Drugs, Governance and Modern Society
UndergraduateLTU-LST2DRU2024
Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 5 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Drugs, Governance and Modern Society
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Distinguish between different drugs according to their composition and effects, and consider the socio-political factors that shape their legal classifications
- Identify and assess key approaches to the regulation of drugs and drug use.
- Recognise and communicate how social, economic and political factors have shaped drug distribution practices, locally and globally.
- Critically reflect on the social, political, economic and ethical challenges involved in formulating effective approaches to drugs and drug use.
- What is the 'Drug Problem'?
- Drug Regulation in Australia
- Theories of Drug Use
- Harm Reduction and Public Health
- The Global Trade in Illicit Drugs
- The Drugs-Crime Nexus
In this online, level two subject, students will acquire an understanding of the complexities surrounding drugs and drug use in contemporary Australia. The subject addresses: the classification and effects of licit and illicit substances; the development and nature of contemporary drug distribution networks; major approaches to regulating drugs and drug use; and the key debates and challenges involved in formulating policy and practice in this area. Specific topics we will explore include: alcohol and other drug consumption patterns among young people; pill testing debates; the rise of online illicit drug markets; drug court models; drug education; decriminalisation and legalisation efforts; ongoing tensions around how to regulate vaping; performance and image-enhancing drugs, and contemporary debates around harm reduction strategies (e.g. medically supervised injecting facilities). No pre-existing knowledge is required, but students will be urged to examine any assumptions or moral judgements they hold about the 'right' way to approach the 'drug problem'. A key theme in this subject is exploring how the framing of such problems - through various social, political, cultural, and economic lenses - shapes how we then respond to them, and that even well-intentioned policies can have unintended adverse outcomes.Please note this Winter Term subject is entirely asynchronous (meaning no live lectures or tutorials). Students must have completed a minimum of 60 credit points of Level 1 subjects to enrol.
In 2024, this subject will commence on June 10 and the final assessment will likely be due around July 21. However, it is possible to submit this before the deadline and thus complete the subject slightly earlier.
- Online quizzes (equivalent to 800 words) Quizzes included in online modules (15%)
- Two short critical responses (equivalent to 1150 words) (30%)
- One fact sheet (700 words) (25%)
- One 1,200 word research essay (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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- QS Ranking 2024:
- 17
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 18
Entry requirements
Others
Prerequisites: Students must have completed 60 credit points of Level one subjects.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
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