Advanced Social Policy: Violence Prevention Strategy

Catalog description

This course explores the intricate intersection of social policy and violence prevention, equipping students with the theoretical frameworks, policy analysis skills, and practical strategies necessary to address violence at individual, community, and systemic levels. Drawing on insights from sociology, public health, criminology, and social work, the curriculum equips students with a nuanced understanding of the systemic factors that perpetuate sexual violence and the policy mechanisms that can address it, as well as explores evidence-based interventions to prevent various forms of violence, including interpersonal violence, community violence, and structural violence. A special emphasis will be placed on child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence (IPV), and sexual violence. We will examine structural inequities and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and how policies can be used to facilitate change. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and collaborative projects, students will develop practical skills to craft and advocate for policies that prevent violence and foster resilient communities. Key topics include examining the root causes of sexual violence, the role of culture and societal norms, survivor-centered approaches, and the impact of intersecting identities such as race, socioeconomic status, and gender identity. Students will analyze existing policies, study innovative prevention programs, and explore global models of change. Case studies and legislative reviews will guide discussions on policy gaps, barriers to implementation, and strategies for creating equitable and inclusive solutions. By the end of the course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the policy tools and multidisciplinary approaches necessary for driving social change.