Syllabus

Master of Social Work

SSWO 650 Trauma Informed Theory and Practice

Credits - 3

Description

This course will prepare students to become practitioners and leaders versed in Adverse Childhood Experiences, resiliency, historical and intergenerational trauma, and trauma-informed theory. Students will explore these trauma-informed principles and apply them on micro and macro levels through a focus on implementation science for trauma-informed organizational and individual practice change. This course provides a strong foundation that complements clinical electives such as Advanced Trauma Practices.

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

School of Social Work Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

1. Practice social inclusion to enable people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society, enhance human bonds in the context of cultural diversity and ensure improved quality of life and equitable resource distribution. EPAS Competencies 2 & 3
2. Engage in culturally-informed relationship building, being respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances. EPAS Competencies 3 & 6
3. Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments. EPAS Competency 8
4. Promote ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based in social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. EPAS Competency 1
5. Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources. EPAS Competencies 2, 5, & 6
6. Engage as critical consumers and producers of research as it relates to assessment, intervention and evaluation of clinical and community practices. EPAS Competencies 4, 7, 8 & 9
7. Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings. EPAS Competency 6

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Apply trauma theory and intervention strategies in an ethical and professional manner with clients. EPAS 1, 6, & 7
2. Discuss an understanding of ACEs and its influence upon lifelong challenges. EPAS 1 & 4
3. Identify the basis of trauma informed care including the principles of TIC and general practices. EPAS 4, 6 & 9
4. Recognize the importance of safety and care of oneself and of others. 1 & 7
5. Assess and demonstrate an understanding of what organizations can do to improve upon operating in a trauma informed environment. EPAS 2, 5 & 9

Assignments

Week 5 TI Agency Interview 

Submit a six to eight page paper based on an interview you conduct with an agency employee. 

Week 7 Final TI Proposal

Based upon your interview and analysis in the Week 5 Trauma Informed Agency Interview Assignment, develop a six to eight page proposal which addresses the agency/organizational strengths and areas needing improvement, and proposes opportunities to improve or foster the agency’s trauma informed approach to services.

Full assignment requirements, rubrics, and due dates for all learning activities are provided in the course.

Whole Class Discussions

You will be asked to post one initial response to Discussion Questions each week, and then make a minimum of 2 peer response comments to each Discussion prompt. Postings must meet the criteria for substantiveness to earn the maximum points available.

Reflective Journals

 Throughout the course, you will respond to Reflective Journal prompts. There is no length requirement for the contributions you make to this entry; however, your reflection must demonstrate comprehension and application of what you gained from this experience and how it will hinder or assist your work with others. You may also submit a video or audio recording of this reflection in lieu of a written journal. 

Grading Policy

The School of Social Work uses the following grading system for all courses with the exception of field education courses. Students are expected to maintain a “B” (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to receive their Master’s Degree.

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown