Studies the public responses to Andrea Dworkin's novel "Mercy" (about rape specifically and the sexual abuse of women in general). Suggests that Dworkin's "Mercy"--like other controversial cultural texts--fostered a type of literary public sphere and that defining these spheres as "war zones" does not foster open debate or a common space for…

Explores the issues and problems that have emerged in news reporting of rape. Evaluates the adequacy of journalism texts and other materials in relationship to the teaching of these issues. Proposes an approach to improving journalism training on rape-related issues. Discusses appropriate material for an introductory reporting course and describes…

The implications and impact of immunity doctrines and the burden of proof upon the issues of postsecondary institutions' liability for sexual assaults occurring on campus are examined. The legal history of rape and rape cases, notably those civil cases involving third party defendants, are considered. (MLW)

Some men are not sensitive to women and the way some men treat or think of women is a problem. Men, especially those in key leadership roles, need to challenge other male colleagues and students and to speak out in support of women if the relationship between men and women is to improve. More specifically, male administrators need to make clear…

This article examines a range of behaviors which females in secondary schools and higher education institutions have experienced and described as sexual harassment, explores the underlying dynamics of harassment, and evaluates legal and other strategies for preventing and addressing sexual harassment. (IAH)

Sexual assault prevention programming remains a confused, scattered, and sporadic enterprise with little scientific underpinning. Sexual assault prevention suffers because it neither fits the traditional crime prevention model, nor the traditional public health model of prevention programming. Traces political and technical consequences, and…

Colleges and universities have been sued by student-victims of campus crimes in recent years. Analyzes the factors that render colleges and universities vulnerable and suggests actions to limit their liability. Examines the effect that mandatory federal and state reporting laws will have on future litigation. (100 references) (MLF)

A general legal definition of rape is sexual intercourse forced on an individual by another against his/her will and overcoming his/her resistance. Although the female is usually referred to as the survivor and the male as the perpetrator, there are cases of male rape. Rape may be divided into stranger rape and acquaintance rape. Types of…

The double entry journal, first suggested by Ann Berthoff in "Forming/thinking/writing," offers a way to break out of the one-way discourse and single-voiced thinking that predominates in traditional rhetoric and academic writing. Typically, double-entry journals are set up so that students quote from a source in the left-hand margin and…

The issues of empiricism and theory-building can be used in practical terms to discuss how literary texts can be used to elucidate gender issues in the classroom. For instance, two literary texts written early in this century--Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" and Ernest Hemingway's short story "Up in Michigan"--can illustrate…

A law school teacher describes her response to the incorrect and insensitive treatment of rape in a criminal law textbook, including analysis and criticism of the text's content and communication with the publisher about it. (MSE)

Presents data on incidence of date rape and advocates concentrated effort to educate college students about data rape and to teach them behaviors that could lead to the prevention of data rape. Lists four goals of such an educational program and provides suggestions for implementing a program. (NB)

Focuses on rape prevalence research and examines the relationship between measurement methods and levels of rape detection. Weighs the relative threat to the validity of prevalence estimates posed by fabrication versus nondisclosure. Examines various methodological choices and their relationship to the magnitude of prevalence estimates. (JPS)

The article reviews relevant literature (which suggests women who convey confidence and assertiveness are less likely to be victimized), outlines initiatives, describes a model self-defense course, suggests guidelines for evaluation, and draws implications for university policy on violence against college women. (SM)

On campus as in society, male-centered paradigms of sex role and identity are being challenged. A relationship-centered model of psychological development is currently of great interest. Areas of conflict between male and female students include stereotypes and political correctness, violence and rape, hostility toward women, the economy,…