Drugs and Policy

Professor: Kilmer
Units: 1.0
Elective Course
Concentration: Policy Analysis

Public policy on intoxicating substances is complex, controversial, and undergoing noteworthy changes in the United States and abroad. Through readings, lectures, assignments, and participation in class discussions and structured debates, this course will provide students with a foundation for understanding contemporary issues about substance use and drug policy. Some of the topics to be covered include the rise in opioid overdoses, cannabis legalization, reducing substance use in community supervision settings, measuring the costs and benefits of drug consumption, and the international drug control conventions. Given the compressed timeline for course, a substantial amount of work (i.e., reading, debate prep) will need to be completed before the first session. This course is open to all Pardee RAND students.