Gender Justice and Violence: Feminist Approaches

Program Overview

This short course at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, equips participants with feminist approaches to tackle gender-based violence. It explores the relationship between gender, justice, and violence, analyzing power dynamics and historical contexts. Participants gain insights from feminist movements and engage in critical reflection to bridge theory and practice, preparing them for careers in fields related to gender-based violence.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Objectives: This course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to tackle gender-based violence effectively.
It will explore the complex relationship between gender, justice, and violence, analyzing power dynamics and historical contexts. Participants will gain insights from feminist movements and engage in critical reflection to bridge theory and practice.
• Content: The course covers a range of topics, including:
• Definitions and key concepts of gender, justice, and violence
• Historical perspectives on violence against women
• Prevalence, contexts, and consequences of various forms of gender-based violence (domestic abuse, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, globalisation, harmful cultural practices)
• Feminist movements and their diverse approaches to tackling gender-based violence
• Constructions of masculinity and femininity
• Connecting theory and practice in the pursuit of gender justice
• Structure: The course is delivered over eight weekly half-day sessions at the QMU campus.
Participants will engage in active, collaborative, and experiential learning through lectures, discussions, presentations, and individual reflection.

Assessment:

• Formative assessment: A non-graded presentation.
• Summative assessment: A 4,000-word essay on a chosen topic related to gender-based violence.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: The course utilizes active, collaborative, and experiential learning methods.
Participants will engage in lectures, discussions, presentations, and individual reflection to deepen their understanding of the course material.
• Faculty: The course is led by Eurig Scandrett (senior lecturer in sociology at QMU), Lesley Orr (consultant on gender-based violence, SWA), and Jodie McVicar (SWA training officer).
• Unique approaches: The course draws on the expertise of both academics and activists, offering a unique blend of theoretical and practical knowledge.
The emphasis on critical reflection encourages participants to apply their learning to real-world situations.

Careers:

• Potential career paths: This course can prepare participants for careers in various fields related to gender-based violence, including:
• Domestic abuse and sexual violence support services
• Policy development and advocacy
• Research and academia
• Education and training
• Community activism
• Opportunities: The course can open doors to various employment opportunities in government agencies, NGOs, charities, educational institutions, and research organizations.
• Outcomes: Graduates of this course will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to contribute effectively to the fight against gender-based violence and promote gender justice.

Other:

• Target audience: This course is designed for individuals committed to using feminist insights to address gender-based violence.
It is suitable for practitioners, activists, students, and citizens interested in deepening their understanding of the issue and contributing to positive change.
• Entry requirements: Applicants should have a background in further or higher education at the level of an HND or equivalent professional experience.
• Fees: £865 (£200 non-credit bearing)
• Application deadline: Sunday, September 3, 2023
• Start date: October 2023 (exact dates confirmed 4 weeks prior)
• Learning resources: Participants will have access to the QMU learning resource center, online resources, and limited online access to student services support.
For the most up-to-date information on the "Gender Justice and Violence: Feminist Approaches" short course at QMU, please refer to the official website or contact the university directly.