Topics in Anthopology: Anthropology of Drugs

3 units

The two meanings of the English word 'drug' capture our ambivalent relationship with certain compounds- are they anti-social, addictive, and recreational? Or tightly regulated, life-saving medical technologies? In this course, we will consider and complicate this distinction as we take a broad look at the significance of a handful of chemicals to human society. Reading from a range of ethnographies, literary works, philosophical texts, and historical articles, students will learn to articulate the complex role drugs play in everyday life, business, governance, and popular culture. Topics will include antidepressants, statins, psychedelics and cannabis, alcohol, opiates and other analgesics, antibiotics, and stimulants.