Last chance to study this subject for 2025—enrol by 3 June
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Drugs, Governance and Modern Society
UndergraduateLTU-LST2DRU2025
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 3 June 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 5 weeks
- Start dates
- 11 June 2025
- Price from
- $2,124
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Drugs, Governance and Modern Society
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Distinguish between different drugs according to their composition and effects, and consider the socio-political factors that shape their legal classifications
- Identify and assess key approaches to the regulation of drugs and drug use.
- Recognise and communicate how social, economic and political factors have shaped drug distribution practices, locally and globally.
- Critically reflect on the social, political, economic and ethical challenges involved in formulating effective approaches to drugs and drug use.
- What is the 'Drug Problem'?
- Drug Regulation in Australia
- Theories of Drug Use
- Harm Reduction and Public Health
- The Global Trade in Illicit Drugs
- The Drugs-Crime Nexus
In this online subject, students will acquire an understanding of the complexities surrounding drugs and drug use in contemporary Australia. The subject addresses: the classification and effects of licit and illicit substances; the development and nature of contemporary drug distribution networks; major approaches to regulating drugs and drug use; and the key debates and challenges involved in formulating policy and practice in this area. Specific topics we will explore include: alcohol and other drug consumption patterns among young people; pill testing debates; the rise of online illicit drug markets; drug court models; drug education in schools; decriminalization and legalization efforts; ongoing tensions and debates on how to regulate vaping and similar practices; performance and image-enhancing drugs, and contemporary debates around harm reduction strategies (e.g. medically supervised injecting facilities). No pre-existing knowledge is required, but students will be urged to examine any assumptions or moral judgements they hold about the 'right' way to approach the 'drug problem'. A key theme in this subject is exploring how the framing of such problems - through various social, political, cultural, and economic lenses - shapes how we then respond to them, and that even well-intentioned policies can have unintended adverse outcomes.
Please note this Winter Term subject is entirely asynchronous (meaning no live lectures or tutorials).
- Online quizzes (equivalent to 600 words) Quizzes included in online modules (15%)
- Two short critical responses (1200 words). (30%)
- One fact sheet (equivalent to 1000 words) (25%)
- One 1,200 word research essay (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
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- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 17
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 15
Entry requirements
Others
Prerequisites: Students must have completed 60 credit points of Level one subjects.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
UndergraduateLAT-AHS-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CRM-DEG
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