CRIM 324

Sexual Violence

This course is designed to introduce students to the issues and concepts central to an understanding of sexual violence. The focus of the course is on the study of adult rape/sexual assault and child sexual abuse. The course explores the causes, characteristics and consequences of sexual violence, examining issues for both the victims and offenders of these crimes. Topics covered may include theories of sexual offending, criminal justice system responses, victim impacts and survival, rape prevention, and offender treatment programmes.

Course overview

Points

20

Fees

$ -

International fees

$ -

Course offered in

trimester

Prerequisites

20 points from CRIM 200-299 (or SACS 202); one further 200-level course from Part A of the BA Schedule, LAWS or PSYC

Co-requisites

Restrictions

Taught by

The School of Social & Cultural Studies

Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Course content

In the first half of CRIM 324 we will explore the history of sexual violence, and the social, legal and cultural factors that influence the incidence of this type of crime and how it is responded to. In the second half of the course we will explore sexual violence in relation to specific contexts and consider the diversity of perpetrators and victims. In the final lecture we will focus specifically on the prevention of sexual violence. Please note that due to the sensitive content Crim 324 is not available to study by distance. Lectures are not recorded and students are expected to attend lectures in person.

Course learning objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the key theories and concepts associated with rape and child sexual abuse.

  2. Develop an understanding of the different contexts in which sexual violence can take place.

  3. Understand and be able to critically discuss the different criminal justice responses to victims.

  4. Understand and be able to critically assess the different approaches to sexual violence prevention.

  5. Demonstrate in written form a critical awareness and analysis of a self-selected aspect of sexual violence.

Class representative

The class representative provides a useful way to communicate feedback to the teaching staff during the course. They also work with the VUWSA Education Office on any academic issues that arise in their course. Reps are elected by students by the third week of classes every trimester. Being a rep requires a weekly commitment.

The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington values te reo Māori. Students who wish to submit any of their assessments in te reo Māori must refer to The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy - PDF 134kb

He mea nui te reo Māori ki Te Herenga Waka. Ki te pīrangi koe ki te tuhituhi i ō aro matawai i roto i te reo Māori, tēnā me mātua whakapā atu ki te kaupapa here, The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy - PDF 134kb

Course additions and withdrawals

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