This course provides an overview of multi-system level definitions of traumatic experience: historical, individual, interpersonal, family, organizational and community. The emphasis is on social work practice that is culturally responsive, growth-oriented and strengths-based, in which the study of trauma is approached from a theoretical base that perceives the trauma response as a “response” rather than a “disorder.” Trauma-informed assessment and interventions are examined, incorporating a social justice perspective on historical trauma, poverty and interpersonal violence. This course promotes the unique contribution social workers offer through the lenses of strength, resilience and coping, as well as commitments to cultural responsiveness and ecological/systems factors. Students will identify how secondary trauma impacts social workers and the importance of professional accountability to self-care and ongoing growth and development.

Back to Sample Course Schedule.