Bachelor
2021/2022
Drugs, Drug Use, Drug Policy and Health
Type:
Elective course (Journalism)
Area of studies:
Journalism
Delivered by:
Institute of Media
When:
4 year, 3 module
Mode of studies:
distance learning
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Tatiana Tikhomirova
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
2
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This MOOC is the first of its kind, since it addresses critical issues related to drugs from a multidisciplinary, health and human rights-based approach. Throughout the course you will cover a range of questions including what are drugs and why they controlled? What are the benefits and harms of taking drugs? How public health policies can address drug use? The topics will be presented by over 40 speakers from scientific, academic and institutional backgrounds, spokespersons of civil society as well as people who use drugs presenting their views.
Learning Objectives
- To learn about the intricacies of the international drug control framework and the negative consequences of widespread prohibitionist drug policies around the world.
- To examine ways of furthering drug policy reform.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- to have a clear vision of why drug policy is debated today
- to understand of the major health issues related to drug use and drug policy
Course Contents
- Understanding drugs and the international drug control framework
- Drug Use Worldwide
- Addressing drug use and health: prevention, harm reduction and treatment
- Questioning prohibition-based policies
- Medical access to opioids for the management of pain and to other controlled medicines
- The case for drug policy reform
Assessment Elements
- Module 1 — Graded QuizAssignments and criteria are published on the course page on the Coursera platform.
- Module 2 — Graded QuizAssignments and criteria are published on the course page on the Coursera platform.
- Module 3 — Graded QuizAssignments and criteria are published on the course page on the Coursera platform.
- Module 4 — Graded QuizAssignments and criteria are published on the course page on the Coursera platform.
- Module 5 — Graded QuizAssignments and criteria are published on the course page on the Coursera platform.
- Module 6 — Graded Peer ReviewAssignments and criteria are published on the course page on the Coursera platform.
Interim Assessment
- 2021/2022 3rd module0.25 * Module 6 — Graded Peer Review + 0.15 * Module 2 — Graded Quiz + 0.15 * Module 3 — Graded Quiz + 0.15 * Module 4 — Graded Quiz + 0.15 * Module 1 — Graded Quiz + 0.15 * Module 5 — Graded Quiz
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Mitchell, C. N. (2014). The Drug Solution : Regulating Drugs According to Principles of Efficiency, Justice and Democracy. MQUP.
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Jie Jack Li. (2014). Blockbuster Drugs : The Rise and Decline of the Pharmaceutical Industry. Oxford University Press.