Role of Drugs in our Society

Reflection Papers

During the second half of the term, you will have the opportunity to read three books critical to our understanding of the role of drugs in our society today. You will have online discussions on each of the books, then write reflections on your take-ways and the implications of the information in these books on how we approach drug use, drug users, and the War on Drugs. The instructions for each of the three papers are a bit different, so please pay close attention to the details in order to set yourself up for earning the maximum points on each.
Since these will be turned in online, you can make them single-spaced.

1. Choice Book Reflection (900 words)

The first step in this assignment is to select your book from the four options. Refer to Selecting Your Choice Book in Module 1 in D2L for instructions.
I suggest starting to read your book as early as possible, so you will not be rushed for the discussion or paper. As you are reading, make note of passages that are particularly interesting or surprising that you might want to bring up in the discussion or reflection. Also note some of your reactions to the book, and ways in which the book reinforces or contradicts other course materials. Integrating various course materials in your writing is a great way to demonstrate engagement and a thorough understanding of our topics.
After participating in the Module 6 discussion with others who have read the same book, you will be ready to complete your reflection. Note that this paper is about your experience reading and discussing the book; it is not intended to be a summary of the book or a book report. For your reflection, respond to the following prompts. You do not need to answer all of these; pick the ones that are most relevant for you:
a. Why did you pick this book? What were your goals for what you would get out of it?
b. In what ways was the book what you expected and/or surprising?
c. Were there any aspects of the discussion that surprised you, such as opinions from others in the group?
d. In what ways did the book fit (or not) with the things we are covering in this class?
e. What is your opinion of the book? Were there aspects that you liked and/or disliked? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
f. What is the main take-away that you learned from the book and the discussion?

 
Reflections 2 and 3 – General Instructions for “High Price” and “Chasing the Scream”

Each reflection should be between 1500-2000 words, not including any quoted material.  The reflection must include at least 3 direct (cited) quotes from the assigned book.  These should be “substantive” quotes that support points that you are making in your paper, not just random quotes from the book.  While there is not a specific length requirement for the quotes, generally, one sentence is probably not going to be long enough to be substantive, and very long quotes will detract from your own writing in this relatively short paper.  Three to five sentences is a good average.  Corresponding citations must be used, including a bibliography at the end of the paper.  Note that these are critical reflections of these books, NOT book reviews.  

Questions for Consideration – These are general questions for you to consider while reading these two books. You do not necessarily need to address them in your papers; they are more for helping you to focus your reading.

1. In what ways are the authors of these books asking society to respond differently to recreational drug use and drug abuse?
2. What evidence do the authors present for their reasoning for how we should respond to recreational drug use and drug abuse?
3. What arguments or evidence do they present that our current prohibition or “just say no” approach is not working? In what specific ways is it not working?
4. In what ways are these approaches different from or similar to drug education you have received in the past? Do these approaches resonate with you or not, and how?
5. Critical Reflection: “High Price” (1800 words)

Prompt Questions (Use at least 3 quotes from this book and address all of the following four topics.) Get the book here https://b-ok.org/book/2283615/b4592a

1. The subtitle to this book is, “A Neuroscientist’s Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs and Society.” In what ways, if any, did Dr. Hart challenge your personal views or opinions? What pieces of information stood out to you the most? Did he leave you with any questions or pieces of information that you feel are missing?
2. Dr. Hart goes into his personal background in depth in this “part memoir” in order to give context to his own evolution of thought on drugs and their impact on society. He points out critical events and influences that led him down his successful career path. What lessons can we take away from his experience for improving outcomes for youth exposed to drugs in their communities?
3. Throughout the book, Dr. Hart talks about the impact of race and racism on both himself and society in general. In what ways is racism connected to our response to drugs and drug use, historically and currently? What role do you think it has or should have in rethinking drug policy in this country?
4. Dr. Hart argues that a first step in a serious national discussion about changing drug policy would have to be public “reeducation” about drugs (see for example, page 326 or the 11th paragraph in Chapter 17 that begins, “In order to begin . . .”). Based on your peers and others you know, what information would be the most compelling to them in order for them to support changes in drug policy? If you have discussed this book with others, what was their reaction to the information you shared? What role do the media, the scientific community, policymakers, educators, and public health have in changing the dialogue about drugs?
5. Critical Reflection: “Chasing the Scream” (1800 words)

Get the book from here https://b-ok.org/book/2484617/805b46

Prompt Questions (Use at least 3 (cited) quotes from this book and address all of the following three topics.)

1. Many people in the U.S. are now waking up to the realities of the War on Drugs and its impacts. In response, many then ask, “How did we get here?” What are some points from Hari’s historical account that stood out to you? Did he miss any angles to this major event in our nation’s history? What do you think is most important for people to know about the history of the War on Drugs?
2. While many Americans are uncomfortable with putting people in prison for drugs or drug use, they see no other options. As the rhetoric goes, we have to keep ourselves (and especially young people) safe from drugs, and our communities safe from drug users, which we generally equate with punishment and imprisonment. Hari presents examples of other options from other countries, and signs of change in our own country. Which options did you find most surprising and/or compelling? What would have to happen for these other responses to drugs and drug use to be used widely in the U.S.?
3. In what ways have the following played a role (or not) in our current attitudes about drugs and the War on Drugs: fear; shame; dishonesty; science; money; safety; compassion? (You do not need to address all of these; just the ones you feel are most relevant.) Are there other things that you feel have fueled our approach to drugs and drug use in this country? How have the approaches of other countries dealt with these?

Tips for Success!
 Read the books earlier in the term when you are less busy. While chapters from these books are assigned as we go through the term, they do not apply directly to earlier assignments, as is the case for “Buzzed.” So, you can read them at your own pace, as long as you are done in time to complete the discussion and reflection paper.
 Read the prompt topics each time you sit down to read the book. That way, they will be fresh in your mind as you are reading. You can make corresponding notes for your paper as you read, and it will be easy for you to note potential quotes that you want to use.
 Write your first draft of the reflection as soon as you are done reading the book.
 Grammar and spelling count and proper citations are critical! The quality and accuracy of your writing will make a difference in your grade. If you struggle with your writing, for example, the proper citing of material, write your first draft with enough time to get help at the Writing Center.
 Note: After you have submitted your paper on D2L, go back to double check that you have uploaded the correct paper. On occasion, students will accidentally upload an unfinished version of a paper, then after receiving a low grade, want to upload a finished version. You can upload multiple versions prior to the deadline for the assignment but once the deadline has passed, no revised versions will be allowed. It is your responsibility to make sure you have uploaded the correct paper by the due date.

Extension Option (summer term only): Due to the quick pace of the 4-week term, and the time it can take to write papers, I am making the following option available to anyone who would like to take some extra time. You can turn ONE of the reflection papers in late without penalty. I will enter an “incomplete” for your course grade. Here are the parameters:
• You must notify me via D2L email by at least the due date for the paper that you want to use the extension option.
• You can use the option for only one of the 3 reflection papers.
• Any other paper that is late will be assessed a 10% penalty per day late.