HSV/SOC 208

Dr. Jackie Griswold 

 

Please note that this is a preliminary plan.  The syllabus posted on the course site is the document to which you should refer for specific information.

 

In order for you to be successful in this course you MUST have basic computer skills, and be familiar with the internet.  You need to be able to create a WORD document, send an email with an attachment, navigate the course website and perform other basic computer functions.  You also need to know how to use the HCC online library services and search engines to do research.

 

There is an online orientation that is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED, particularly if you have never taken an online course.  

 

This is a fast paced course, especially during the summer.  We cover the entire book, and the expectations in terms of academic workload are exactly the same as they are during the full academic semester.  If you are not prepared to hit the ground running, and spend several hours each week studying for this course, you will not be successful

 

Office: DON 265

Phone: 413-552-2333

Email: jgriswold@hcc.mass.edu

 

General course description This course introduces concepts relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse, including the disease concept; the effect of alcohol and other drugs on the body; medical complications; the effect of substance abuse problems on the family and others; and special issues related to populations such as adolescents, individuals at risk for suicide, women, the elderly, and individuals with a dual diagnosis.  (Same as SOC 208)

Prerequisites:                      PSY 110 or SOC 110

 

Instructional objectives 

The successful student will be able to:

  1. define substance abuse 
  2. discuss various models of alcohol/drug dependence
  3. discuss the societal implications of substance abuse, including risk factors, and systemic problems 
  4. discuss the major perspectives on alcohol/drug use
  5. discuss drug specific information
  6. demonstrate understanding of the effects of substance abuse on the body 
  7. describe the medical complications of substance abuse 
  8. discuss the process of screening, evaluation and diagnosis of substance abuse/dependence 
  9. discuss the intervention process and treatment issues
  10. discuss disorders co-occurring with substance abuse 
  11. discuss substance abuse and family systems 
  12. identify special populations and related treatment issues

 

 

 

Required text for Spring 2011

To be determined

 

 

Communication: I will check email on a daily basis during the week. While it is unlikely that it will happen, it may take me as much as 24 hours to respond to any questions you ask. Please be patient if I don't respond immediately. I will generally confirm receipt of your homework assignments within 24 hours as well, during the week.

 

Interaction Plan: I would prefer you use the private email within the course to email me, but if you are unable to reach me using the private email, you may contact me at jgriswold@hcc.edu. I am also available for appointments at the college. Please email to make an appointment with me.

 

This course is delivered asynchronously, which means you do not have to be on line at a particular time. There will be no required chat room for the course; however, your group may decide to use a chat room to communicate. The discussion forum is asynchronous. You can be online participating in the discussion forum at midnight, 6 AM, 5 PM or whenever it works for you. 

 

Attendance Policy: As stated in the college catalog:"All students are expected to report to all classes on time. Persistent absence or tardiness may result in grading penalties or the student’s dismissal from class and a grade of F." 

HOWEVER, since this is an online course, the rules change! You will be expected to log in and participate in the online discussion group a several times weekly.  Check the specific expectations  in the course syllabus. 

 

 

Online discussion group:Because there is no ‘live’ classroom interaction, this segment of the course is particularly important. Let me repeat:  The discussion part of the course is VERY IMPORTANT. It is worth 25% of your grade. The discussion is asynchronous, which essentially means ‘any time, anywhere.’ This is a threaded discussion, not a chat room discussion. Each week, or perhaps a couple times a week, I will post a discussion question or two. You may find yourself logging onto the discussion group at midnight, noon, 3 a.m., 3 p.m. or sometime in between. When you participate doesn’t really matter - but it is important that you do participate. As noted above, you are expected to log in and post a relevant comment a several times weekly. It would be good to check in early in the week, mid-week, and toward the end of the week, so that you can get the full flow of the discussion. The more often you check in, the better your understanding will be. There is an expectation that all students will take an active role in their own learning.  I will actively monitor and participate in the discussion group. I may also utilize group emails as a tool to share information, questions, concerns and new information. 

 

Teaching procedures: Because this is an online course, it is somewhat different from an onsite class. There will be no formal lectures, as such, but chapter outlines and notes will be posted in the content section. Additionally, there will be an asynchronous discussion forum, written assignments, quizzes, and a final exam.

 

Basis for student grading:  Please note that this distribution might change slightly - the course syllabus which is posted in the course site will have the most up-to-date information.

 

Written assignments: 40%

Chapter Quizzes: 35%

Participation: 25%

 

Written Assignments: There will be a variety of written assignments. These assignments will be noted in the calendar, and posted in the content section of the web site. Assignments should be emailed to me as a WORD document attachment by the due date. 

 

Due Dates: Due dates will be noted on the course calendar. I will comment on and grade the assignments and return them to you in an attachment via email. Assignments not submitted by the due date/time MAY NOT be accepted.

 

Tentative test/assignment(s) schedule:

Assignments and quizzes will be noted on the course calendar. You can expect at least one written assignment per chapter, in addition to doing the online quizzes. The instructor will not provide additional reminders for assignments. It is your responsibility to check the calendar for assignments on a regular basis.

 

Students with special needs: HCC is committed to full inclusion of all students. Students who, by nature of a documented disability, require accommodations should notify the instructor at the beginning of the semester. Students may also speak with the Office for Students with Disabilities to request accommodations. Your immediate attention to these arrangements is necessary to assure a positive learning experience.

 

Academic Integrity: To quote the HCC catalog: "Academic integrity is expected of all students.  Any dishonesty in the performance of course work, such as plagiarism or cheating in other forms, will be reported.  In the event the student is charged with some form of dishonesty, the Student Discipline Policy will be followed (see the Student Policy Guide)."   If you do not have a copy of the Student Discipline Policy, one can be obtained at the Office of Student Development.  

 

Students who are dishonest in the performance of course work will be subject to dismissal from the class with a failing grade. 

 

 

 

Course Content/Chapter Outline

 

Section One:  Drug Use in Modern Society

Ch.1 Drug Use: An Overview

Ch.2 Drug Use as a Social Problem

Ch.3 Drug Products and Their Regulation

 

Section Two:  How Drugs Work

Ch.4 The Nervous System

Ch.5 The Actions of Drugs

 

Section Three:  Uppers and Downers

Ch.6 Stimulants

Ch.7 Depressants and Inhalents

Ch.8 Medication for Mental Disorders

 

Section 4:  Alcohol

Ch.9 Alcohol

 

Section 5: Familiar Drugs

Ch.10 Tobacco

Ch.11 Caffeine

Ch.12 Dietary Supplements and Over-the-Counter Drugs

 

Section 6: Restricted Drugs

Ch.13 Opiods

Ch.14 Hallucinogens

Ch.15 Marijuana

Ch.16 Performance-Enhancing Drugs

 

Section 7: Prevention and Treatment

Ch.17  Preventing Substance Abuse

Ch.18 Treating Substance Abuse and Dependence

 

 

 

 

 

Revised 1/09

 

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