Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Gender-based violence is a social justice and public health problem, a violation of women’s rights and rooted in gender inequality. Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, mainly by an intimate partner; it is worse for transgender women. Women who experience violence are more likely to face physical, including sexual and reproductive health and mental health consequences. 

In SJ210, we will cover global social movements, explore systems of power and privilege, and participate in a direct action project on gender-based violence through an intersectional lens. 

This is a 40-credit-hour class; 16 hours will be completed in person in a classroom on SE Campus (8 classes), and attendance is mandatory. The other 24 hours will be online work, 10 of those the direct action project. 

SJ210 has a 10-hour direct action project requirement. We will partner with PCC’s Outreach and Advocacy Project. The project is Gender Violence Prevention and Culture Change. It will include creating an event and promoting awareness. 

There are no exams. There are two assignments: a midterm research and presentation and a final written reflection. Weekly reflections and discussions on podcasts, documentaries, and/or articles about gender-based violence.

We aim not to re-traumatize or distress but to inform, empower, and foster a supportive community. We will train on how to use a trauma-informed approach when working on gender-based violence and how to take care of ourselves when exposed to secondary trauma.  

Advisory 

This class is dedicated to exploring and understanding the complexities of gender-based violence from a place of respect, empathy, and a desire for change.

We recognize the sensitivity of this subject and its potential to evoke strong emotions, particularly for individuals who have directly experienced or are close to someone who has experienced such violence. Our discussions will cover topics that may be challenging, including descriptions and analyses of violence and its impacts.

While we believe in the power of education as a tool for change, we also prioritize your emotional well-being. If you have personal experiences with gender-based violence, please consider your readiness to engage with these topics. 

Please attend the first class or you will be dropped per PCC policies. 

Please email me with questions at maria.sefchick@pcc.edu 

None.