Each student will visit one program related to:
a. Alcoholic Anonymous or a related alcohol program OR
b. Another program - involving drugs, tobacco, or psychosocial rehabilitation.
c. Questions to be asked are listed on the back pages of the syllabus.
d. Due date: April 19th (See example booklet for examples of well written treatment programs.)
5.
Role Playing - In groups of three or four, people will realistically act out a problem and solution related to substance abuse.
(Submit group and idea during the first two weeks of class.) These will begin : February 15th. (See example booklet).
6. Write one responsible behavioral goal for the semester pertaining to drug use/abuse. Due the second class period.
7. Write a letter to your son / daughter / partner who has come home having taken and under the influence of a specific drug (e.g.
alcohol, marijuana, or ecstacy) pertaining to discipline and personal expectations. Due date: April (see example booklet).
8.
GRADUATE STUDENTS: All graduate students will be expected to complete an additional graduate level paper / project in
consultation with and approved by the course professor. Due date: April 5th.
9. In-class reflections may be required periodically during or at the conclusion of class .
10. Ignorance of your responsibilities for this class will not be an excuse for failing to fulfill them.
11. Attendance is your responsibility - See instructor’s allowance.
12 . Participate - we can learn from each other.
Administrative Requirements
1. Students are expected to attend class regularly. Excessive absences most probably will be reflected in a lower grade. Attendance –
Daily attendance and promptness are directly related to success in the classroom and are essential in developing life long habits
necessary for a “job”. It is your job and responsibility to be in class and on time each day. See instructor’s allowance
2. Consistent tardiness to class is disruptive and will not be tolerated. Please be prepared to start class on time.
3. All assignments are due on the designated dates unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. Late assignments
are lowered one letter grade.
4. All assignments must be typed, double spaced, and proofread prior to being submitted. On all assignments, spelling, grammar,
and readability will be taken into account and points deducted if the assignment is poorly written. The UNLV Writing center is located
in Building C of the Central Desert Complex and may be helpful in writing assigned papers. (Phone 895-3908). Computer labs are
located in BHS, the library, and most buildings on campus buildings.
5. It is your responsibility to notify the professor before an exam if you will be absent due to unforeseen circumstances.
6. Students found plagiarizing or cheating on assignments and exams will receive a failing grade.
7. Please refrain from eating or drinking or excessive talking in class. Be considerate of other students in the class.
8. Please turn off all beepers and cellular phones while in class.
Evaluation: Grades are based on total points
1. Exams: Three
350 Points
2. Written treatment report
30 Points
3. Abstract
20 Points
4. Role Playing
10 Points
5. Letter
10 Points
6. Instructor’s Allowance
5 Points
Estimated Total:
Grading Scale:
90% = A80% = B70% = C60% = D-
430 Points
11. Note: All course assignments are evaluated on established, written criteria known as assignment rubrics. The rubrics are
available for review in the class example booklet and in the department office during posted office hours. Student
assignments may be copied for inclusion in the example booklet or for example work needed the for the
national accreditation process.
VII.
Instructional Methods
The course methodology includes but is not limited to: lecture, discussion, role playing, large and small group work, demonstrations, the
use of overheads and videotape, debates, student presentations, and guided discovery activities. The instructor encourages participation of
all students in the learning process
VIII.
Course Activities / Content
The following table is designed to provide the student with an overview of the content to be covered in the class as well as the
sequence of presentation of the materials. The table is a tentative outline for the semester:
Session
Chapter(s)
2
Content / Activities*
Introduction, course Objectives & Assignments What do you want out of this
course
Terminology Related to Drug Education, Know what you are taking!
3
Drug Effects on the Body – Pharmacology, “A different feeling”
3
4
Why People Use and Abuse Drugs - Physical, Mental & Social Factors Reasons
2, 14
5
Responsible Choice/Decision Making – Networking with friends, colleagues
2
6
Developing Effective Coping Skills – Communication is the key
7
Over-the-Counter Drugs – A Pill for Everything
1
15, 16
1
12
8
Over-the-Counter Drugs –Purpose and limitations
12
9
Prescription Drugs – The Doctor’s Orders? “Prescribe Abuse”
13
10
Prescription Drugs – Drug Oriented Society,
13
11
EXAM 1, Demonstrate what you know
12
Alcohol and You – Choices, You are responsible for your behavior, Moderation
4
13
Responsible Use Model – Moderation versus Binging
4
14
Effects of Alcohol On the Body – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!
4
15
Physical, Mental, and Social Problems – I did what?!
5, 14
16
Alcoholism/Treatment - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Please Prevent if Possible
5
17
Narcotics - Opium, Morphine, Heroin – The Poppy and Us
6
18
Cocaine – The Price of Being Wired
pp. 193-199
19
Narcotic Treatment Alternatives – A Way Back
20
Barbiturates/Tranquilizers/Inhalants – Down, Down, Down
21
EXAM II, Building on your previous knowledge
22
Stimulants - Amphetamines, Ice, MDEA – Ecstacy, “Artificial Stress”
9
23
Psychedelics, Hallucinogens - Mescaline, LSD, Club Drugs and YOU!
