191-435 Drugs and Justice

Usually 37.5 points of second/third year criminology subjects for third year, or admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in criminology.

This subject introduces students to a range of historical and contemporary issues surrounding the measurement of drug use and the popular and scientific construction of the health, crime and social consequences of drug use. The subject is concerned with the relationships between various constructions of drug phenomena and the policies and practices of drug control. The subject critically addresses issues and techniques involved in demand-reduction (education and treatment) and supply-reduction (law enforcement). At the completion of the subject, students should be able to recognise and explain contemporary discourses on health, harm, crime and public policy related to drug use.

• have highly developed cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;

• have an advanced understanding of complex concepts and the ability to express them lucidly in writing and orally;

• have sophisticated awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications;

• have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively.

For 3rd year students: a take-home test 25% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 3000 words 75% (due at the end of semester); for 4th year students: a take-home test 25% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 4000 words 75% (due at the end of semester).

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop