832:350:01 Fall 2012
DRUGS, CULTURE & SOCIETY
Rutgers Health Services
Monday & Thursday: 9:15 – 10:35 AM
Cook/Douglass Lecture Hall 103
Office Hours:
By appointment, Monday & Thursday
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Course Assistant: Andreana Barefield
I.
Elizabeth Amaya-Fernandez, MPH
Health Education Specialist
EMAIL: eamayafe@echo.rutgers.edu
8 Lafayette Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Telephone: (732) 932-1965
EMAIL: andreana@eden.rutgers.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to provide an understanding of drug use, misuse, and abuse. Students will
explore the history, physical/psychological effects, current trends, and legal/social consequences of
drugs. In addition, the class will discuss prevention, intervention, and treatment approaches.
Students will have an opportunity to discuss controversial issues related to treatment, policy, drug
control, and interventions, throughout the semester. Social justice issues such as racism,
homophobia, and classism in relation to the use and legal ramifications of drugs will be examined.
Realistic scenarios depicting drug use, abuse, distribution, and transportation will be integrated into
the course. Utilizing an experiential learning approach, students will implement campaigns to
address drug issues on campus.
II.
REQUIRED READING MATERIAL
1. Inaba, D S., & Cohen, W.E. (2007). Uppers, Downers, All Arounders (6th Ed). CNS
Publications.
ISBN #: 0-92654427-6
2. In addition to this material there will be supplemental readings posted on SAKAI.
(http://sakai.rutgers.edu)
III.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this course, students will:
 Be aware of current drug trends in the United States.
 Understand drug interactions within the body.
 Critically think about controversial drug issues.
 Identify effective education strategies utilized to decrease drug use, abuse, and misuse.
 Communicate the consequences regarding drug use, misuse, and abuse.
 Analyze the relationship between drugs, crime, and social justice.
 Be able to effectively implement drug prevention campaigns on campus.
 Have the knowledge to conduct trainings as an ADAwGS (Alcohol and Drug Awareness
Generated by Students) in future semesters.
IV.



COMPETENCIES
Practice critical thinking skills.
Expand scientific foundation of knowledge.
Practice writing and oral skills.
V.
COURSE POLICIES

CONFIDENTIALITY – Due to the organization and focus of this course, students in the course
may share their personal experiences. This information is private, and should not be repeated
outside of class.

Our academic environment is designed for learning, so remember to keep an OPEN MIND.

Students requiring accommodation due to a disability (learning, physical, emotional) must present
proper documentation at the beginning of the semester.

Every assignment is due on the specified date listed in the syllabus. Assignments submitted after
the due date will lose 10 points/day. NO EXCEPTIONS!

This class contains an experiential learning component. Students are expected to attend class
regularly, on time, and participate actively. See attendance policy below.

Students will be required to participate in activities outside the classroom. A minimum of 5 hours
outside of the class will be required.

Students must comply with all University standards on academic conduct.

All cell phones, PDAs, Blackberries, etc. must be set to silent or vibrate. No texting, messaging,
checking e-mail, etc. is permitted. Students found engaging in these activities during class time
will have points deducted from the Participation portion of their grade.

If issues arise that impact your class attendance or work or if you have a grade dispute, you must
make an appointment to meet with the instructor in person. These issues will not be discussed or
resolved via phone or e-mail.
Student responsibilities include:
 Prompt attendance
 Completion of assigned readings
 Active participation in class sessions and project activities
 Communication in timely manner regarding any concerns/difficulties related to the course
 Frequent and regular visits to the course SAKAI site at: http://sakai.rutgers.edu.
Instructor responsibilities include:
 Respect for students as co-learners in course
 Adapting the course framework to needs, interests and concerns of students
 Availability by appointment for meetings with students; availability by phone and e-mail
 Maintaining the SAKAI course website to accurately reflect the requirements of the course
VI.
SAKAI
This class utilizes SAKAI to manage the course, its assignments, requirements, announcements, and
readings. All students are REQUIRED to log into SAKAI in order to access these functions from the
beginning of the course until the end. Important updates, announcements and other useful information
will be posted to the SAKAI site on a regular basis. All written assignments are to be submitted through
the SAKAI Assignment function, except for journals. No hard copies will be accepted.
VII.
POLICY ON CLASS ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Regular attendance and class participation will be necessary for you to fully understand the material in
this class. Students are expected to arrive promptly, attend every class, and complete reading assignments
beforehand in preparation for discussion and class activities. Moreover, there will be material covered in
class that will not be in your textbook, but will be part of an exam. Thus, attending every class can help
increase your chances of scoring well on an exam. Classes missed without a valid excuse (illness or
family emergency) will result in points deducted from the Attendance portion of your grade. Late arrivals
will also affect the attendance portion of the grade. In the event of an emergency or illness requiring you
to miss class or if you expect to miss one or two classes, please use the University absence reporting
website https://sims.rutgers.edu/ssra/ to indicate the date and reason for your absence. An email is
automatically sent to me. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes or handouts and other
updates from a classmate, not the instructor. Assignments due on the date of a missed class are still due
and should be submitted through the SAKAI site.
VIII. Helpful University Resources
At some point in the semester, you may require assistance for a variety of issues. Following is a brief list
of helpful University resources.
Rutgers Health Services
http://health.rutgers.edu
Medical: http://rhsmedical.rutgers.edu
Counseling, Alcohol & Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS):
http://rhscaps.rutgers.edu
Pharmacy: http://rhspharmacy.rutgers.edu
Health Outreach, Promotion & Education (H.O.P.E.): http://rhshope.rutgers.edu
Learning Centers
http://lrc.rutgers.edu/
Writing Centers
http://wp.rutgers.edu/tutoring/writingcenters
Math & science Learning Centers
http://mslc.rutgers.edu/
Office of Violence Prevention & Victim Assistance
http://sexualassault.rutgers.edu/
Office of Disabilities Services for Students
http://disabilityservices.rutgers.edu/

