WGST/WMST 340

This APPLES service-learning course is an examination of interpersonal violence and violence prevention. We will examine sexual assault, abusive relationships, and stalking from individual to structural levels, considering both perpetrators and victims. We will address questions such as: What kind of societal conditions enable violence? How are forms of oppression and violence related to each other? How are campuses and communities reacting to and working to prevent violence? Particular focus will be paid to root causes and prevention strategies. Students will begin training as peer educators by facilitating parts of the class and opting to become One Act peer educators. At the end of this course, students will have developed a broad knowledge base about violence, practiced facilitation skills, identified skill areas of strength and improvement, and identified opportunities for peer education, both formally and informally. As part of the service-learning component of the course, students will train to facilitate One Act and/or have placements in the community and on campus. One Act is a peer education program that deals with issues of interpersonal violence, particularly relationship violence, sexual assault, stalking, and the role of bystanders in working against violence.