War on Drugs Certificate of Achievement
The War on Drugs certificate is comprised of four courses in History, Philosophy, Ethnic Studies, and Psychology. Philosophy explores the underlying justification for this war, such as free will and personal responsibility, personhood, addiction, virtue and vice, righteousness, and justice. Ethnic Studies will investigate how communities of color, especially African American and Latine communities, have been impacted by militarized policing. Psychology will consider human behavior and assist understanding from a research perspective. History will consider impacts on Mexico. This certificate is designed for students who wish to understand how this trillion-dollar war has unfolded, is justified, has impacted them, and accords with scientific knowledge. Enrolled students may be entering the medical field, law enforcement, psychology, law, education, journalism, childcare, social work, or any number of other fields. Most important, this certificate is transformative - students who complete this certificate will become critically aware of the full impact and rationale of the War on Drugs.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:- Students will learn how the War on Drugs started and its impacts on our families and communities, especially African American and Latine communities.
- Students will consider the moral status and justification of the legal and political response to substance abuse.
- Students will learn how disorders are understood from a scientific research perspective.
- Students will assess the standing of the current War on Drugs as they develop informed views of their own.
Note: All courses must be completed with a “C” or higher or “Pass.”
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIST-126 | History of Mexico | 3 |
| PHIL-200 | Philosophy of the War on Drugs | 3 |
| ETHN-201 | The War on Drugs & Bipoc Communities | 3 |
| PSYC-C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Total Units | 12 | |
Any student who chooses to complete only the requirements listed above qualifies for a Certificate of Achievement. An official request must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office prior to the deadline as stated in the Academic Calendar.