Critical Social Inquiry 0207 - Drug Wars in Global History

In this course we follow the "biographies" of several major illicit drugs in order to uncover global histories of capitalism and foreign policy in the modern world. Our readings will take us around the world, but we will ultimately be rooted in the United States. We begin with histories of opium in the 19th century, when revenues from its sale were critical to imperial expansion in Asia. We then consider the global movement to regulate and prohibit drugs in the 20th century, building on case studies of opium in the Philippines, marijuana in Mexico, and cocaine in Peru. We will consider the domestic and foreign contexts and consequences of drug prohibition, which has been built on notions of racial hierarchy and social deviance. Assignments include books by historians, anthropologists, international relations scholars, as well as film, journalism, and fiction. Students will conduct independent historical research.

Power, Community and Social Justice Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.