Course Information
It is estimated that each day, 20,000,000 people are affected by the phenomenon called addiction. Whether it be to substances such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine, nicotine, and refined sugar, or to processes such as gambling, work, spending, relationships, and the Internet, addiction permeates many of the lives in American society, causing physical, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual devastation. What causes this? How does it work? What can be done to remedy it? For these answers and more, enroll in Human Services 1125 - An Introduction to Addictions, offered by the Human Services Department at the College of DuPage.
Course Description
This course will present an overview of addiction. We will investigate historical and cultural attitudes towards drug ( including alcohol) use; physical, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual factors surrounding addiction; and clinical manifestations of both prevention and treatment. The concept of addiction as a disease will be examined. The class will utilize the educational properties of the Internet to facilitate learning branches, like the branches of a river, for you to pursue a wider body of knowledge and stimulate informed thought and discussion on the topic.
Objectives
- Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Define the addictive process and describe it’s effects on American society;
- Identify and describe the physical, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual characteristics of addiction;
- Diagnose and interact with persons who have addiction;
- Describe treatment processes for addiction;
- Summarize the various theories on addictions;
- Describe how addiction affects family, social, and vocational situations;
- Understand the relationship of nutrition to addiction.
Requirements
There are no course prerequisites to this class, however, to benefit from this Internet delivered class, you should have intermediate to advanced computer skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just what IS this class, anyway?
- This is a 4-credit Human Services class. The course will present an overview of the addictive process, the characteristics of that process, and the implications and impact of addiction on the individual, the family, and society as a whole.
- This class will be taught entirely on the Internet. As such, it will require that you be an active participant in the learning process. Much of what this course offers will present a challenge to established attitudes, beliefs and behavior patterns that will help you increase your awareness of and critical thinking toward healthy and unhealthy, addictive systems.
What prerequisites does the class have?
- There are no course prerequisites.
- However, the class does require that you have intermediate to advanced computer skills: You should be able to browse the World Wide Web and participate in Newsgroup/listserve discussions, as well as e-mail correspondence. (See Technical Readiness.) Having access to the necessary hardware and software to participate is necessary.
- You will need an E-mail account. All COD students are issued email accounts. If you do not know your email address, you can look it up online. If, at any time, you run into problems with your student email account, you should contact the Student Help Desk at 630-942-2999 or via email at studenthelp@dupage.edu.
How do I know if online learning is for me?
- Take the SmarterMeasure Assessment to help you decide if online learning is for you.
What else do I need to know about taking a course online?
- C.O.D. Online has created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to provide you with answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding taking an online class from College of DuPage.
Do I have to purchase anything for the class?
- You will have to buy the textbook, which is available at the COD Bookstore
Will I be able to get any extra help from the instructor if I need it?
- Absolutely. The instructor will accept e-mail 24-hours/day, 7 days/week and will respond to all queries within 72 hours.
How do I login in? Where can I go to get technical help for this course?
- You can find instructions for logging in and obtaining technical support on the Blackboard Help page.
codonline@cod.edu | (630) 942-2490
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