Instructors: This course will be team taught and will include outside speakers. Course Coordinators : Rebecca Gordon, EdD; Heather Imrie, & Aarati Kasturirangan
Office : Office of Women's Affairs, 802 UH Website : http://www.uic.edu/depts/owa/peer_ed_spring2005.html Phone : 312.413.1025 E-mail : rebeccag@uic.edu , himrie1@uic.edu , aarati@uic.edu Office Hours : By appointment M-F 9am-3pm Class Location : Lincoln Hall 202 Class Time: 3:30 - 5:00pm I. Course Description:Students who participate in this class will learn how they can create social change on campus through becoming a peer educator. This class will focus on the theoretical and social constructions of masculinity and femininity and will explore how these constructions influence gender-based violence in our culture. Students will learn about the socio-cultural dynamics involved in sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. Students will learn group presentation skills to facilitate interactive workshops for the campus community. These workshops will target changing attitudes and beliefs that are supportive of violence; increasing knowledge about sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking; increasing awareness of how to help a friend; exploring how to intervene in these situations with friends. Texts: There is no textbook required for this course, however you will have reading assignments due. All readings, assignments, and syllabus information will be posted on Blackboard and you will be responsible for checking Blackboard as well as your email account frequently. II. Course Objectives:By the end of the semester you will: • Develop awareness about social, cultural, and individual factors relating to violence • Understand the dynamics and prevalence of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking • Learn the current state laws relating to sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking • Learn available on and off campus resources for victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking • Learn and practice effective presentation skills • Develop skills in activism and speaking out against violence • Facilitate workshops and other anti-violence events/activities
III. Requirements and GradingA. Grades will be based on the completion of the following: • 20%: Class attendance, participation, and completion of homework assignments • 40%: 3 exams (Exam 1, Exam 2 and Final Exam) • 40%: 2 in-class presentations B. Point Schedule : Total points = 840 pts . + 84 extra points for extra credit assignments. 1. 168 points = Class attendance, participation and completion of homework assignments Class attendance = 31.5 Class participation = 31.5 Completion of homework = 105 The primary purpose of this class is to provide you with an understanding of the social and cultural influences on violence against women and men so that you will have the knowledge and skills to lead educational workshops and anti-violence activities. Much of the information you will be receiving is based on self discovery and experiences from advocates and other professionals in the field. Consequently, class participation and attendance are crucial for successful completion of this class. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to get the information that was missed. Students are allowed 2 unexcused Class absences before points will be deducted from you grade. 3-4 unexcused absences result in a letter grade drop. 5-6 absences results in a two letter grade. 7 or more absences results in failing the class. We encourage promptness for class so as not to disrupt the lecture and discussion. If lateness becomes a chronic issue, this will be reflected in the grading of class participation unless you have talked with the instructors a head of time. Excused absences include (with proper proof/paperwork) university business (i.e. athletic events, conferences, etc.) family deaths and severe illnesses. If you are going to be absent during one of your two scheduled presentation times, you must get approval to reschedule and find a student who will switch presentation days with you.
2. 336 points = Exams: Exam 1 = 112 points Exam 2 = 112 points Final = 112 points
3. 336 points = In-class presentations a. Co-facilitated workshop = 168 points You will be provided with a 50 minute general workshop that addresses sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. This workshop will include didactic information about national and UIC statistics, definitions, interactive exercises, and how to help a friend. You will be given a copy of the workshop to practice with and you will present with at least one other partner. Each person will be responsible for 10 minutes of material. You will be assigned to one of the three class workshop presentation days. This presentation will be evaluated by the instructional team and class on: • Accuracy of presented material • Presentation skills (clear, audible, absence of “ums”, body movements, eye contact, knowledge of information, and ability to engage audience) • Overall quality of presentation
b. End-of-class presentation = 168 points Plan a 45 to 50 minute anti-violence workshop, presentation, discussion, or series of activities for a informational booth. Utilizing a mix of activities is encouraged and can include group discussion, interactive games, ice breakers, directed activities, and multi-media presentations in addition to the didactic information you are presenting. Pick a particular topic area based on or related to one of the main topic areas covered during the semester (e.g. sexual assault, how to help a friend, healthy relationships etc.). You will submit a proposal for your workshop by the beginning of Week 12. The proposal should include topic area, at least two sources, goals and learning objectives, and planned interactive activities to support the goals and learning activities . You will be assigned a time during the last three class periods where you will present 15 minutes of your project. You will also need to provide a written version of your presentation that includes topic area, workshop title, comprehensive outline, didactic information (facts, figures, definitions etc.), description of how to facilitate the interactive exercise, any associated props or media (e.g. game boards, media images, film clips) and a reference list of your sources
These projects will be evaluated by the instructional team and class based on • Accuracy and relevance of information provided • Creativity of workshop (title, presentation of material, interactive activities, etc) • Presentation skills (clear, audible, absence of “ums”, body movements, eye contact, knowledge of information, and ability to engage audience) • Appeal to target population (this project has to have relevant information and activities that are appealing to college age individuals) • Overall quality of presentation
4. 84 Extra Credit Points : Up to 84 points are available for extra credit. Extra credit options will be given throughout the year. • (10 points) for turning in all of your homework assignments, which is in addition to the homework grade. Other activities include. Each article • (20 points) write an informational article or letter to the editor for the campus news paper articles relating to anti-violence and awareness • (20 points) Attending a program relating to violence prevention or cultural and diversity issues, accompanied by a page write-up in the “what, so what and now what” analyses that includes the flier • (20 points) Watch a CAN resource video and write a “what, so what and now what analyses” • (40 points) and/or help plan a public awareness booth with interactive activities • (40 points) become an active participant of the Peer Educator's subcommittee of the student group Student Outreach Services
5. Peer Education Workshops : After successful completion of the class, we request that you volunteer for the office for a minimum of 10 hours during the next semester. It is our hope that we develop a core group of peer educators that will be providing workshops, assisting us in organizing campus-wide anti-violence campaigns as well as staffing informational booths.
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