SOCW383 Clinical Traumatology

This course builds on the SOCW 382: Trauma Across the Lifespan course and explores the psychological impact of many different types of trauma, including: military combat, accidents and life-threatening events, interpersonal violence, sexual assault, natural disasters, and childhood physical and sexual abuse. Our emphasis is on the psychological theories used to explain and treat symptoms associated with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While discussing PTSD, we cover diagnostic methods, research on prevalence and policy issues, comorbid psychological and medical diagnoses, and social correlates. In addition to exploring the challenges associated with PTSD, we discuss mechanisms of positive change following a traumatic event, such as post-traumatic growth. Lectures on course topics are designed to be as interactive as possible by utilizing multimedia, in-class activities, small group discussions, and class preparation assignments. In preparation for these and later discussions, students will read case accounts of traumatized individuals, original professional journal articles, classic texts written by trauma experts, and watch movies that depict trauma. In the weeks of the class, students will present projects in which they share knowledge they have developed in self-directed explorations about the role of trauma related to a specific type of trauma that they have researched. To enhance our understanding of the impact of trauma, we may have guest speakers who are leaders in child protective services, therapists who specialize in treating trauma survivors, and trauma survivors themselves. We will engage in experiential learning by doing group activities related to trauma and treatment. (Prerequisites: SOCW382)