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The Global #MeToo Movement

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David B. Oppenheimer and Ann M. Noel

David B. Oppenheimer and Ann M. Noel

When US activists started using the #MeToo hashtag (as created by Tarana Burke) to speak out against sexual harassment, they joined, and then helped propel, a global movement.

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When US activists started using the #MeToo hashtag (as created by Tarana Burke) to speak out against sexual harassment, they joined, and then helped propel, a global movement.

On every continent, women are using the new tools of social media to confront one of the oldest barriers to equality: the threat of violence, including sexual harassment, as a tool of male supremacy. In this course, produced by the Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law, 48 contributors from 28 countries spanning every continent but Antarctica tell the story of how social media has driven a social movement against sexual harassment and how the law has responded, often by helping men to push back.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop an international understanding of the #metoo movement
Understand the relationship between intersectionality and the #metoo movement
Learn about social media’s role in the #metoo movement

Explore sexual harassment & violence in educational institutions, in the workplace, and on social media
Understand methods of sexual harassment & violence prevention

Develop an international understanding of the #metoo movement
Understand the relationship between intersectionality and the #metoo movement
Learn about social media’s role in the #metoo movement
Explore sexual harassment & violence in educational institutions, in the workplace, and on social media
Understand methods of sexual harassment & violence prevention

Syllabus

5-Week Schedule:

Welcome to the Course; Introduction to the #MeToo Movement

Intersectionality & the #MeToo Movement; Resistance Across the Globe

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the #MeToo movement and its impact on sexual harassment globally, providing insights into intersectionality and social media's role

Taught by renowned experts from Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law and guest professors from various universities and organizations worldwide

In-depth coverage of sexual harassment and violence in educational institutions, workplaces, and on social media, addressing prevention and legal responses

Examines the intersectionality of the #MeToo movement, acknowledging the diverse experiences of individuals across gender, race, class, and other marginalized identities

Provides real-world examples and case studies from around the world, offering a comprehensive understanding of the movement's impact and challenges

Coursework includes interactive discussions, guest lectures, and assignments that promote critical thinking and engagement with the material

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Reviews summary

Global #metoo movement & legal responses

According to learners, this course offers an incredibly timely and comprehensive examination of the #MeToo movement, extending far beyond a U.S.-centric view. Students particularly praise the diversity of global perspectives, featuring unparalleled insights from prominent international experts in law and human rights. Many found the content deeply impactful and thought-provoking, making it essential learning for understanding systemic issues and advocacy. While the course provides a solid and often updated foundation, some note the sheer volume of academic readings and information density, which can be challenging for those unfamiliar with legal scholarship or the topic's jargon. Overall, it's considered a highly valuable resource for professionals and dedicated learners.

Content is current and exceptionally relevant to ongoing developments.

"This course is incredibly timely and comprehensive. The updated content, especially on recent legal challenges and global developments, makes it exceptionally relevant."

"Absolutely essential learning! ... This course far exceeded my expectations."

"An incredibly powerful and necessary course. It deeply impacted my understanding of systemic issues and empowered me with knowledge to advocate more effectively."

Offers substantial, detailed content for serious learners.

"The depth of the content, combined with the unparalleled insights from so many prominent global experts, made this an outstanding experience."

"Learned a tremendous amount. The course is very dense with information... The syllabus is ambitious, and they deliver."

"I particularly appreciated the focus on intersectionality and the nuanced discussion around social media as a double-edged sword."

Presents a broad international understanding with varied perspectives.

"The diversity of perspectives from all continents truly broadened my understanding. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to grasp the global reach of #MeToo."

"The calibre of guest professors in this course is unmatched. Hearing directly from leaders in law, human rights, and social movements worldwide was truly inspiring."

"The global scope is impressive, covering so many different countries and legal frameworks."

Some expected deeper legal analysis in non-Western contexts.

"While the global perspective is certainly a strong point, I sometimes felt the course scratched the surface on certain regional complexities."

"I was hoping for more in-depth legal analysis in some non-Western contexts. It's a good introduction, but don't expect deep dives..."

Delivery quality was inconsistent across different guest speakers.

"Some of the early lectures felt a little dry in their delivery compared to the later, more dynamic ones."

"The course content is incredibly important, but the execution could be better... While the guest speakers are impressive, the delivery varied significantly."

Some learners found the content volume and pace overwhelming.