Public Safety
 RUPD http://publicsafety.rutgers.edu/rupd/
Department of Transportation Services http://rudots.rutgers.edu/
IX.
GRADING PHILOSOPHY & OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Your grades are assigned following the Grading Philosophy of the Edward J. Bloustein School of
Planning & Public Policy.
A: Excellent, shows initiative, synthesizes and integrates assigned material with external sources and
own thinking; 92-100%
B+: Very good work, innovative thinking or excellent integration of work of others; 88-91%
B: Exceeds minimum requirements, either shows own thinking or synthesizes and integrates assigned
material with external sources; 81 - 87%
C+: Good understanding of assigned material, but no effort to integrate own thinking or that of others;
78 - 80%
C: Average work that meets the minimum requirements but does not show consistent understanding of
material, poor quality; 70-77%
D: Meets minimum requirements but does not show understanding of material, poor quality; 60-69%
F: Unacceptable, does not meet minimum requirements; 0-59%
X.
TOPICS AND READING ASSIGNMENTS
(Schedule Subject to Change)
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Sept 6:
Topic:
Introduction and
Course Overview
Sept 10:
Topic:
Psychoactive
Drugs and
History and
Classification
Readings:
Chapter 1
Freaky First at
the Rutgers Zone
from 10pm – 2am
Sept 13:
Topic:
Heredity,
Environment,
Psychoactive Drugs
Readings:
Chapter 2 Pages
2.3-2.30
Track Meeting 1
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Sept 17:
Topic:
Heredity,
Environment,
Psychoactive
Drugs
Sept 23:
ADAwGs
Training:
At:
H.O.P.E.
(10am4pm)
Readings:
Chapter 2
Pages 2.30-2.49
Sept 24:
Topic:
Uppers
Readings:
Chapter 3
Pages 3.2-3.35
Journal 1 Due
Oct 1:
Topic:
Sept 24:
Topic:
Violence
Prevention &
Victim
Assistance
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Sept 20:
Topic:
Track Meeting 2
Sept 27:
Topic:
Substance Abuse
Spectrum
Guest Speaker:
Frank Greenagel CAPS
Oct 4:
Topic:
Uppers
Readings:
Chapter 3
Pages 3.35-3.55
Track Meeting 3
Guest Speaker:
Lisa SmithOffice of
Violence
Prevention and
Victim
Assistance
Oct 8:
Topic:
Downers
Readings:
Chapter 4
Pages 4.2-4.29
and Good
Kids & Heroin
Freaky First at
the Rutgers Zone
from 10pm – 2am
Oct 11:
Topic:
Downers
Readings:
Chapter 4
Pages 4.29-4.41
and Sex, Drugs,
HIV
Friday
Saturday
Sept 21:
Timeline,
Action,
Evaluation,
and Track
Minutes
Due on
Sakai
Sept 22:
Recovery
Walk from
7:15a.m. to
1p.m.
Sunday
Monday
Oct 15:
Topic:
Alcohol
Readings:
Chapter 5
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Oct 18:
Topic:
Prescription
Drugs –
Guest Speaker,
Linda Surks
Readings:
The New Yorker
Article
Oct 22:
MIDTERM
Oct 29:
Topic:
All Arounders
Readings:
Chapter 6
Pages 6.22-6.40
Exam Review
Oct 25:
Topic:
All Arounders
Readings:
Chapter 6
Pages 6.2-6.22
Nov 1:
Topic:
All Arounders
Track Minutes
Due
Journal 2 Due
Track Meeting
4
Nov 5:
Topic:
Other Drugs,
Other Addictions
Readings:
Chapter 7
Pages 7.2-7.11,
7.30-7.58, and
Heavy Use of
Facebook
Freaky First at
the Rutgers Zone
from 10pm – 2am
Nov 8:
Topic:
Drug Use and
Prevention
Readings:
Chapter 8
Pages 8.2-8.17
Recovery
Reflection Due
Track Meeting 5
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Nov 12:
Topic:
Behavioral
Addictions
Nov 15:
Topic:
Drug Use and
Prevention
Readings:
Do I Contribute
to Another’s ED
Readings:
Chapter 8
Pages 8.18-8.60
Nov 19:
Topic:
Recovery &
Treatment
Nov 20:
No Class
American Smoke
Out
Nov 22:
THANKSGIVING
BREAK
Readings:
Chapter 9
Pages 9.2-9.11
Nov 26:
Topic:
Recovery and
Treatment
Nov 29:
Topic:
Policy
Readings:
Chapter 9
Pages 9.11-9.69
Readings:
2011 National
Drug Control
Strategy
Journal 3 and
Summary Due
Paper and Peer
Evaluation Due
Track Meeting
6
Dec 3:
Topic:
Track
Presentation
Dec 10:
Topic:
Semester
Review
Dec 17:
FINAL EXAM
8-11 a.m.
Dec 6:
Topic:
Track Presentation
Dec 13:
Reading Day
Friday
Saturday
XI.
COURSE EVALUATION
Group Project:
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=155 points
___________
Timeline, Action & Evaluation Plan: September 21
Minutes
o 1st Submission: September 21
o 2nd Submission: November 1
Paper, Peer Evaluation: November 29
Presentations: December 3 and December 6
Midterm Exam: October 22
=75 points
___________
Final Exam: December 17
=100 points
___________
=60 points
___________
Journal:

