SOCI 275 Understanding Violence
Violence remains one of the most pressing issues facing our nation and our world. Violence is a leading cause of death, disability, and health care use worldwide. Every day we are confronted with new examples of the violence that individuals and groups inflict. As a complex problem, violence can only be understood and reduced through a multidisciplinary approach. In this course, students will investigate various aspects of the violence and analyze the patterns and correlates of interpersonal and collective violence using most contemporary research, theories, and cases in order to better understand the nature and dynamics of a variety of different, yet connected, forms of violence. Using empirically-based and rational counterpoint to the discourse on violence, this course will include discussion of the epidemiology of violence, roots of violence (including biological, psychological, and social causes), specific types of violence, media and the arts portrayal of violence, the impact and consequences of violence, and ways to control and prevent violence. This course will count as a social justice elective for CRMJ majors, an elective for Sociology majors, and an elective for Social Work minors, Criminal Justice minors and Sociology minors.