As discussed throughout the text, but especially in Chapters 5, 14 and 15 of the textbook, theory can be used to guide drug related policies. This final assignment asks you to choose a particular drug related policy and advance it with two sociological theories discussed in the course. Although this assignment may seem simplistic at first glance, I expect you to express a sophisticated understanding of the two theories you choose. For example, if you were to use social learning theory, your critiques must go far beyond drug users must learn drug use behaviors from other drug users. If this was to be your main argument, you would receive a failing grade on the paper. For this assignment you will need to:
1. Choose a drug related policy: This can be any policy related to drugs; they may be preventative, therapeutic, legal or a combination thereof. The policy you choose should be specific (e.g., the Student Activities Drug Testing Policy at the Tecumseh, OK School District) and not general (e.g., drug testing). Once you have chosen a policy, learn everything you can about the policy. This should include the origin of the policy, the development of the policy, the use of the policy and any critiques of the policy. NOTE: You cannot use any of the policies focused on in your textbook.
2. Choose two sociological theories: You will want to choose two theories that complement one another to some degree. Although it is acceptable for your theories to differ in many regards, it is important that they do not completely contradict one another because this would make for a very poorly constructed argument. You may consider why other theories or policies are insufficient to support why your theories are best applied to this policy or why these theories will be most efficacious in advancing the policy.
Required components for the paper [approximately 10-12 pages]:
1. Introduction: Introduce your overall paper. [1 page]
2. Policy Discussion: Discuss your particular policy. Using multiple academic sources (at least five), you should outline the origin of the policy, the way the policy has been enacted, any changes/ adjustments that have been made to the policy and any critiques of the policy. [2 pages]
3. Theoretical Advancement of Policy: Use your two chosen sociological theories to both critique and advance the policy.
