Course Syllabus

CRJ. 4710, The Drug War

Section 01: TT 9:00a-12:0p
Vail 412
Summer, 2016
Instructor: Brandon T. Stroup
Office: Vail 434
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 802.626.6241
Office Hours: - Tuesday 7:45a-8:45a, Thursday 7:45a-8:45a, I am also available by
appointment.

Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the use and abuse of drugs in America. The history of such use
and abuse, the pharmacology and legalization or criminalization of such drugs, the social response to drug
use and abuse, effects of drugs on the body and the role of law enforcement are considered. This course
also provides a history of Americas war on drugs and the impact of this policy.

Required Texts: Readings for this class can be found in the book store.
Benavie, A. (2009). Drugs: Americas holy war. New York, NY. Routledge.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Increase critical/analytical thinking skills through the application of learned materials to
observation within everyday life.
2. Acquire an informed understanding of the basic concepts related to criminal justice and
criminological thought (i.e., recognize the major sources of data on crime trends and patterns).
3. Improve in social interaction skills and understanding human behavior through
consideration of the impact legal and social systems have on individuals.
4. Increase student awareness of cultural and multi-cultural issues through study of how social
problems and social movements are related to, and affect, individuals and groups.
5. To understand the historical evolution of modern day drug policy as it relates to broader
society.
6. Preparation for more advanced study in criminal justice, sociology, or in life.

Assessment Measures:
We will use a variety of methods to assess your performance in this class. As noted below, course
grades are determined by the total points that you earn from class work, three reflections, and
three exams. Please keep track of these points below as you earn them so that you can determine
your overall grade in the course at any time. Grades will also be posted in the course Moodle
account.
Distribution of Points:
Chapter Outline
Chapter Outline
Final Paper
Daily Class Work
Essays
Reflection 1
Reflection 2
Total

25 Points Possible
25 Points Possible
50 Points Possible
120 Points Possible
120 Points Possible
15 Points Possible
15 Points Possible
370 Points Possible

Your Scores:
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__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
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Grading Scale:
A/A- = 330 370 Points
B/B- = 292 329 Points
C/C- = 260 - 291 Points
D/D- = 228 259 Points
Daily Class Work: You will be responsible for completing daily micros worth 10 points.
Micros will also be used to take attendance. Micros will be completed in both groups and
individually and will consist of one short answer question or multiple-choice questions. Your
score on daily micros also involves your participation in daily class discussion. It is important for
you to demonstrate that you read the material from one class to the next. I cannot permit makeups for class work, as the majority of class work will involve in-class simulations, group work,
or other activities. Thus, it is essential that you attend class when it is possible.
Reflections: Each student is required to submit two reflection papers worth 15 points each. The
reflections must be typed and double-spaced and at least 3 pages long. This assignment counts
as 30 points toward your final grade. Late papers will be penalized (five points for every day
late).
Chapter Outlines: Each student will be required to complete Two chapter outlines as well as lead a class
discussion concerning the chapter that they outline. Outlines are drawn from the Benavie reading.
Outlines are worth 25 points each. They are to be typed and turned in the day the chapter is discussed in
class. There is no page requirement for outlines but it is expected that they should be around three pages.
Students will complete these assignments in groups of seven to ten (i.e. each student will complete their
own outline, and discuss it in class. Not students will do the assignment as a group turning in one outline.)

Paper: Students are to select the substance of their choice and write a four to five page paper
concerning the history of its use, percentage of users across the country, and effects on the body.
This paper will be turned in the Tuesday before the final class session.
Attendance Policy:
Regular attendance is expected. Poor attendance can lower your course grade and will not help
your grade if you are on the edge (i.e., C+ to a B-). Additionally assignments completed in class
cannot be made up so come to class. The micros that you will take every class are how I will be
taking attendance. As previously noted, university policy allows for three unexcused absences
and I will drop your lowest four micro grades (allows you at least four absences). After the fourth
absence every additional unexcused absence will result in one point being taken off your final
grade. It is important that you attend class on a regular basis.

Expectations:
1. A true effort to learn the course material. I expect you to have completed the course reading
assignments as well as make every effort to be present for class. Additionally, if you are
having difficulties with the material, I expect that you will express this to me by meeting me
during office hours or by sending me an e-mail.
2. Respect Within this classroom, it is essential that we all remember that every idea, no
matter how common or unique, has value and worth. With sensitive topics, I expect that there
will occasionally be conflict. With that said, if you disagree with something that is brought
up in class, you will always be given the chance to express your disagreement politely (either
through discussion in class, meeting with me, or via e-mail).
3. Honesty I expect that you will follow all of the guidelines provided by the Social Science
Department on academic integrity. Please respect yourself and others by remaining honest.
4. Turn off cell phone: Turn off your cell phone. If there is an emergency, let me know, I try to
be pleasant. However, class participation points (from your daily class work score) will be
taken away if a student is reminded of this policy more than once.
5. No Laptops: Just as I expect cell phones to be turned off, I also expect all laptops to be turned
off during class. If you have a documented need for the use of a laptop I will permit its use.
Otherwise all laptops (like cellphones) should be left in your bag, car, or dorm.
Academic Integrity:
For all work in this or any other course, LSC students are expected to maintain the highest
standards of honesty and integrity. This means that all work submitted in your courses must be
your own and all sources of information and ideas must be properly attributed. All assignments
are to be done independently unless otherwise specified, and will be graded accordingly. You
should familiarize yourself with definitions of cheating, plagiarism, and other violations of
academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and abiding by the LSC Academic Integrity
Policy. Plagiarism involves using the words, facts, or ideas of another person or sources as if
they were your own. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are grounds

for receiving an F on the assignment or exam, an F for the course, and referral to the
university for judicial review and sanctions that potentially include suspension or permanent
expulsion from the university. Again, you are responsible for knowing and abiding by the LSC
Academic Integrity Policy.
Special Requirements:
Anyone in this class with a documented disability, which may require accommodations, inform
me and then contact Burnham Academic Support Center at 802.626.6210. Located at LAC,
Room 325.

Tentative Class Schedule:

7/5
7/7

7/12
7/14
7/19
7/21
7/26
7/28
8/2
8/4
8/9
8/11

All Home Work is due by Saturday night at

11:59pm
Introduction to the course
Drug use in America
Benavie Chapter One & Two
Major Stimulants: Cocaine & Amphetamines
Reflection Paper One: What is the Purpose of
the drug war?
Benavie Chapter Three
Benavie Chapter Four
Major Narcotics: Opium, Morphine, and Heroin
Benavie Chapter Five
Major Narcotics: Opium, Morphine, and Heroin
Benavie Chapter Six
Benavie Chapter Seven
LSD and Other Hallucinogens
Benavie Chapter Eight
Marijuana
Benavie Chapter Nine
Marijuana
Benavie Chapter Ten
Benavie Chapter Eleven
Anabolic Steroids
Benavie Chapter Twelve
Alcohol
Benavie Chapter Thirteen
Tobacco
Benavie Chapter Fourteen
Glues, Solvents, and Other Inhalants
Final Paper Due
Benavie Chapter Fifteen
Prescription Drugs
Second Reflection Paper