308.650.81
Public Health Perspectives on U.S. Drug Policy
Location
Internet
Term
3rd Term
Department
Health Policy and Management
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2025 - 2026
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online with Some Synchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
HPM Course Approver
Contact Email
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
Enrollment Restriction
Undergraduate students are not permitted in this course
The U.S. is facing a historically lethal overdose crisis that has shown no signs of abating. Reversals of gains in life expectancy have been attributed in part to addiction and overdose. Given the public health magnitude of the crisis, it is imperative that students understand the policy landscape surrounding substance use, addiction, and overdose. In this course, students will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the policy issues affecting the health and well-being of people who use substance or have a substance use disorder.
Presents a critical examination of U.S. drug policy through a public health lens. Includes topics: policy mechanisms for reducing drug-related harm; implications of various drug control policies on population health and wellbeing; drug control enforcement and the role of the criminal justice system; stigma and the politics of drug policy; the organization and financing of services for people who use substances, including treatment of substance use disorders; and policies and services targeting special populations.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Identify the main policy mechanisms for reducing drug-related harm
- Evaluate the impacts of different U.S. drug policies on public health
- Situate U.S. drug policy in an international context
- Diagnose gaps in and failures of U.S. drug policy in maximizing health
- Propose solutions to addressing U.S. drug policy gaps, failures, and inequalities
- Discriminate the differential effects of U.S. drug policy on vulnerable populations in the U.S.
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 35% policy memo
- 35% op-ed assignment
- 15% Livetalk attendance/participation
- 15% Discussion Board
Jointly Offered With