Substance Abuse: Crim 410

Syllabus
Spring 2023

Instructor: Dr. Michael G. Webb

Day & Time: 01/18/2023 to 05/12/2023 (Tues. & Thurs.) 9:35 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Nygreen 2-Thousand Oaks Main Campus
E-Mail mgwebb@callutheran.edu
Office Hours: By Appointment only on Thursday’s 12:15pm-1:15pm, 2:15pm -3:00pm
Pre-Requisite: Criminal Justice 101 & Junior Standing
Drop Date: Drop date deadline (Without a W) is January 31, 2023

Textbook:

Drugs, Society & Human Behavior

Charles Hart, Charles Ksir, & Oakley Ray (2022) 18th edition

Course Description:

This course will consist of a comprehensive overview of the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol and its impact on
the individual, family, community, and the criminal justice system. We will exam the basic physiological,
psychological and pharmacological effects of psychoactive drugs and alcohol. This course will evaluate the
prominent theories regarding the causes of drug/alcohol abuse, addiction, and drug abuse treatment. Other topics
will include drug abuse the emerging field of drug-endangered children, drug testing, the relationship between
drugs and crime.

Course Format & Delivery

This is course will be fully in-person so long as it is aligned with public health protocols, which may include
vaccination documentation, verification of vaccination waiver, masks covering noses and mouths, social
distancing, and any other conditions required by the University. If conditions change, I will adjust the course to
deliver the course in a modified teaching modality and inform students as soon as possible.

Course Assignments
Health and Safety Protocols. All students must comply with the University’s current and required policies
regarding health and safety at all times; otherwise, they may not be allowed on campus and/or unable to attend
classes. Please see Campus Compact, Daily Health Check, and policies/updates
at https://www.callutheran.edu/know/.

Course Objectives and CLU Learning Objectives:

Information Literacy: Through lecture, class discussion, and reading we will discuss critical issues on the
physiological and psychological effects of substance abusing chemicals.

Critical Thinking Skills: We will study and discuss the complex dilemmas woven throughout the justice
system, and the impact on criminal justice policy decision-making. In addition, learning opportunities will be
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provided as we compare and contrast theories and processes of drug/alcohol addiction. Students will be
encouraged to demonstrate a basic understanding of substance abuse and its relevance to drug/alcohol treatment
and other intervention programs. You will also critique the relationship between substance abuse and criminal
behavior and you will identify and evaluate federal and state laws designed to deter drug use and abuse.
Identity/Values: We will examine ethical issues in policing, courts, and the correctional system. The practice of
examination and critical thinking can also be applied to understanding the dynamics of broader social issues and
the ethical dilemmas of daily decision-making in the criminal justice context. We also aim to understand how
these ethical dilemmas impact our local and global communities.

Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills: Learning will be emphasized through small group discussions, individual
presentations, and debates.

Oral Communication: There will be a focus on oral communication skills through small group discussion and
professor lead discussions.

Writing Skills: You will be required to develop your writing through a variety of writing assignments as
outlined in the syllabus. Your term paper needs to demonstrate your subject-matter expertise (after research)
regarding a treatment facility, demonstrate knowledge integration while helping to improve your writing skills.
Course Schedule – Spring 2023

Date Topic Readings

1/19 Introduction to Substance Abuse Chap 1: Drug Use: An
Overview
Theoretical Models of Addiction Drug Use in Chap 2: Drug Use as a Social
Modern Society Problem
1/24 & 1/26 History and Drug Schedule (DEA) Chap 3: Drug Policy in the
Unites States
Chap 5: The Actions of Drugs
1/31 & 2/2 Uppers: Methamphetamine + Cocaine Chap 6: Stimulants
Chap 10-12:“Familiar Drugs”
2/7 & 2/9 Downers and “All Arounders” Chap 7: Depressants +Inhalants;
Chap 14: Psychedelics
2/14 & 2/16 Opiates and Opioids 2/14 Review for Midterm Chap 13: Opioids
Midterm (2-16-23)
Alcohol Abuse and Addiction Chap 9: Alcohol

2/21 & 2/23 Debate Prep work

2/28 & 3/2 Legal Age of Alcohol reduced to 18-Debate Chap 15: Cannabis
(03-02-23)
3/7 & 3/9 Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual-Diagnosis) Chap 8: Medications and
Mental Disorders

