College/School
School of Liberal Arts
Course Description
This course explores the historical trajectories of production and consumption of addictive
substances across the globe. It examines histories of drug, food, and Internet/technology addiction
across various regions and time periods, focusing on how addictive commodities such as opium,
sugar, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and smartphones have shaped cultures and social issues. Through
primary and secondary sources, we will delve into the political, economic, and cultural dimensions
of addiction, engaging with key historical concepts like slavery, global capitalism, colonialism, and
neoliberalism.
substances across the globe. It examines histories of drug, food, and Internet/technology addiction
across various regions and time periods, focusing on how addictive commodities such as opium,
sugar, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and smartphones have shaped cultures and social issues. Through
primary and secondary sources, we will delve into the political, economic, and cultural dimensions
of addiction, engaging with key historical concepts like slavery, global capitalism, colonialism, and
neoliberalism.
Grade Modes
Standard (S)