Sociology 4925
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
UMD

The interest in the study of rape or sexual assault has grown tremendously since the late 1960s. Credit for the growth must be given feminist activists and authors. Rape is a social harm directly touching a number of women every year and in many ways, impacts nearly all women. In Mill's terms, it is a social problem, or issue, that effects all of society. This course will explore the social phenomenon of rape. Durkheim once stated that the study of sociology can't help but to offend some people, we will explore issues that indeed will offend. We will challenge traditional patriarchal beliefs, and question current feminist thinking to try and find the most complete understanding of sexual assault. The course concentrates on the sociology of rape, therefore, we will explore the causes of rape, theories trying to explain rape,the fear of rape which leads to social control, delve into what research statistics can and cannot tell us, look at rape law reform as well as legal processing of rape cases, peek at the presentation of rape in different forms of media (predominately film and video), and tiptoe through various contentious issues surrounding rape, including the current emerging debate in what is often the gray area in interpreting sexual conduct, the debate over date rape and the uproar over evolution theory.

We will not have time to cover all aspects of rape in depth, therefore, I encourage you to raise issues, concerns, and suggest topics to be included during the course. We can't possibly adequately cover every aspect of rape, but we can sure try to include information of interest to you. It is likely that our pace in covering material will not always match the weekly schedule. We may at times be ahead of the printed time line but it is more likely we will lag behind a bit. I have a tendency to start talking and continue to talk (occupational hazard). It is important that you voice your ideas and opinions and contribute knowledge you have so we all can learn.

It is likely, given the subject matter of this course, that personal feelings or experiences will surface that you may want to discuss. If it is something that you want to raise for discussion please feel free to do so. However, this course is not intended to substitute for, or function as treatment, group counseling, anti-feminist venting, or anti-male venting. If you need to talk to someone about an experience or feelings quite personal to you, please contact the appropriate resource people. I will be happy to put you in touch with someone who can help.

It may be the case that you have an opinion or information about sexual assault that is not a particularly popular one. I encourage you to raise those concerns in class. Divergent view points only help to clarify the issues surrounding sexual assault. We must all be open and willing to hear and discuss other's concerns and viewpoints. Although I do not expect anyone in this class to be disrespectful, I must state that what I will not tolerate is mean-spirited statements, intolerance founded on sexism or racism, or individual attacks.

Attendance generally is not required. However, there are a number of times that we will be involved in group projects/discussions in class. Points for such group work can only be gained by participation in class. GROUP WORK CANNOT BE MADE UP. Also, everyone is expected to be in attendance during the presentations. Your overall class grade will be reduced by one full letter grade each day you are absent for presentations.

Exams may be made-up if you have a documented medical or personal reason which necessitated your absence. Small group work can not be made-up. Incomplete will not be given in this course. At the end of the semester your grade is calculated on work at hand, missing assignments will receive a "0" grade until excused missing grades are made-up. Grades will be changed at that time.

All readings are WWW sources or from electronic journals.

There will be two exams worth 70% of the course grade. These exams will be essay in nature. Another 15% of the class grade derives from a research/term paper and presentation. The remaining 15% of the grade is the result of in-class small group projects/discussions. Since these are in class projects, there are no makeups of small groups projects.

Examination books (blue books):
Blue books for taking essay exams are your responsibility to bring to class. They can be purchased in the bookstore for mere pennies.

Please check this link for explanations and expectations for the paper assignment.

Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the start of the quarter. Adaptations of methods, materials, or testing may be made as required to provide for equitable participation.