3/14 & 3/16 Prevention and Treatment Chap 17: Preventing Substance
Abuse
3/21 & 3/23 Harm Reduction: Ideas and Overview; Treatment Chap 18: Treating Substance
Problems; Drug Testing Use Disorders and Drug Policy
Term Paper Due 3/23/23 Alternatives
3/28 & 3/30 Presentations 3/28 & 3/30
4/4 & 4/6 Spring Break
4/11 & 4/13 In Class Assignment
4/18 & 4/20 Substance Abuse Assignment/ Domestic Violence
4/25 & 4/27 Possible Guest Speaker
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5/2 & 5/4 Review for Final

5/9 Finals Week

The class syllabus and scheduled dates of guest speakers are subject to change.
 Grading: Grades are based on a total points system as follows:

Midterm Exam 100

Debate 30
Critiques 50
Participation 20
Presentation/ Term Paper 100
Final 100
Total 400
Grades:

A 95%-100%
A- 90%-94.9%
B+ 86%-89.9%
B 83%-85.0%
B- 80%-82.9%
C+ 76%-79.9%
C 73%-75.9%
C- 70%-72.9%
D+ 67%-69.9%
D 55%-66.9%
F 0-54.9%

Class Format:

The instructional format will include text material, articles (handouts or web-based), student presentations
and panels, lectures, videos, and guest speakers. The focus of the class will include informed discussion of
significant issues regarding substance abuse. Students will be expected to learn essential terms and concepts
related to substance abuse in order to facilitate critical discussions of issues.

Writing Assignments

All homework assignments, unless otherwise indicated by the instructor, are to be typed, 1-2 pages, double-
spaced (12 font size). Assignments are to be proofread for spelling and other grammatical errors. Extra credit
assignments are to be typed. All assignments are to be turned in through Blackboard.

Assignments will not be accepted after one week of the due date. Make-up exams will only be authorized if
there is a valid excuse for missing a scheduled test.

Video Critiques: Unless otherwise indicated by the instructor, video presentations in class or Blackboard will
require a brief critique (summary) of the topic in the video. The summary is due on the assigned date through
Blackboard and should highlight three ideas or issues taken from the video. The critiques are to be no longer
than one page - typed.

Term Project and Class Presentation

Students will select or be assigned to research a topic for a term paper and prepare for a group or individual
presentation.
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Class Participation:
Class participation takes into account in-class exercises, class discussions, and attendance (being prompt to class
and not leaving early). Students are strongly encouraged to actively participate in class discussions and the
“Alcohol debate” which is a graded assignment!

Instructor’s Policies - Attendance, Punctuality, Comportment:

Attendance: Punctuality is important for this class and in life. Four or more missed classes (regardless of reason)
will result in a 5-point reduction of points from total earned. (For example, miss 4 classes receive 5-point
reduction, 5 classes 10-point reduction, etc.) Attendance exception allowed for religious purposes, medical
issues, extracurricular activities or field trips for other classes (documentation required). Tardiness (more than
three times during course) will result in a 10 pt. deduction of points from the total earned (at my discretion).
Tardiness is defined as arriving (late) 5 minutes after class start time (unless notified in advance). There are no
make-ups for quizzes or other assignments for unexcused absences. Note: No A or A- grades will be awarded to
any student who misses four or more unexcused scheduled classes (regardless of reason or course performance)!

Regular attendance in class is imperative. Consult the instructor, in advance, if you are unable to attend class, or
must leave class early. Repeated tardiness, leaving class early, or other disruptive behavior is to be avoided.
Cell phones are to be turned-off during class. The instructor takes a dim view of students who utilize any
electronic devices for purposes unrelated to class activities. The infractions noted above will result in a reduction
of class participation points.

All writing assignments, unless otherwise indicated by the instructor, are to be typed, 1-2 pages, and double-
spaced (12 font size). Assignments are to be proofread for spelling and other grammatical errors.

Assignments will not be accepted after one week of the due date. Make-up tests will only be authorized if there
is a valid excuse for missing a scheduled exam.

Academic Ethics:
Academic excellence presupposes that each student will conform to the highest standards of integrity, honesty
and responsibility for his/her academic product. The consequences of plagiarism, “cheating”, or any form of
academic dishonesty constitutes a serious infraction of school policy and is subject to disciplinary action by the
school administration, and a possible failing grade for the class.

Students with Disabilities:

California Lutheran University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with various
documented disabilities (physical, learning or psychological). If you wish to request such accommodations for
this course, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester. In addition, you are instructed to
register with the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities (Pearson Library, Center for Academic Resources).
Faculty will work together with you and your coordinator to provide the necessary accommodations.

