We’re thrilled to announce that a new student-directed seminar on politics of drug policy is open for registration for Winter Term 2 of 2024-25! Learn more about this exciting course below.
POLI 308X-001: The Politics of Drug Policy
Time: Winter Term 2 – Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Location: BUCH D325
Eligibility: Two of POLI 100, POLI 101, POLI 110, POLI 240. Or third year standing or higher.
Credit: 3 credits
Course description
The Politics of Drug Policy critically examines the political forces and dynamics that shape drug regulation and policy enforcement across North America. While we are situated in B.C. – a region deeply affected by the ongoing opioid crisis – the course adopts a broader lens, analyzing drug policies in various jurisdictions. Through an exploration of ideological frameworks, electoral politics, social stigma, and community safety, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complex structures that influence drug policy. This course offers a unique academic experience by combining rigorous political analysis with perspectives on harm reduction, lived experiences, and the diverse impacts of these policies on communities.
Meet the student coordinator
Kaden Anderson-Hancock (He/Him)
Kaden is a fifth-year Honours Political Science student at UBC, specializing in comparative and Canadian politics with a focus on harm reduction and drug policy. His interest in the political impact of policy began early, and throughout his studies, he has explored these themes by examining international perspectives alongside Canadian issues. Kaden’s work in harm reduction started as a Youth Educator with NaloxHome, a youth-led initiative aimed at ending stigma against people who use drugs. This experience inspired his involvement with UBC’s branch of The FentaNil Project, where he served as VP Education and now as President. Kaden’s honours thesis delves into the formation of harm-reduction-focused drug policy in Canada.
Outside of his focus on drug policy, Kaden is an active contributor to the UBC community. He serves as co-president of the Political Science Students’ Association, is a member of the Move U Crew with UBC Recreation, and holds two political research roles: one as a Political Research and Student Support Commissioner with the AMS and the other as an Undergraduate Research
Assistant for Dr. Peter Dauvergne, where he previously researched the global political economy of microplastics and tire abrasion. In his free time, Kaden enjoys road and trail running, hiking, snowboarding, and backcountry camping.
Thea Sheridan-Jonah (She/Her)
Thea is a white settler with mixed European ancestry who is an undergraduate student majoring in Political Science and minoring in First Nations and Indigenous Studies. Thea is passionate about working within and beyond our systems to advocate and make change rooted in community care. As the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors and the co-president of the Vancouver chapter of Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP) she is called to be in community and advocate for sensible policy. Thea has worked at the UBC Wellness Centre as the Substance Use Health Project Assistant, facilitating Naloxone training, awareness campaigns and harm reduction services. She is a founder of the UBC Harm Reduction Coalition, member of the DULF fundraising committee, and board member of the Pivot Legal Society. As someone who does not access the illicit drug supply, Thea is grateful for the knowledge she has gained on harm reduction and drug policy from community and advocacy.