10
24
Marijuana – The Joint and You
11
25
Tobacco History and Incidence – Major Health Problems
8
26
Tobacco – Smoking – Why Do You Smoke?
8
27
Smoking Cessation Programs – Resources you can use
28
Smokeless Tobacco – Not a Good Substitute
8
29
Steroids/DMSO, etc. – “It will pump you up.”
pp. 307-309
30
Drug Abuse Prevention - Teaching Methods, Resources, Educate Others
15, 16
31
Drug Education and Prevention - Planning Programs – You Can Help
16
32
FINAL EXAM - (Refer to schedule for date and time. Be responsible, stay happy
and healthy. www.unlv.edu/pubs/Class_Schedule/depts ()
7
*The above schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.
IX. Special Notices
Academic Integrity: UNLV and the School of Public Health demand a high level of scholarly behavior and academic honesty on the
part of students. Violations by students in exhibiting dishonesty while carrying out academic assignments and procedural steps for
dealing with academic integrity are delineated within the Handbook of Regulations Governing Probation and Suspension
In addition to successful academic performance in prescribed coursework, you are enrolled in a professional course of studies which is
governed by a standard code of ethics and programmatic expectations. The Handbook of the Committee to Review Initial Licensure
Students outlines the UNLV Student Code of Conduct, NEA Code of Ethics for the Teaching Profession, and Student Expectations.
If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Learning Enhancement Services
(LES) coordinator for your academic accommodations. The LES is located in the Reynolds Student Services Complex in room
137. The LES is located in the Reynolds Student Services Complex in room 137. The LES phone number is 895-0866. (TDD
895-0652) www.unlv.edu/studentlife/les
Misdemeanor or felonious conviction(s) may bar teacher licensure in Nevada and other states. If you have any questions, direct them
to the Director of Teacher Education, CEB 301, 895-4851.
Students are encouraged to secure an e-mail account with UNLV and to use this to communicate with the professor and other students
in the class during the semester.
The University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves with and follow copyright and fair use
requirements. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair use laws. The University will neither
protect nor defend you nor assume any responsibility for employee or student violations and fair use laws. Violations of copyright
laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability as well as disciplinary action under University policies.
To help familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, the University encourages you to visit its copyright web page at:
http://www.unlv.edu/committees/copyright.
As a general rule, a student missing a class or laboratory assignment because of observance of a religious holiday shall have the
opportunity to make up missed work. Students must notify the instructor of this course by the end of the second week of class.
Students who represent UNLV at any official extracurricular activity shall have the opportunity to make up assignments, but the
student must provide official written notification to the professor no less than one week prior to the missed class(es).
Collection of Student Assignments for Accreditation Purposes;
Assignments completed for this course may be used as evidence of candidate learning in national, regional, and
state accreditation reports and example booklets. Students who do not wish their work to be used for these purposes
must inform the instructor in writing by the end of late registration. Your participation and cooperation is
appreciated.
Reference list of campus organizations/offices that provide support for students' academic success. The link is
http://tlc.unlv.edu/resources/resources_student.html
UNLV Writing Center: http://writingcenter.unlv.edu/
ABSTRACT GUIDELINES
Porter, Frank L.
“The Drug Life of a HED 435/635 Student”
The Journal of School Health
Vol. XLV No. 4 April 2005
pp. 6-10
John Doe
HED 435/635
10:00 a.m.
Abstract 1
Abstract -
Describe succinctly the major points the author is presenting in this article.
Summarize unique or important aspects which are necessary for the reader
of this abstract to understand what the author is intending to say.
Reaction -
Explain why you feel this writing is important and indicate its relevance to
Health/Drug education and how it could be implemented into your classroom.
Use an example to clarify. Be sure to give at least one example method that could
be used to teach the topic to a specific target group.
*** The implementation strategy/example is the key to successfully
completing this assignment.
These abstracts must be typed (double-spaced) and proofread before they are handed in.
INVESTIGATION OF A DRUG RELATED PROGRAM
1.
If the particular organization is in town, the student should contact the organization by
phone or mail to explain their particular assignment and find out if the organization would
allow the investigation to take place. If a positive response is received, the student should
set up an appointment which would be convenient to the group as well as organization
representative.
2.
An example of some of the information that should be included in the individual
investigations are:
a.
What is the nature of the program?
(prevention, treatment, emergency care, crisis intervention)
b.
What kind of people benefit from the program?
(addicts, ex-addicts, general public, users of certain drugs)
c.
Who supports and funds the program?
(taxes, private donations, foundations, volunteer workers)
d.
What risks are involved in the operation of the organization?
