Pubdate: Thu, 14 Feb 2008
Source: Northern Star (IL Edu)
Copyright: 2008 Northern Star
Contact:  http://www.star.niu.edu/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2815
Author: John Ranallo
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

STUDENTS STUDY DRUGS IN HONORS COURSE

Foundations Of Psychedelic Studies Is Not Your Average Class.

EPF 420H, an honors course, focuses on the history of psychedelic 
drugs, and the affect of these drugs on the mind and body.

The class tackles misconceptions commonly associated with psychedelic 
drugs and focuses on all sorts of drugs including ecstasy, LSD, 
opium, marijuana and heroin, among others.

Thomas Roberts, the class instructor, said EPF 420H fulfills a 
seminar requirement that juniors in the honors program have to take. 
EPF 420H is the first class of its kind, he said.

"Northern is the first university to offer a course specializing in 
psychedelics," Roberts said. "The class also allows for a large 
amount of student-selected readings and reports and lots of 
discussion of student questions."

The class also uses supplemental learning tools such as additional 
books and videos. Roberts said that psychedelic drugs can serve 
constructive uses.

"The constructive uses are the ones that are done under the guidance 
of qualified guides, mental health professionals for psychotherapy 
and religious-spiritual guides for religious uses," Roberts said.

Nicole Gregus, a junior art education major, enjoys the subject 
matter and finds the class satisfying.

"Learning about something that is so stigmatized in the university 
setting is quite refreshing," Gregus said. "This class introduces 
students to a lot of information and facts that we have been 
traditionally taught to ignore."  Brandon Freeman, a freshman pre-med 
major, feels the class helps break stereotypes commonly associated 
with psychedelic drugs.

"It really shows you that there is a completely different viewpoint 
of how America presents their view on drugs," Freeman said.

The course number, 420, is traditionally thought of as a big day in 
drug culture. The class number is simply a coincidence however, Roberts said.

"Originally, I had it as 419 (April 19) which is a holiday I invented 
to commemorate Albert Hofmann's first intentional LSD exposure," 
Roberts said. "But my department already had a 419, so my assistant 
chair moved it up to 420. At that time neither she nor I knew about 
the connection with 420. A humorous cosmic coincidence, I guess."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom