University of Guelph

College of Social and Applied Human Sciences

Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Drugs & Society

SOC 4350

 

 

Winter 2026

Instructor: Andy Hathaway

E-mail: hathawaa@uoguelph.ca

Office Hours: By appointment

Lecture Time and Location: Thursday, 2:30-5:20, ANNU-002

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Course Description

The objective of this seminar is to critically examine sociological perspectives on substance use behaviour and legal-policy debates concerning psychoactive drug use. Selections from the literature will be reviewed by students with particular attention to Canadian contributions. We will explore a wide array of topics that relate to the construction of drug problems in society—including historical and cultural and regulatory aspects, and the experiences of users of a variety of drugs.

 

Textbook

Hathaway, A.D. 2015. Drugs & Society. Oxford University Press.

 

Supplementary Assigned Readings

Available on Courselink.

 

Evaluation

Grades will be determined on the basis of the following:

 

Term Paper (30%)

Midterm Exam (30%)

Group work (20%)

Participation (20%)