1st Submission: September 24

2nd Submission: November 1

3nd Submission: November 26

Summary: November 26 (30 points)
= 10 points each (30)
Recovery Reflection Paper:

=75 points
___________
Reflection: November 3
Attendance/Class Participation
= 50 points
TOTAL POINTS
= 515 points
___________
YOUR TOTAL
XII.
OVERVIEW OF ASSIGNMENTS
REQUIREMENTS
The course will be a process in which the goal is to stimulate your thinking through readings,
experiential exercises and through the interchange of ideas. Students are expected to:

READINGS –Complete readings before class. The textbook chapters should be read by
the date of the assigned reading. Supplemental readings posted on Sakai will also be
required for certain topics.

CLASS PARTICIPATION – Participate fully by asking questions & providing
appropriate comments/opinions.

JOURNAL – (60 points) Every student is to keep a daily record of his or her drug use
(caffeine, nicotine, OTC/prescription medications, supplements, legal, and illegal). These
journals are for honest reflection and reporting of actual/personal drug intake. They will
be kept CONFIDENTIAL. Information for each entry should include: day/time of use,
substance, quantity, and comments about context of use. Each journal submission is worth
10 points each. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED!
At the end of the semester, students will write a maximum of 3 pages, double-spaced
summary of their substance use for the semester. The summary should address the following
questions: (30 points)
 What patterns have you found regarding your use?
 Is your use different on the weekends compared to weekdays?
 Does your use change when you break your routine, over a vacation, or with
different people?
 How is your use affected by stress, illness, mood, or peer influence?
 How was your use affected by the course of simply monitoring it?
 What conclusions have you reached regarding your relationship with drugs?

TWELVE-STEP OPEN MEETING – Each student must attend an open 12-Step
meeting, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, etc.

RECOVERY REFLECTION PAPER – (75 Points) Each student is responsible for
writing a paper of a maximum of 4 pages, double spaced based on their
reflection/experience at a 12-step meeting. The paper should be a reflection that describes
your experience and relates that experience to course materials.