"My only minor critique is the sheer volume of academic readings; while valuable, it felt a bit overwhelming at times, especially if you're not used to legal scholarship."

"Found the amount of information a bit overwhelming and the pace quite fast. As someone new to this specific topic, I sometimes felt lost..."

"The course is very dense with information... not a light listen. Best for those with some prior interest or background in social justice or law."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Global #MeToo Movement with these activities:

Watch tutorials on how to respond to sexual harassment

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This activity will provide you with practical guidance on how to handle sexual harassment.

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Find tutorials on how to respond to sexual harassment.
Watch the tutorials and take notes.

Complete practice questions on the legal aspects of sexual harassment

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This activity will help you test your understanding and identify areas where you need further study.

Browse courses on Employment Law

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Find practice questions online or in textbooks.
Complete the practice questions and check your answers.
Identify the areas where you need further study.

Review core concepts in sexual harassment law

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This course explores the legal and social implications of sexual harassment, so it's important to have a strong foundation in the underlying concepts.

Browse courses on Employment Law

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Review case law and statutory provisions related to sexual harassment.
Identify the different types of sexual harassment.
Understand the defenses to sexual harassment claims.

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Organize a peer study group to discuss the course material

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This activity will allow you to learn from and collaborate with other students.

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Find a group of students who are also taking the course.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Work together on assignments and projects.

Read 'Sexual Harassment on Campus' by Catharine A. MacKinnon

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the issue of sexual harassment on college campuses.

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Read the book and take notes on the key points.
Summarize the book's main arguments.

Compile a resource guide on sexual harassment

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This activity will help you organize and synthesize your understanding of the topic.

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Gather resources on sexual harassment from a variety of sources.
Organize the resources into a logical structure.
Create a resource guide that is easy to navigate and use.

Design a social media campaign to raise awareness about sexual harassment

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This activity will help you develop your creativity and communication skills.

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Identify your target audience.
Develop a message that is clear and concise.
Choose the right social media platforms to reach your audience.
Create engaging content that will resonate with your audience.
Monitor your campaign and make adjustments as needed.

Contribute to a repository of resources on sexual harassment

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This activity will allow you to give back to the community and share your knowledge with others.

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Find a repository of resources on sexual harassment.
Contribute your own resources to the repository.
Share the repository with others.

Develop a plan to create a safe space free from sexual harassment

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This activity will allow you to apply your knowledge to a real-world situation.

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Identify the needs of your organization or community.
Develop a plan that includes policies, procedures, and training.
Implement your plan and evaluate its effectiveness.

Career center

Learners who complete The Global #MeToo Movement will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Social Activist

This course is highly relevant to social activists working on issues related to gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and women's rights. The course offers a global perspective on the #MeToo Movement, highlighting successful strategies, challenges, and future directions for activism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Activist

Researcher

This course can be highly beneficial for researchers in the fields of gender studies, sociology, or international relations. The course offers a comprehensive analysis of the #MeToo Movement across different countries, providing valuable data and insights for further research on sexual harassment, violence, and social activism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Lawyer

This course may be helpful for those wishing to enter the legal field, especially those interested in international human rights law, anti-discrimination law, or criminal law. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the #MeToo Movement around the world, highlighting legal responses and challenges across different jurisdictions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Journalist

Journalists specializing in global affairs or international relations may find that this course's examination of the #MeToo Movement across cultures can augment their ability to contextualize and report on international events. The course's interdisciplinary nature, drawing on law, human rights, social media, and anti-discrimination measures, can provide journalists a stronger foundation in understanding the nuances of reporting on issues related to gender-based violence and activism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Social Media Manager

Social media managers working in the nonprofit or advocacy sector may find this course particularly relevant. The course explores the role of social media in the #MeToo Movement, examining both its potential for empowering survivors and the challenges it poses in terms of privacy and accountability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts that focus on gender equality, anti-discrimination, or international development may find this course particularly useful. The course examines the #MeToo Movement's impact on policy changes around the world and provides insights into how social media has shaped activism and policy responses to sexual harassment and violence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Human Rights Officer

This course may be of great interest to human rights officers working on issues of gender equality and violence against women. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the #MeToo Movement's impact on international human rights frameworks and the role of social media in amplifying survivors' voices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Officer

Advocate

Advocates working on issues related to sexual harassment and violence may find this course useful in expanding their knowledge and skills. The course provides a global perspective on the #MeToo Movement, highlighting effective strategies for advocacy and policy change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Advocate

Educator

Educators specializing in gender studies, women's history, or social justice may find this course helpful in enriching their curriculum. The course's examination of the #MeToo Movement from an intersectional perspective provides valuable insights into the experiences of marginalized groups and the need for inclusive approaches to addressing sexual harassment and violence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educator

Trainer

This course can be beneficial for trainers specializing in sexual harassment prevention or gender equality training. The course provides a global perspective on the #MeToo Movement, highlighting best practices and emerging trends in training and education.

