Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC2086: Addiction

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

You will be introduced to the different theoretical models which inform cultural representations, treatment and policy decisions of drug use and addiction.  You will be expected to think critically about these models, examining what it means to be addicted and designated an addict, both within Western society and cross-culturally. You will be encouraged to assess the relationship between drug use and health, criminality, deviance, social control and the media. You will also reflect on current treatment models of addiction (e.g. counselling, harm reduction, decriminalization) at both the individual and policy levels, as well as public prevention campaigns.  As such, this module will develop your critical thinking in relation to contemporary addiction discourse and literature, as well as stimulate your own intellectual interest in this area.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate knowledge of, analyse and some critical engagement with, a range of models and beliefs about addiction;
2. start to relate these perspectives to empirical studies and public policy on addiction;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. demonstrate in writing and orally some competence in using major theoretical perspectives and concepts in sociology and anthropology and their application to social life;
4. demonstrate in writing and orally an ability to analyse empirical sociological/anthropological materials and some critical engagement with these involving complex reasoning;
Personal and Key Skills5. demonstrate in writing an ability to analyse, some critical engagement with, and report accurately on existing written material whilst articulating it within a structured and cogent argument.
6. demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.