Psychoactive Substances & Society (2nd Edition) (Version 1.0 January 2024)

Abstract

This open educational resource is developed as a third-year level, university course on psychoactive drugs and Society. The second edition of Psychoactive Substances Use & Social Policy uses a revised and abbreviated title (Psychoactive Substances & Society) and is updated and enhanced. It includes a syllabus, 12 weeks of digital course content with assignments, and a grading rubric. It can be adapted as a stand-alone or supplemental course package, or single chapters can also be incorporated into courses on related topics. The course is designed so that it can be taught in several ways: as a fully online asynchronous course, or as a flipped learning hybrid course combining asynchronous learning via the Pressbook content, with face-to-face class and small group discussion (either online or in person). Course materials innovatively combine chapter content, with embedded links to audio/video material and short readings. A set of required additional readings are included at the end of each chapter. Materials come from a variety of sources (e.g., scholarly publications, government and non-governmental reports, the Conversation, media reports, other internet content, etc.). Each chapter starts with several questions for students to think about as they complete the chapter materials and ends with an assignment. All course materials (readings, viewings, questions, and assignments) are designed to stimulate critical and personal reflection on complex and challenging issues tied to course topic. Chapter assignments can be assigned as individual or group projects (face-to-face or via synchronous breakout groups during class time) or some combination of the two. The questions at the start of each chapter can also be used to guide class discussion.