About SOC 1260 A
Patterns of illicit drug distribution, use, abuse, and control in contemporary society. Examines the interaction of cultural, social, psychological, and physiological factors in prohibited drug-taking.
Notes
Open to degree and PACE students System waitlisting enabled for this section
Section URL
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MRCYwKemj9KEocaNjuVYtM0b1e5ihHDz/view?usp=sharing
Section Description
Please see attached DRAFT of a SAMPLE syllabus, which is subject to change.
This course provides a sociological examination of the production, regulation, and sale of drugs in Latin America, focusing on cocaine. Drug consumption is conventionally viewed as an individual choice based in individual morality. This course is designed to problematize the conventional, individualistic perspective on drug consumption. Instead, this course will illuminate how the consumption, production, and sale of drugs in Latin America is influenced by transnational, political, economic, cultural, and historical factors. In addition, the course will examine the violence that is produced in Latin America partly due to the criminalization of the drug trade. In addition to grappling with academic scholarship on the topic, the course will examine media representations of narcotrafficking through viewing of the television show Narcos: Mexico.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Students will learn how transnational, political, economic, cultural, and historical factors influence
the production, sale, and consumption of cocaine and other drugs in Latin America.
2. Students will explore theories of drug consumption and drug production.
3. Students will learn to apply sociological research methods to examine of patterns of drug
consumption and distribution in Latin America.
Section Expectation
This course combines lecture and discussion formats. Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours a week on coursework outside of class, with additional time for writing response papers, and preparing for and taking exams. Students will require a subscription to the Netflix streaming service in order to view the television show Narcos: Mexico. Readings for the course comprise of academic articles or academic e-books accessible freely through the UVM Libraries. Students are not required to purchase books or textbooks for this course. Students are expected to complete all tests and response papers and attend class regularly. There will be no opportunities to make up for missed tests or response papers.
Evaluation
The learning evaluation for the course comprises of tests (60 to 75%), response papers (15 to 20%), and class
participation (10%).
TESTS
There will be several tests during the course of the semester that will cover each module. One of the test scores will be dropped. Each will be worth around 15 to 25% of your final grade.
RESPONSE PAPERS (15 to 20%)
There will be several response papers that will be announced in advance and completed in class.
Class Participation (10%)
Attendance and class participation will be evaluated through iClicker polls throughout the semester. You are required to download the iClicker Student App.
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.
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| Last Day to Drop | |
| Last Day to Withdraw with 50% Refund | |
| Last Day to Withdraw with 25% Refund | |
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Resources
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