Accessibility statement

Gender, Violence & Justice - SPY00060H

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  • Department: Social Policy and Social Work
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module will examine the ways in which gender, violence and justice are understood through a mixture of case studies, workshops and lectures. The module will focus primarily on violence against women and the multiple contexts within which violence occurs. Developing appropriate responses to the challenges gendered violence presents is a key aspect of the module content.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module provides students with the opportunity to examine the ways in which gender and violence are configured as a global issue linked to ideas about gender equality. A range of case studies will be explored to highlight the multiple issues arising from the notion of gendered violence including: problems of definition, intersectionality and contextual specificities such as the family, the role of conflict and cultural values. A key aim of the module is to explore the ways in which social and policy change might address the many challenges associated with gendered violence, and whether such changes represent justice for women.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

  • Critically engage with explanatory frameworks for violence and the gendered dimensions of these.

  • Be able to identify and analyse a range of contexts in which violence occurs.

  • Have knowledge of the role of activism, policy and practice in addressing gendered violence and the limitations of these approaches.

  • Undertake independent research on a chosen topic and analyse the limitations of existing policy frameworks and identify options for policy change.

  • Have developed skills and knowledge in writing a policy briefing document.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Reassessment will be the same as the original. Students will be required to resubmit any/all failed elements.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

Wykes, M and Welsh, K (2009) Violence, gender and justice, London, Sage

Hanmer, J and Maynard, M (1987) Women, violence and social control, Basingstoke, Macmillan

Mckie, L (2005) Families, violence and social change, Maidenhead, Open University Press

Morris, A and Gelsthorpe, L (1990) Feminist perspectives in criminology, Milton Keynes, Open University Press



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.