See salaries and explore the career path for Trainer

Consultant

Consultants specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion may find this course helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of the #MeToo Movement's impact on workplace culture and policies. The course provides practical insights into prevention and response strategies for sexual harassment and violence in various organizational settings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Government Official

This course may be of interest to government officials working on policies related to gender equality and violence against women. The course provides a global perspective on the #MeToo Movement, highlighting successful legislative and policy responses to sexual harassment and violence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Official

International Development Specialist

International development specialists working on gender-based violence or women's empowerment programs may find this course helpful. The course provides insights into the #MeToo Movement's impact on development initiatives and the role of local activists and organizations in driving change.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Program Manager

Program managers working in the field of sexual harassment prevention and response may find this course useful. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the #MeToo Movement, including effective strategies for program design, implementation, and evaluation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Nonprofit Manager

This course may be useful to nonprofit managers working in organizations dedicated to combating sexual harassment and violence. The course provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of using social media for activism, as well as strategies for implementing effective prevention and response programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Global #MeToo Movement.

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Cover image

Community/Public Health Nursing Practice

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Published by the World Health Organization, this book provides comprehensive data on the prevalence and impact of sexual violence around the world.

Community/Public Health Nursing Practice

Community/Public Health Nursing Practice

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Cover image

Feminist Fight Club

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This practical guide offers strategies and tools for women to navigate and resist sexual harassment in the workplace.

Feminist Fight Club: An Office Survival Manual for...

Feminist Fight Club: An Office Survival Manual for...

(Español) El club de la lucha feminista: Manual de la...

Feminist Fight Club 2020: Feminist Fight Club

Feminist Fight Club (Korean Edition)

Manuel de survie à l'usage des working girls:...

(Français) Le Fight Club féministe (French Edition)

Cover image

Cover image

The Hunting Ground

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This documentary investigates sexual assault on college campuses and the institutional failures that allow it to persist.

The Hunting Ground: The Inside Story of Sexual...

The Hunting Ground: The Inside Story of Sexual...

Cover image

Cover image

Affirmative Action in Antidiscrimination Law and...

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Examines the intersection of race and class in the United States, providing insights into the experiences of women of color who face sexual harassment.

Affirmative Action in Antidiscrimination Law and...

Affirmative Action in Antidiscrimination Law and...

Cover image

Cover image

Feminist Theory

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This foundational text provides a comprehensive introduction to feminist theory, with discussions on intersectionality and the experiences of marginalized women.

Feminist Theory

Feminist Theory

Cover image

Cover image

Sister Outsider

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This collection of essays and speeches by Audre Lorde offers a powerful and intersectional perspective on the experiences of women of color.

Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches

Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches (Crossing...

Sister Outsider Penguin Modern Classics 2019-...

Zami ; Sister Outsider ; Undersong

(Deutsch) Sister Outsider: Essays

(Français) SISTER OUTSIDER ESSAIS ET PROPOS

Sister Outsider (Korean Edition)

Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches (Crossing...

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Effort

5 to 8 hours per week for 5 weeks

Level

Introductory

Via

edX

Institution

University of California, Berkeley

Instructors

David B. Oppenheimer

Ann M. Noel

Language

English

Transcript

English

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the #MeToo movement and its impact on sexual harassment globally, providing insights into intersectionality and social media's role

Taught by renowned experts from Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law and guest professors from various universities and organizations worldwide

In-depth coverage of sexual harassment and violence in educational institutions, workplaces, and on social media, addressing prevention and legal responses

Examines the intersectionality of the #MeToo movement, acknowledging the diverse experiences of individuals across gender, race, class, and other marginalized identities

Provides real-world examples and case studies from around the world, offering a comprehensive understanding of the movement's impact and challenges

Coursework includes interactive discussions, guest lectures, and assignments that promote critical thinking and engagement with the material

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