Discusses the history and pharmacological effects of tobacco use. This lesson reviews the history of tobacco preparation and usage, the pharmacology of nicotine, and the changing social values related to tobacco use. The lesson concludes with a brief discussion of nicotine addiction and treatment.
Producers: Governors State University
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Caffeine
Reviews the history, pharmacological properties, and effects of caffeine products. Discussion examines how this psychoactive drug is habitually perceived as a mild stimulant as opposed to an actual drug. Discussion uncovers how caffeine is restricted more by supply and demand than regulation, and students compare how the social status of caffeine contrasts dramatically with that of alcohol and tobacco. The lesson concludes with a discussion of concerns related to caffeine use.
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Over-the-Counter Drugs
Discusses the origins of OTC (Over-the-Counter) drugs and examines how their psychoactive properties go unnoticed by consumers. Students explore the properties of a wide range of OTC’s, including stimulants, diet pills, sleep aids, analgesics, and cold/allergy products. Discussion touches on the interplay between OTC drug use (dictated by changing consumer demands) and FDA regulations (dictated by concerns for safety and effectiveness). Discussion also examines how new psychoactive products are developed and what distinctions determine the difference between OTC and prescription drug status.
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Opiates 1
Reviews the history of opiate use, particularly in the United States. The lesson traces the historical uses and pharmacology of such drugs as opium, morphine, codeine, heroin, and methadone. Discussion covers the medical uses of opiates (for managing pain or warding off dysentery), the popular use of opiates as recreational drugs, and the heated debate in both treatment centers and law enforcement that result from the general use of opiates.
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Opiates 2
Continues the discussion of opiate pharmacology introduced in Class 14. This lesson reviews aspects of opiate use with regard to degrees of tolerance, physical dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and toxicity. Students follow the daily lifestyle of an opiate addict, uncover myths and misconceptions surrounding addiction, and trace both the science of and concerns over methadone treatment.
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Young Adult Literature in the 21st Century
Examines the growing interrelationship of mass media. Videotaped inserts demonstrate the current student attitudes on books, movies, computers and the Internet. The Studio Class discusses the powers and limitation of young adult literature. The series closes with a discussion on classrooms as a “space to begin to make those socially responsible, political, and economic decisions that concern all our lives as we move though the 21st century.”
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Literature Circles: Fiction in the Young Adult Classroom
Explores Literature Circles as a student-centered alternative to traditional literature teaching. The Studio Class fleshes out the rules for setting up an effective Literature Circle. Sample “Role Sheets” for Literary Circle participants are provided in the Study Guide, and the standard rules for conducting such a group are defined and explained. Authors Lowis Lowry, Paul Zindel, Judy Blume and Walter Dean Myers tell teachers how to use their books in Language Arts classes.
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Using Romance Novels
Examines the pros and cons of using Romance literature in the classroom. The Studio Class discusses the dangers inherent in using Romance novels in the classroom, but also puts forth some rationales for possibly including them. Viewers discover inventive ways to use this genre to confront gender stereotypes, to broach social issues, or to interject interesting historical detail.
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Quest – Coming-of-Age Novels
Examines the psychological and sociological impact of Coming-of-Age novels. The Studio Class discover how the “Role Sheets” introduced in Class 13 can help students develop “multiple cognitive perspectives” of literary texts. The roles of “Discussion Director” and “Connector” are identified as critical in discussions of this genre. A videotaped Readers’ Theater presentation of “Are You Alone on Purpose?” is offered for discussion.
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Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels
Examines the creative uses of Sci-Fi literature. The Studio Class discusses the unique challenges to the status quo posed by Science Fiction and Fantasy novels. Discussion touches upon the general rules by which good science fiction abides and the valuable lessons it can teach.