GENDER, VIOLENCE AND VULNERABILITIES

The course is part of Bachelor's Degree Programme in Social Sciences and Social Work and contributes to the achievement of its educational objectives, particularly with regard to:
- the acquisition of advanced knowledge in sociological disciplines, with a specific focus on those that provide interpretative tools to understand the characteristics and dynamics of contemporary societies from a gender and intersectional perspective;

- the development of in-depth knowledge, as well as the ability to understand and critically analyze the forms and dynamics of gender-based violence, the concept of vulnerability, and the main areas of intervention of social policies in this field.

The course aims to provide an advanced understanding of the concepts of gender-based violence and vulnerability, analyzing their forms, dynamics, and interconnections. Particular attention will be given to both the structural dimension of gender-based violence and the contextual/situational nature of vulnerability. In recent years, both concepts have been central to academic debate and are increasingly used in legal discourse and social policy.

By the end of the course, students will:
- have acquired an in-depth knowledge of the main theoretical debates on the concepts of violence and vulnerability, from a gender and intersectional perspective;
-be able to illustrate the main international, European, and national legal frameworks concerning gender-based violence;
- be familiar with the main national measures and interventions aimed at the protection and socio-professional inclusion of individuals who have experienced gender-based violence;
- understand the key implications of the use of the concepts of gender-based violence and vulnerability in legal and political discourse, and their impact on the social level.

It is advisable that students on the course have a basic understanding of how the main social policies function.

This course aims to guide students through an in-depth exploration of the notions of gender-based violence and vulnerability. Adopting an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach, the course examines the forms and dynamics of these concepts, as well as their interconnections. The objective is to provide students with the theoretical and practical tools necessary to understand these notions in all their complexity, paying particular attention to the structural dimension of gender-based violence and the contextual and situational nature of vulnerability.
The first part of the course includes an introductory module that defines key concepts and outlines the main theoretical frameworks. Contributions from feminist theories and critical approaches to vulnerability will be analysed to demonstrate how these theoretical tools help us to understand violence and vulnerability as the result of broader social and structural processes linked to power dynamics, inequality, and discrimination, rather than as isolated or individual phenomena.

The second module will focus on the analysis of major legal frameworks at the international, European, and national levels. Among others, the Istanbul Convention of the Council of Europe will be examined. Particular emphasis will be placed on critically reflecting on the role of law in defining, recognizing, or preventing dynamics of violence and situations of vulnerability, while highlighting both its ambiguities and its potential.

The third module will examine social policies and interventions aimed at individuals who have experienced gender-based violence. The course will present and discuss the main protection, support, and socio-professional inclusion measures, with a particular focus on the effectiveness and accessibility of services. The role of public institutions, the third sector, and local networks in building pathways to autonomy and socio-economic inclusion will also be explored, taking into account the diverse forms and degrees of vulnerability.

Finally, the course will analyse how the concepts of gender-based violence and vulnerability are used in legal and political discourse, reflecting on the social and cultural implications of dominant representations. It will address the risks associated with the stigmatization, victimization, or instrumentalization of vulnerable individuals, encouraging critical reflection on public narratives and collective responsibilities in both the reproduction and the prevention of violence.

During the course, experts, social workers, and practitioners will also be invited to share and discuss specific issues, practices, and case studies based on their field experience.

Please see the file Detailed program available on the moodle in due time for the full selection of Compulsory readings.
The full selection of readings will be provided before the start the course and made available on the moodle page in PDF format.

For all students, the final evaluation will be based on the two following elements:

1) A PAPER to be submitted (via moodle) one week before the day scheduled for the oral exam.
Students have to submit a ABSTRACT (max half-page) before the deadlines published by the teacher.
Concerning the topic of the paper: students must select one of the topics covered in the course and expand it through the analysis of a specific case study, with the support of the proper literature. They need to adequately quote and integrate in their analysis at least 2 of the Compulsory readings.

2) The ORAL EXAM will consist of a discussion starting from the written paper, and later expanding to cover other aspects of the course program, with particular with reference to the Compulsory readings, in order to have a full assessment of the knowledge and abilities they have learned through the course.

written and oral

For students, the assessment of learning is based on:
- a written exam, aimed at verifying the correct knowledge of the course content (80%);
- an oral exam (20%), aimed at assessing the students' ability to reflect on the themes, issues, and perspectives discussed during the course through the critical reading of a research study.
Concerning grading (how the marks will be awarded):
Scores in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- sufficient knowledge and ability to apply understanding concerning the examination materials;
- sufficient originality and accuracy of the project;
- sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of language specific social policies.

Scores in band 23-26 will be awarded in the presence of:
- fair knowledge and ability to apply understanding concerning the examination materials;
- discrete originality and accuracy of the project;
- fair communication skills, especially in relation to the use of language specific to social policies.

Scores in the 27-30 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- good or excellent knowledge and ability to apply understanding concerning examination materials
- good or excellent originality and accuracy of the project
- fully appropriate communication skills, especially concerning the use of language specific to social policy.
Honours will be awarded for knowledge and ability to apply understanding concerning the syllabus, judgement and communication skills programme, judgement and communication skills, excellent.

The course includes lectures and seminars featuring visual materials such as PowerPoint presentations, videos and images. All materials will be made available by the lecturer on the Moodle page. Guest lecturers and experts specialising in these topics will also be featured on the course.
Students will be invited to discuss previously assigned readings and work in small groups on proposed exercises.