David Allen
Professor and Chair
Ph.D. Vanderbilt

Professor Allen's major intellectual and research interests are social theory and social issues, especially issues related to violence and drugs. The application of classical theories to contemporary problems has been a continuing preoccupation.

The course Drugs and Society constitutes his primary teaching activity at present, although he has taught a wide variety of courses. This course focuses on the social construction of drug issues from the 19th century to the present, the persistence of drug use as a symbol of unconventionality, and the production of addicted bodies, minds and spirits in the texts of users, the recovery movement and experts. He also directs the Sociology Internship Program, in which more than 20 students per semester are assigned community service work.

Dr. Allen has a strong interest in the use of the Internet and computer technology in teaching. He was a charter member of the Faculty Initiative for Technology in Teaching at UNO and masters a number of web sites, including this one.

Professor Allen has been at UNO since 1970, when he was actually as young as the average student. He was appointed chair in 1999, having served in that capacity from 1981 to 1990 as well.