Power handling circuits that may be packaged as power modules, and methods of operating semiconductor devices in such circuits and modules. An exemplary circuit comprises power terminals to receive electrical power, a first semiconductor device, a first drive circuitry, and a second drive circuitry. The first drive circuitry provides a drive signal to the first semiconductor device in accordance with a desired circuit function when the electrical power received at the power terminals has the positive polarity, and ceases providing the drive circuit when the electrical power received at the power terminals has the negative polarity. During the negative polarity condition, the second drive circuitry provides a drive signals to the first semiconductor device which causes its primary current conduction path to conduct, thereby reducing the power dissipation in the device's parasitic path, and optionally causing a fuse in the circuit providing power to the circuit to blow.