SW 365: Preventing Sexual Violence - From Campus to the Community
Course Format
SW 365 is a full semester course that meets twice a week for 75 minutes. The course is worth three hours of academic credit and is open to all undergraduate students.
Course Description
This course uses a foundation of sexual violence research to address the prevention of sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and dating violence with a focus on creating a culture of consent on university campuses and in student organizations. Students will use social work and public health theoretical models to explore multiple facets of campus sexual violence, including root causes, policies, support resources, and effective interventions. The course will address the importance of consent and sex education, trauma-informed advocacy, and responsive, equitable efforts, as well as discussing community and institutional responses to sexual violence and the historical context for modern sexual assault prevention and response. Students will apply a public health framework to develop prevention strategies and assess risk and protective factors for sexual violence within organizations and at the community level. Through critical reflection, class discussion, and engagement with multimedia course materials, students will be expected to challenge their existing attitudes and beliefs about sexual violence and its prevention.
Meets Organizational Requirements for:
- Sorority New Members (Panhellenic Association Only)
- Fraternity New Members (Interfraternity Council Only)
Students can also enroll in SW 301 to meet this requirement. If you have a particular interest in the course topic, plan to go into a related field, or a 3-credit hour course fits better for your schedule, SW 365 may be right for you. Note that there are limited sections offered of SW 365 - to secure your spot, enroll today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enroll in SW 365?
You can enroll in SW 365 the same way you would in any other academic course at KU. If you have any questions about how the course will fit into your academic plan, contact your academic advisor.
I’m required to take this course, but I’m worried the content will be emotionally difficult for me due to a personal history of trauma. What are my options?
If you feel this class will create an emotional hardship due to a personal history of trauma, please reach out to the confidential CARE Services office (care@ku.edu). Alternative options to this class which also meet IFC and PHA requirements are available.
I’m a member of KU IFC or PHA. Why am I required to take this course?
Because your organization is taking an active role in preventing sexual violence on campus, they have opted to require this course for all new members. This requirement is not because you or your organization did anything wrong. The course will equip you with knowledge and skills to help keep your community safer both while you’re a student at KU and in the future.