Mind- and body-altering substances and prescription medications have a contested history in the U.S. Lysergic acid, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and amphetamines are a few examples of the substances that are a part of that history. Of particular interest to this class are the shifting attitudes and policies that make such drugs taboo or acceptable, legal or illegal, and sometimes, legal again. Our class will look at aspects of past and current debates that reflect the changing attitudes of society toward these substances. Our readings will look evolving political climates as well as the social and medical contexts for their uses and abuses. In keeping with the goals of MCWP 50, students will examine arguments about this topic in an effort to understand their structures while researching and writing a research-based argument about an issue relevant to the course topic.
