SO6011 - Gender, Violence and Abuse

The module will be delivered through a series of lectures and seminars. Interaction from students is required in both lectures and seminars. The module staff will draw on their experience of researching and publishing about the topics examined, as appropriate, and, as well as academic sources, will also use film documentaries, news reports, and topical events where possible. An interactive, student-led approach will be encouraged in seminars. You will be encouraged to act as an independent learner and to use a wide range of academic and other sources of information, and to apply your understanding to relevant debates in the media and public life.

You will receive a detailed module guide, including full reading list of essential and recommended reading. Power point slides which provide structure and detailed information for each lecture will be made available via Blackboard in advance of each lecture. The module staff will provide feedback about your participation in classes; the more you contribute, the more you will benefit from feedback. Detailed written feedback will be provided with each marked assignment. You may also contact the module staff during their office hours for additional support.
We will be studying sensitive topics on this module, topics that touch on our own personal experiences. The Module Leader will use her extensive experience of teaching and researching this topic to approach the topic sensitively, ensuring that students are supported if needed and that we find a language and way of discussing these topics which is careful and compassionate.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically explain and evaluate key sociological concepts, theories, and methods in relation to gender, violence and abuse.
2. Critically appraise the responses to gendered violence by state actors, third sector organisations, and social movements.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1.Assess the suitability of different sources for sociological analysis of the social world.
2. Demonstrate skills in critical thinking, team work, self-management, time-management, and problem solving.
3. Assess the value of your academic discipline to constructively address the challenges associated with violence and gender.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
On completion of the module you will be able to:
1. Contribute critically, sensitively and constructively to debates about gender, violence and abuse in diverse communities.

The summative assessment for this module is comprised of:
1. A reflective piece. Students can chose the format from: 2000 word essay, 15min podcast; 15min verbal presentation with slides. It will address the following MLOs: K&U 1; IPS 1, 2 and 3; PVA 1

2. A 2,000 word essay which will address the following MLOs: K&U 1 and 2; IPS 1 and 2; PVA 1

Formative assessment for this module is comprised of preparation for and engagement with seminar exercises and activities, which will address the following MLOs:
K&U 1 and 2 ; IPS 1, 2 and 3; PVA 1. Feedback on your performance will be provided verbally in seminars.

Level 4 and 5 modules of degree programmes in social sciences.

N/A

This module explores some burning issues in contemporary society. Why does gender-based violence persist? Has it become more common? Who are the perpetrators and who are the victims? What are state agencies, including the criminal justice system, doing about it? What did #MeToo achieve? Are activists successful in their efforts to raise attention and to eradicate it? If these are questions you’ve asked yourself, this is the module for you. We’ll examine the connections between gender, violence, and abuse, the recent history of how society has understood it, and the social movements that have responded to it. We’ll look at case studies such as: rape and sexual violence; intimate partner abuse; online and image-based abuse; gender-based violence in higher education. As well as developing your knowledge and understanding about this highly topical issue, this module will also give you opportunities for employment and activism in the field, should you wish to pursue your interest beyond your studies.