GROUP PROJECT – (155 Points) This class will be divided into educational tracks:
alcohol, prescription drugs, tobacco, marijuana and other illegal drugs. Each track will be
responsible for implementing an educational campaign on campus. This will be an
experiential learning experience, meaning that you will learn and apply concepts as
student health leaders on campus. You will have the opportunity to meet and discuss the
specific tasks for each track during certain class periods. Students will be graded as a
group with the exception of the peer evaluation. (Students must schedule to meet with
Andreana in order to receive materials from H.O.P.E.).The following is a description
of activities for each track:


ALCOHOL I
Alcohol Track I will attend the New Jersey Prevention Network’s Recovery Walk
2012 on September 22nd in Philadelphia from 7:15 to 1pm (with course assistant)
and incorporate what they learn into a presentation for their peers on December 3.
This presentation must include information about recovery and treatment options,
advocacy movements, like the Walk, and the students’ perspectives on recovery from
alcohol and other drugs.
Students in this track must REGISTER IMMEDIATELY at:
http://www.njpn.org/recovery-walks-2012


ALCOHOL II
Create an interactive educational display/booth for students on alcohol and the
consequences of dangerous drinking.
Alcohol Track II will group table on October 4th at the Rutgers Zone from 10
p.m. – 1 a.m. during the Freaky First event.
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PRESCRIPTION DRUGS I
Create an interactive educational display/booth for students.
Prescription Drugs Track I will table at … Student Center between the dates of
September 24-27th (Groups I and II may not table at the same student center)
Prescription Drugs Track I must email their preferred their location to Andreana
before the next class.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS II
Create an interactive educational display/booth for students.
Prescription Drug Track II will table at the … Student Center between the dates of
September 24-27th (Groups I and II may not table at the same student center)
Prescription Drugs Track II must email their preferred location to Andreana before the
next class.
TOBACCO I
Create an interactive educational display/booth for students.
Tobacco Track I will table at … Student Center on November 15th for the Great
American Smoke Out.
Tobacco Track I must email their preferred location to Andreana before the next
class.
TOBACCO II
Create an interactive educational display/booth for students.
Tobacco Track II will table at … Student Center on November 15th for the Great
American Smoke Out.
Tobacco Track II must email their preferred location to Andreana before the next
class.
MARIJUANA


Create an interactive educational display/booth for students.
Marijuana Track will table on November 1st at the Rutgers Zone from 10 p.m. – 1
a.m. during the Freaky First event.


Create an interactive educational display/booth for students.
Illegal Drugs Track will table on November 1st at the Rutgers Zone from 10 p.m. –
1 a.m. during the Freaky First event.
OTHER ILLEGAL DRUGS
Track Meetings
1. Devise a timeline, action and evaluation plan
20 points
2. Track Meeting Attendance & Minutes
30 points
 Minutes must include attendance, old business & new business
3. Paper (see supplemental materials for guidelines)
30 points
4. Presentation (see supplemental materials for guidelines)
30 points
5. Peer Evaluation (only individual grade, see supplemental materials for guidelines)
10 points
6. Project Activities
35 points


EXAMS – Exams will consist of short answers and essays.
EXTRA CREDIT – Throughout the semester there will be extra credit opportunities, extra
credit assignments should be submitted on SAKAI.
**No late extra credit assignments will be accepted.**
XIII.
Academic Misconduct: A Bloustein School Perspective
Academic misconduct includes cheating, plagiarism, failure to cite sources, fabrication and
falsification, stealing ideas, and deliberate slanting of research designs to achieve a pre-conceived result.
We talk about misconduct and ethical behavior in classes and expectations are set forth in student
handbooks and catalogues. For example, it is presented on pages 545-547 in the New Brunswick
Undergraduate Catalogue for the years 2003 through 2005 and on pages 16-18 of the Edward J. Bloustein
catalogue for the years 2003 through 2005. We are not repeating that material here. Note, however, that
penalties for misconduct can range from failing an assignment/exam or dismissal from the university. The
Bloustein School is appending this memorandum to your course syllabus because we recently have
detected obvious cases of plagiarism. We have found far fewer cases of other forms of academic
misconduct, but we find several every year. It is imperative that you understand that unethical academic
conduct is intolerable, and it is completely preventable.
Academic misconduct almost always happens for two reasons. One is ignorance of academic rules and
practices. For example, in virtually every recent plagiarism case in the School, material has been taken
from an Internet site and placed in text without appropriate note or attribution. You must learn the proper
rules for attribution. If you are not sure, ask your instructor! If you do not know the rules that govern the
use of data sets, attribution, analysis and reporting of these sets, the faculty will help you. There is no
such thing as a stupid question regarding this subject. Pressure is the second common reason for academic
misconduct. Students, faculty, every one of us are subject to deadline, financial, self-worth, peer, and
other pressures. If you are potentially allowing pressure to drive you to misconduct, please step back and
resist that urge. You can cope with pressure in a positive way by reaching out to friends, counselors, and
faculty members. Within the Bloustein School community, you will find understanding people and
positive direction. The Bloustein School plays an important role in the planning and public policy agenda.
Our work and our students must be above reproach.