ANTH 402 Anthropology of Drug Use
The consumption of psycho-active substances, or drugs, is hypothesized to be a critical factor in shaping the evolution of Homo sapiens, including both the development of physiological traits that enable consumption of such substances, behavioral adaptations across the lifespan, and the emergence of cultural traits that exist across human societies, such as religious rituals. In modern times, human drug use is a controversial and complicated topic, often having significant impact on individuals’ lives, families, and communities. This course will explore the history of anthropological research on drug use, evolutionary perspectives, and cross-cultural research to understand human drug use through the lens of biocultural anthropology.
Prerequisites: ANTH 101, ANTH 105, ANTH 111, or ANTH 207