BETH 315J/415J
Dutch Perspectives: Drugs, Detention, and Decriminalization
May Abroad 2024*- confirmed
This course is open to undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students from any discipline. This is a Spring 2024 semester registration.
Approved for Global and Cultural Diversity Credit, College of Arts and Sciences; Approved for Humanities Credit, School of Engineering.
Course Description
This 3-credit hour intensive course will be held mostly in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with potential day trips to The Hague and Rotterdam. It will offer students the opportunity to compare and contrast the ways in which The Netherlands and the United States approach different social and medical issues. In particular, students will be asked to carefully examine the ethical dimensions of healthcare systems, harm reduction programs, policies regarding the decriminalization of drugs, physician-aid-in-dying, and the medical care of those in detention facilities.
In addition to exploring the ethics of public health initiatives and social programs aimed at drug users in both countries, including those designed for particular populations such as immigrants and older users, students will analyze the ethical issues that arise in detainment, physician-assisted suicide, and euthanasia.
Prior to the trip, students will attend two class sessions at CWRU, during which students will learn about U.S. policy and practice regarding the topics noted above. In The Netherlands, students will attend site visits, lectures, and discussion sessions.
Course Dates
Pre-travel class sessions: March 23, April 6, and April 20, 10 am - 12 pm
In-country course dates: May 21- May 29, 2024
Lodging dates: May 20-May 30, 2024
Post-travel class sessions: None
Approximate Cost
Cost for Spring 2024:
- Program fee is $2700 (including deposit)
- $250 deposit due with study abroad application
- Remaining program fee billed to CWRU student bill
Program fees cover lodging, breakfast, course-related transportation, speaker fees, etc. Program fees do not cover flight, tuition, additional meals, passport or VISA fees, and activities or transportation outside of course.
Email Questions to bioethics@case.edu
*Courses are subject to cancellation due to low student enrollment, health and safety concerns, or other extenuating circumstances. The Director of Bioethics Study Abroad will communicate with students regarding changes in courses.