Violence Studies

Urban riots, violent responses by police, drug-related assassinations, child abuse, bar fights: Violence is a core theme in today’s modern society. The study of violence is relevant not only because of the impact on primary victims, but also because the resulting ripple effect goes far beyond the initial act, and can create a climate of fear and insecurity. This minor will focus on interpersonal violence (i.e. violence taking place between individuals), the most common types including physical violence and sexual violence. Even though violence stemming from armed conflict receives considerable attention from the international community, interpersonal violence accounts for far more victims than those attributable to, for example, war or terrorism. In this minor programme we study the origins, correlates, mechanisms, social contexts, and resilience after experiencing violence. We delve deeper into the ways in which we can both prevent as well as respond to acts of violence. We seek to put research into practice by organizing field trips (including a field trip to the police, allowing you to practice your riot-skills!).

In this minor programme, students will become familiar with the nature and scope of violence; the ways in which it impacts public order, and the ways in which society can respond to and, ultimately, prevent violence. Furthermore, the programme contains courses that address specific forms of violence, ranging from domestic violence (child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence), lethal violence (drug-related homicide and firearm-related homicide), and the impact of violence on individuals, communities, and society at large. Using criminological, sociological, historical, public health, neurobiological and psychological perspectives, this minor programme provides students with an in-depth understanding on this multifaceted phenomenon. The minor consists of 6 courses of 5 to 10 ECTS each and takes place during the first semester, which is divided into two blocks. Two courses are mandatory: Introduction to Violence Studies and Collective Violence. In addition, you choose two courses from the remaining four courses. You take two courses per block in order to complete the full minor. It is possible to choose a 15 EC semi-minor consisting of the two courses in block 1, Introduction to Violence Studies and Drug related violence. The minor needs to be completed in one academic year.