Students are encouraged to notify the instructor with regard to any student disabilities or need of available
resources.

Sexual Misconduct
California Lutheran University does not tolerate any degree of sexual misconduct on or off-campus. We
encourage you to report if you know of, or have been the victim of sexual harassment, misconduct, and/or
assault. If you report this to a faculty member, she or he must notify Cal Lutheran’s Title IX Coordinator about
the basic facts of the incident. More information about your options for reporting can be found at:
http://www.callutheran.edu/title-ix/.

University Harassment Policy (QM 1.4)

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Be civil to each other, both on- and offline. For information on the University’s student harassment
policy and rights, see section 16 of the Student Life Handbook.
Student Life Handbook
https://www.callutheran.edu/students/student-conduct/student-handbook.html
 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), (QM 1.4)
Visit Registrar’s website for more information about FERPA.
https://www.callutheran.edu/students/registrar/ferpa.html

Help Desk (QM 7.1)

Students may contact the Help Desk about telephone, network, wireless network, software questions
password problems, hardware problems, and general consultation. Individual student support at Cal Lutheran
goes beyond the classroom. We offer a variety of programs, resources, and services to help every student
succeed. This includes your dedicated counselor, who is available to provide one-on-one support, help create
an academic plan that works for you, and direct you to additional resources. If you have a question about
your academics and don't know who to ask, start with your success counselor! Visit
https://www.callutheran.edu/academicservices to learn more and connect with us!

Career Services
Preparing for your career begins the moment you are admitted to Cal Lutheran. We're here to help you from
your first day through graduation and beyond. For assistance or more information, please contact us at (805)
493-3200 or by making an appointment with a Career Counselor at www.callutheran.edu/career

Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid counselors want to make sure a Cal Lutheran education is affordable for you. They will
work with you individually to help maximize your financial aid award and guide you through the decision-
making process. Visit https://www.callutheran.edu/financial-aid/ for more information.

Veterans Resources (QM 7.4)

If you are a veteran, service member, or a related family member please refer to Cal Lutheran’s Veterans
Resources webpage for important information: http://www.callutheran.edu/veterans/

Please contact the Veterans Coordinator, Jenn Zimmerman, veterans@callutheran.edu or 805.493.3648, for
information regarding GI Bill benefits and veteran programming.

Counseling and Psychological Services (QM 7.4)

The mission of Counseling and Psychological Services is to promote effective coping in order to find self-
compassion, insight, and purpose. This is accomplished by empowering connectedness, cultivating
resilience, and honoring the struggle. Click the following link for more information:
www.callutheran.edu/CAPS

Campus life (QM 7.4)

Enrich your life as a Cal Lutheran student. Join a club, run for a position in ASCLUG, and do some good in
the community with The Community Service Center. Stay active and healthy with Wellness Resources,
Outdoor Recreation and Intramural Sports. Click the following link for more information:
https://www.callutheran.edu/student-life/

Co-Curricular Conflict
This section is not mandatory, but it is recommended by the Athletic Policy Committee
Students who expect to be absent from class due to conflicts with co-curricular activities (athletic
competitions, field trips, etc.) are asked to present their instructors with written notification of all such
anticipated absences as early in the semester as possible, and are further asked to discuss these conflicts with
their instructors at the earliest opportunity. Athletes shall also furnish the season’s schedule, with conflicting
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dates highlighted. Timely notification of expected absences is the primary responsibility of the student.
Whether or not your instructor considers such absences to be excused, students are urged not to miss
additional classes beyond those absolutely necessary for scheduled competitions, field trips, etc. In addition,
unless alternative arrangements have been made, assignments due on the date of a “co-curricular absence”
are still expected to be turned in on time.
Final Note
This syllabus is subject to change. Every effort will be made to alert students to changes that occur in a
timely manner.

Term Project
Due Date: March 23, 2023
1. Select a treatment facility (i.e. Tarzana Treatment, Cry-Help, Impact House, etc.) and write a three to
five page typed report on how the institution operates.

2. Your paper must include the following but is not limited to the listed areas.
*Information from an interview of a person working at the facility of your choice
* The cost of operating the facility
* Annual cost to house an individual
* Be creative by including additional, pertinent information.

Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your report. It is due on March 23, 2023. Late reports will
not be accepted from anyone.

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