ASC5002 · Sociocultural perspectives of addiction

Overview

In this unit you will explore the role played by social determinants and culture in the genesis and maintenance of problems with addiction. You will explore how a range of factors may impact on the prevalence and experiences of addiction and how these factors can intersect in such a way as to account for the higher prevalence of problems with addiction experienced by some communities including youth, GLBTIQ+ and Indigenous Australians. You will examine how different socio-cultural contexts have shaped addiction patterns across different populations from a current and historical perspective. You will consider insights and perspectives from a broad spectrum of social science disciplines and learn how different cultures perceive addiction, the social constructs surrounding it, and the stigmatisation associated with it. This will foster empathy and sensitivity towards diverse perspectives. You will appraise the role of socio-cultural factors in changing patterns and phenomenology of addictive behaviours and look at trends and shifts in addiction prevalence, as well as cultural, social, and technological influences on addictive behaviours.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Examine the applicability of theoretical models of addiction from a sociocultural perspective.
2. Explain effects of historical and current addiction discourses and framing of addiction through popular media, public dialogue and scientific inquiry.
3. Describe how socio-cultural and ethical considerations intersect with science and policy to shape cultural norms, values and socialisation processes.
4. Identify and describe substance use or addiction-related challenges and experiences among different populations in context of contemporary cultural practices, identities, meanings and values.
5. Appraise the influence of socio-cultural, physical and psychological factors on initiation, maintenance and recovery from addictive behaviours.
6. Analyse general and specific population trends and shifts in addiction prevalence and cultural, societal and technological influences on addictive behaviours.
7. Develop evidence-informed, culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches that address unique needs and backgrounds of diverse population.
8. Communicate and reflect on the impact of language and cultural aspects on discourses using a socio-cultural lens.

Workload

Students enrolling in ASC5002 will be expected to contact the course coordinator regularly throughout the semester and participate in online discussions with fellow students and academic staff, some of these live via zoom. Students should expect to spend around 24 hours a week on scheduled activities, directed learning and independent study. This includes accessing online lectures, podcasts and resources as well as participating in forum discussions, questions and quizzes via Moodle, in addition to conducting independent study such as reading, research and writing activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.