Understanding Violence

About this course: We are so pleased to have you join us as we investigate this crucial topic. Violence is a leading cause of death, disability and health care use worldwide. Violence is a complex problem and can only be understood and reduced though a multidisciplinary approach. This course introduces you to experts who study different forms of violence and we will discuss the various causes of violence. You will also learn about efforts to reduce violence and engage in a day of compassion. We are very fortunate that PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER is participating in our course. He delivers a lecture on the efforts of the Carter Center to end violence around the world, and he engages in a discussion with us about his life and work in human rights. Do join us for short videos, readings and discussions. And also see our coffee chats, where we (Pamela and Deb) summarize and reflect on each module. And we want to hear from you! Feel free to reach out via Twitter or through the course, or through our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/understandingviolence01/.

Who is this class for: This class is for anyone interested in the general topic of why people commit violence, as well as how we might prevent it.

Created by:  Emory University

• Taught by:  Deb Houry, MD, MPH, Associate Professor

  Emergency Medicine

• Taught by:  Pamela Scully, Ph.D., Professor

  Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and African Studies

Level Beginner Commitment 9 hours videos, quizzes, and peer reviewed projects Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.6 stars Average User Rating 4.6See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

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Emory University Emory University, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the world's leading research universities. Its mission is to create, preserve, teach and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Overview of Violence
We begin the course by defining violence and discussing why violence can be difficult to identify and measure. We will review the rates of violence in the U.S. and globally.


8 videos, 4 readings expand

1. Video: Introduction
2. Reading: Getting Started
3. Video: Trigger Warning
4. Reading: Resources
5. Video: Overview of Violence, Part 1
6. Video: Overview of Violence, Part 2
7. Video: Global Perspectives & Statistics
8. Video: Violence in a Structural & Cultural Context
9. Video: Collecting data on violence
10. Video: Coffee Chat with Pamela and Deb
11. Discussion Prompt: Discussion Question
12. Reading: Readings and Resources
13. Reading: Family Violence Exercise

Graded: Quiz 1

WEEK 2


Types of Violence
The following videos will help learners become familiar with specific types of violence, including intimate partner violence, suicide, sexual violence, youth violence including cyber-bullying, child maltreatment, elder maltreatment, and gang violence.


8 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
2. Video: Gang Violence
3. Video: Child Maltreatment
4. Video: Youth Violence & Cyber-Bullying
5. Video: Sexual Violence
6. Video: Violence towards the elderly
7. Video: Suicide
8. Video: Coffee Chat with Deb and Pamela
9. Discussion Prompt: Discussion Question
10. Reading: Readings and Resources

Graded: Quiz 2

WEEK 3


Biological, Social, & Psychological Contributors of Violence



In this module we identify what environmental features increase likelihood for violence in individuals and take a look at the associations with substance use and violence. Learners have a chance to review theories around biological and genetic predispositions and responses to violence. Finally, we examine religious perspectives and issues around violence.


7 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Strain Theory & Other Sociological Determinants
2. Video: Are We Born Bad? Biological and Psychological Determinants
3. Video: Alcohol & Drug Use
4. Video: Prof Abdullahi An-Na'im on Islam
5. Video: Combatting Sacred Violence
6. Video: Becoming Beloved Community
7. Video: Coffee Chat with Pamela and Deb
8. Discussion Prompt: Discussion Question
9. Reading: Readings and Resources

Graded: Quiz 3

WEEK 4


Consequences of Violence



We begin this module reviewing the psychological effects of violence including PTSD, depression, and suicidality. Then we assess the economic impact of violence and injuries. We will explore violence in relation to the criminal justice system, and recognize the long-term impact of sexual violence in wartime.


8 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Economic Costs of Violence, Part 1
2. Video: Economic Costs of Violence, Part 2
3. Video: Economic Costs of Violence, Part 3
4. Video: Mental Health Consequences of IPV
5. Video: Resilience & Protective Factors
6. Video: Violence & The Criminal Justice System
7. Video: Prof Pamela Scully: Sexualized Violence in Conflict
8. Video: Coffee chat with Deb and Pamela
9. Discussion Prompt: Discussion Question
10. Reading: Readings and Resources

Graded: Consequences of Violence

WEEK 5


Media Portrayal of Violence
In this module we explore how violence is represented in films in terms of character and narrative and we consider how violence is reported in the news, specifically discussing desensitization.


7 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Violence & Film with Prof Karla Oeler
2. Video: Violence & Film Part 2
3. Video: Violence & The Media, Part 3
4. Video: Media Depictions of Mental Illness
5. Video: Reporting of Violence in the News & Media
6. Video: Coffee Chat with Pamela & Deb
7. Discussion Prompt: Discussion Question
8. Reading: Readings and Resources
9. Video: Peer Review: Instructions & Motivations

Graded: Peer Review: Media/Film Critical Reflection

WEEK 6


Controlling Violence
We close this course comparing different types of violence prevention programs (primary vs. secondary; public health vs. criminal justice) and identifying key elements of successful violence prevention programs.


10 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Prof Dean Dabney on the Focused Deterrence Model
2. Video: Youth Prevention Strategies
3. Video: Video Games & Dating Violence Prevention with Drew Crecente
4. Video: Ulester Douglas on Men Stopping Violence
5. Video: Deb Houry on Safe Communities: Emory
6. Video: President Jimmy Carter on the Works of The Carter Center
7. Video: Pamela on Liberian Post-Conflict Interventions to End Violence
8. Video: Interview with President Jimmy Carter
9. Video: Final Coffee chat with Deb & Pamela
10. Discussion Prompt: Discussion Question
11. Reading: Readings and Resources
12. Video: Peer Review: Instructions & Motivations

Graded: Peer Review: Day of Action & Compassion