Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

PE 3790 - Substance Abuse: Drugs & Alcohol

PE 3790-01

Course: PE 3790-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: PEHP
CRN: 11133

Course Description

An examination of the pharmacological and physiological aspects of drug and alcohol abuse. The problem of drug abuse is studied from within the context of the total society. Emphasis is given to attitude and values clarification with group interaction being a critical component of the course. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

Hart, C. & Ksir, C. (2022). Drugs, Society & Human Behavior (18th ed.) NY, NY: McGraw Hill.

Learning Outcomes

·    Distinguish between drug use, misuse, abuse, dependence, and addiction.
·    Comprehend different drug classifications and types.
·    Understand and appreciate the history and evolution of drug policy in the United States.
·    Identify and discuss motives for individual, high risk drug use behaviors.
·    Comprehend the impact of drug types on the systems of the human body.
·    Discuss the legal, emotional, and social impacts associated with drug use, abuse, and addiction. 
·    Compare and contrast the medical use and misuse of different drug classifications and types.
·    Discuss physical, societal, psychological, and individual impact of drug misuse and dependency.
·    Understand the differences (and impact) between past and present substance abuse programs.

Course Requirements

*LEARNING ACTIVITIES & POINT VALUES: (*350 total points) = each activity should be independent of others

I.          Chapter Quizzes: 60 points (*10 pts each over assigned readings)

II.         Drug Research Article Review: 60 points (*Evaluated using Writing Rubric - available in CANVAS)

Select scholarly, peer-reviewed, drug-related research article from a scientific journal published within the last five years (2020-current). Article must directly relate to course. Submit .pdf article copy for instructor approval first (*6 points). Dissect article, use detailed outline below + Word doc by due date:

a-     Question: What is research purpose of the study? (question to be answered, problem to be solved)

b-    Review of Literature: What have other researchers previously discovered about the question?

c-     Hypothesis: What is the clear, simple, testable statement that is being examined?

d-    Experiment Methods: What detailed procedures did the researcher(s) use to test the hypothesis?

e-    Data + Results: What data-measurements-results were collected through the experiment?

f-      Analysis: What meaning was derived from data-results? (differences? similarities? significance?)

g-     Conclusion: What impactful conclusions (if any?) can be made from the data analysis-results?

h-    Opinion: What did you learn from the article? Did the research findings surprise you? (Why or why not?). How might the findings impact your future behavior(s)?  or societal behaviors in general?


III.        Case Study Presentation: 60 points (*Evaluate w/ Oral Speaking Rubric + PPT file components)

* Identify a current public health-related ‘problem/dilemma’ issue related to a drug type and lead a class presentation and discussion on the case. Include detailed slides that highlight these components:

a = Define & describe the drug problem = detailed description with historical and contextual factors

b = Discuss health impacts the problem is causing on individuals, families, communities, and/or society

c = Analyze the diverse dimensions of the problem (ex - racial, financial, legal, cultural, logical, ethical)

d = Propose at least 3 potential strategic solutions to control, reduce, and/or resolve the problem.

e = Evaluate each potential solution based on the history of the problem and feasibility of solving it.

f = Propose the most realistic/feasible solution(s) & provide justification for selecting/implementing it.

g = Predict the short-term and long-term impact(s) of implementing the recommended solution, including any possible positive or negative side effects, and forecast additional follow-up steps needed.

*Note - The presentation should be approximately 40 minutes long and include 5+ discussion Qs. Partners should equally present content and lead discussion questions. The presentation should include at least = title slide, 1+ table, 1+ graph, 1+ chart, 1+ video, 5+ Qs, references slide w/ 5+ links.

IV.       Chapter 5 Crossword Puzzle (*pg 134): 20 points (*submit image in assignment drop box by due date)

V.         Exams: 60 points each (*2 exams) (*Hint = Study bolded terms in chapters & chapter review questions)


Course Outline

Week 1 = Course introduction and syllabus overview
Week 2 = Drug Use: An Introduction and Overview Drug Use as a Social Problem
Week 3 = A History of Drug Policy in the United States A History of Drug Policy in the United States
Week 4 = The Actions of Drugs The Actions of Drugs
Week 5 = Stimulants Depressants and Inhalants
Week 6 = Alcohol
Week 7 = Tobacco
Week 8 = Caffeine
Week 9 = Supplements & OTCs
Week 10 = *SPRING BREAK - no class sessions
Week 11 = Opioids
Week 12 = Cannibis
Week 13 = *FESTIVAL of EXCELLENCE & Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Week 14 = Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs)
Week 15 = Preventing Substance Abuse & Rethinking Drug Policy
Week 16 = *FINAL EXAM

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

1 => All course requirements must be completed to receive a passing grade. 

2 => All course assignments due at start of class on due date. (*20% off each day an assignment is late).

3 => Submit all assignments via Canvas (*late assignments => submit via email to instructor)

4 => Presentations will be presented live in class on the scheduled date. 

5 => Except when noted, all quizzes and exams will be given in class at the regularly scheduled times.

6 => SUU is employing every effort to maintain a learning environment that is engaging and safe. 

7 => The course modality listed when you registered for courses should remain for the semester.

8 => However, changes to the course modality may change with little notice (Ex - COVID 19).

Attendance Policy

-3 points off for per absence, +10 for perfect attendance!

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.