FYS 1151 - Drugs and the Mind

Credits: 4
The earliest historical and literary evidence reveals that drug use has been an integral part of human experience for thousands of years. This course will explore a wide array of dimensions associated with psychotropic drugs. It will draw on a variety of disciplines, such as history, the law, biochemistry, art and music, sociology and, of course, psychology. Students will learn how drugs work, and examine a variety of psychotropics to include legal and illegal drugs, as well as medications used to treat psychiatric disorders. Several guest speakers, such a pharmaceutical representatives, law enforcement personnel, and drug education/rehabilitation will come from off campus to discuss their work. Projects include an evaluation of the issues surrounding the pain killer OxyContin, group presentations on drugs as represented in film and music, and talks/discussions on issues, such as medical uses of marijuana.
Offered: Fall only, on demand
McDaniel Plan: First-Year Seminar