Mention of lower attendance numbers as classes progress.
Technical difficulties experienced; more students joining late than usual.
Started the class with 17 attendees, which is typical based on previous weeks.
Housekeeping Points
Reminder about upcoming final paper deadlines.
Encouragement for students to reach out with questions or concerns regarding their papers.
Upcoming Symposium Announcement
Announcement of an upcoming symposium organized for the third consecutive year.
Focus of the symposium has shifted from the opioid crisis to a broader toxic drug crisis due to changing drug landscapes.
Increased complexity in drug issues with opioids, specifically fentanyl, being mixed with non-opioid substances, such as xylazine.
Details of the Symposium
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, during the last week of classes.
Format: Day-long event from approximately 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, including various separate sessions.
Participants: Faculty, community members, students, and individuals with lived experience or work experience in drug issues are invited.
Note: Lunch will not be provided due to financial constraints, but coffee and refreshments available.
Essential Sessions and Topics
Session One: Intersections of housing and the toxic drug crisis to be led by experts, including Dr. Tyler Frederick and Dr. Naomi Nichols.
Session Two: Tackling stigma in the toxic drug crisis, involving Dr. Tanner Murlis to compile a report for the Durham Region Opioid Task Force.
Session Three: Discussions on harm reduction principles, featuring instructors from the course.
Session Four: Open discussion on the extent of the opioid epidemic, including recent overdose spikes and their causes.
Bonuses for Attendees
Attendance can provide an additional 5% towards final grades.
Written reflections required reflecting on learning experiences from the sessions attended.
Flexibility to accommodate students facing scheduling conflicts.
Connection to Course Material
The symposium will relate well to the course topics of social control, drug policy, and the evolving challenges of drug crises.
Final discussions of the course will coincide with symposium topics such as drug policy frameworks and harm reduction strategies.
Discussion of Prisons and Social Control
Overview of differing incarceration rates and prison structures in various countries, particularly emphasizing Scandinavian models like Norway's Halden Prison.
Halden Prison Overview
Characteristics: Notorious for its focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, presenting a humane treatment of inmates.
Environment: Resembles university accommodations with features like communal kitchens and open cell doors.
Purpose: Aims for reform by prioritizing inmate welfare, health, and education.
Contrast with Correctional Facilities in Other Regions
Description of various prison conditions across different countries, such as those in the U.S., Philippines, and Bolivia.
The hierarchy based on crime severity within prison accommodations (e.g., drug trafficking vs. sexual offenses).
Case Studies
San Pedro Prison, Bolivia: Described as a city-like environment where inmates live with their families, but requires payment for improved living conditions.
Dance Program in Philippines: Characteristics of rehabilitation turned into spectacle with no long-term benefits seen, where inmates are pressured to perform routines.
Finland's Prisons: Depicted as progressive, highlighting rehabilitative options and a low recidivism rate.
Discussion of Cultural Perspectives on Criminal Justice
Analysis of how society's resources and treatment of criminals reflect cultural values and systemic biases.
Exploration of societal attitudes towards crime and rehabilitation could shape future policies.
Final Thoughts and Questions before Closure
Encouragement for continued reflection on how societal attitudes impact rehabilitation strategies.
Reminder about final term papers and bonus assignment opportunities.
Closing discussions on topics covered in preparation for the final exam and upcoming classes.