(physical, mental, social, legal, financial)
e.
Who are the people involved in the organization? What prior training do
they have?
f.
What type of relationship does your organization have with the local hospital
and law enforcement people in the city?
g.
Describe a typical conversation between a representative of the organization
and an individual requesting advice or help.
h.
Other interesting or important factors. Would you recommend the program?
Why or why not?
3.
Upon completion of the investigation by the students, a 10-15 minute symposium will be
held in class with each assigned student reporting on their particular organization or
agency visited. This format is continued until each agency has been reviewed and
discussed.
4.
Each student/group is required to hand in a paper explaining and elaborating the
questions answered during the interview. List each question asked and the appropriate
answers given by the person interviewed at the drug treatment facility. In summary,
would you recommend this facility to a friend. Explain your answer.
5.
When writing about the treatment program, write each question a-h; then respond to
the question. This format makes sure you answer each question.
6.
Students in each group can elect to submit one group report, or each student can submit an
individual report. If a group report is submitted the group is given one collective grade.
Where to get help
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment: for drug and alcohol information and referral, call 1-800-662-HELP.
The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug information: for pamphlets, publications and materials for
schools, call 1-800-SAY-NOTO. Web site: www.health.org.
American Council for Drug Education: call 1-800-488-DRUG. www.acde.org
National Helplines: for referrals to local treatment facilities, self-help and family-support groups, and crisis centers,
call 1-800-HELP-111.
National Families in Action: call 770-934-6364. Web site: www.emory.edu/NFIA.
National Partnership: call 314-845-1933.
PRIDE (Parents’ Resource Institute for Drug Education) call 770-458-9900. Web site: www.prideusa.org.
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America: for information on current issues or legislation. call 1-800-DRUGS-50.
AL-Anon/alateen Family Group Headquarters, Inc.: call 1-800-356-9996.
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services: check the phone director for your local AA chapter or call 212-870-3400.
Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.: call 310-547-5800.
Cocaine Helpline: call 1-800-COCAINE
www.ClubDrugs.org. National Institutes of Health
Drug Enforcement Administration www.dea.gov
Drug Strategies: for a school drug-prevention program guide, call 202-663-6090.
Partnership for a Drug-Free America: Web site: www.drugfreeamerica.org.
U.S. Department of Education: Web site: www.ed.gov
U.S. Department of Justice Clearinghouse: Web site: www.ncjrs.org
Go Ask Alice, This resource provides answers to a variety of health questions
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu
www.mayoclinic.com Good resource for health information
www.md.com Good overall resource for health issues
National Institutes of Drug Abuse: www.nida.nih.gov
www.drugs.com Source of prescription drug information
Drug Abuse Statistics – www.DrugAbuseStatistics.samhsa.gov
TELEPHONE
HOTLINES
Arlene Maurer
Cocaine Helpline
UNLV Student Psychological Services 1-800-COCAINE
SSC-201
Phone 895-3627
Narcotics Anonymous
1-800-331-7001
National AIDS Hotline
1-800-342-AIDS
National Alcohol Hotline
1-800-ALCOHOL
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol
& Drug Information
National Council on Alcoholism
1-800-729-6686
1-800-622-225
National Drug Information and
Referral Line
1-800-663-HELP
Parents Resource Institute for
Drug Education
1-800-241-9746
The National Federation of Parents
for Drug-Free Youth
1-00-554-KIDS
National Institute on Drug Abuse
and Referral Line:
1-800-662-HELP
Extra Credit Assignment Options
Each one counts 5 points
HED 435/635
1. Annotated Bibliography
Select five (5) books or web sites, and provide an annotation of each of these resources.
These resources should include the following:
1. Bibliographical information of the book, or the specific web address.
2. An annotation of the resources indicating what type of drug/health information each
resource provides.
3. How the resource can be used by you in the Drug Education discipline, why you selected
this site, and your evaluation of the site
2. Investigation of a Specific Drug (only one can be done)
What is the name of the drug being investigated?
What is the drug used for?
What are the positive and/ or negative effects of the drug?
Are there any long term complications related to the drug?
Are there treatment options if there is a drug problem?
What is the role of prevention through education in dealing with this drug?
Cite the valid source of the information provided for this assignment –web site, book, etc.? Is it
credible?
Why did you choose to investigate this drug?
You can do a maximum of two extra credit assignments. Each is worth 5 points.
These papers should be typed and double spaced
The source of information on the drug should be not be the text for this course
3. Visit the UNLV Student Psychological Services Center: Kim Grande
UNLV Student Psychological Services, SSC-201, Phone 895-3627 and provide a one page write up of
the services provided pertaining to substance prevention and treatment on the UNLV campus
You can do three extra credit assignments. Each is worth 5 points. These papers must be typed,
proof red and double spaced. Due date is April 5th if you chose do due the extra credit
assignments.