1 CREDIT: SOC 403

CATALOG LISTING: SOC 403 WS: Gender Equity & Harassment in the Workplace: An Exploration of Power Dynamics

CRN: 57160
             
LOCATION: TLC 122 (Thurs), TLC 223 (Fri & Sat)

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this workshop is to provide students with 15 hours of instruction in both theoretical and applied frameworks dealing with sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, manipulative behavior, power, and coercion in the workplace. Through various interactive lectures, skill development exercises, role play, and facilitated discussions, students will gain valuable insight and experiences for various environments in working in potentially hostile working environments.

Identifying and exploring various theoretical and conceptual frameworks is imperative to understanding gender equity, since most people don’t identify the inconsistency and imbalance in language and action when it comes to violence in the workplace. Data suggests inherently more responsibility placed onto people in subordinate positions to prevent sexual harassment then people in position power and their ability to take responsibility for their actions and be held accountable for them, based upon current models used to prevent sexual harassment and gender inequity in the workplace. The aim of identifying and utilizing a feminist perspective is to balance the conversation and, according to Lather (1991), “correct both the invisibility and distortion of female experience in ways relevant to ending women’s unequal social position.”

The perspectives revealed in this workshop include the socially constructed and polarizing effects of gender as it relates to human interaction and power influences. Specifically, deviations from these sex role constructions (i.e., men socialized to be strong, aggressive, independent, control, macho, tough, etc., and women socialized to be passive, submissive, dependent, emotional, kind, caring, etc.) put women with less power in positions to be oppressed and victimized. This type of socially constructed behavior inevitably leads to the socializing of men and women to accept various forms of abusive behavior against women, and even support such behaviors.

Students will gain valuable insight and exposure through exploration of various constructions of social and sexual identity as well as self-protective behaviors which may interfere with degrees of intervention. Students will rigorously explore their own attitudes, values and beliefs, as well as non-verbal communication and body language, as interviewers [and advocates] have tremendous power and influence over how a victim and perpetrator choose to respond. Additionally, students will gain valuable insight and understanding of incidence and prevalence of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking in a workplace setting.

REQUIREMENTS:

Full attendance during all sessions is required. Further course and evaluation procedures and requirements will be discussed during the first day of the workshop activities.

Any questions about this workshop should be addressed to Alicia Lewis (lewis_alicia@msn.com)

SESSION TOPICS:

Thursday, March 27^rd – 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Welcome/introduction/orientation; introduction to theoretical and applied frameworks for gender inequity and stratification, sexual assault and sexual harassment incidence and prevalence; understanding and exploring risk assessment and risk-reduction measures; facilitated discussion.

Friday, March 28^th – 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Introduction and exploration of power and control dynamics in various environments (social interactions, workplace dynamics); exploration of hierarchy paralleled with sexual assault and power dynamic considerations, exploration of sexual harassment workplace power dynamic and considerations.

Saturday, March 29^th – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Continued introduction to manipulation, coercion, and control techniques used by perpetrators placed within both theoretical and practical frameworks of gender inequity and social stratification; victim negotiation and impact, introduction to interviewing victims and perpetrators; role play/facilitated discussion. Skills and evaluation test—mock interview and role play exercises, final written exam.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1.       To illustrate and demonstrate the pervasiveness of gender inequity in individual lives, interactions, and institutions, and in the workplace.

2.       To identify and explore self-protective behaviors, and how attitudes, values, and beliefs influence people.

3.       To create an interactive learning environment where each participant creates interacts with various types of knowledge.

4.       To expose students to empirical data on the continuum of sexual violence and harassment issues.

5.       To improve students’ critical thinking skills including an ability to identify, evaluate, and engage with researchers’ claims and best practices.

6.       To identify and engage in possible strategies and avenues to effectively respond to gender inequity.

7.       To improve students’ written and verbal communication skills.

8.       To improve students’ interview and listening skills.

9.       To work effectively in small groups and one-on-one interactions.

10.    To develop critical skills in dealing with co-workers, subordinates, bystanders and people in position power regarding the continuum of manipulative, deviant, and criminal behavior in the workplace.

INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS

This is a junior, senior and graduate level workshop.  You will expect to find this workshop rigorous and challenging in the depth and breadth of social and interpersonal issues covered as well as in the level and amount of assigned reading and writing.  The workshop provides opportunities for students to actively participate in sharing their analysis, study, and understanding of readings, best practices, current events and past professional experiences. 

EARNING YOUR GRADE 

 Point Breakdown

450-405                 A                                             369-325                 C

404-360                 B                                              314-270                 D

                                                                                <269                       F