Open Course Space

Drugs, Politics, and Culture

Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited StatesSTS.062J
Free, no sign-up neededSpring 2006English
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This class examines the relationship between a number of mind-altering substances and cultural processes. We look at the relationship between drugs and such phenomena as poverty, religion, technology, inter-generational conflict, colonialism, and global capitalism. We read about the physiological and psychological effects of these substances – ranging from alcohol to LSD, cocaine and ecstasy – and ask why different societies prohibit and sanction different drugs.

Description from MIT OpenCourseWare.

Where to take this course