Syllabus: MAPY 616 Understanding the Neuroscience of Trauma

Course Description

This course investigates the effects of exposure to potentially traumatic life events including the various response trajectories. It analyzes neuroscience research on the psychophysiological effects of trauma, the impact of trauma on the brain, and the differences in impact trauma exposure has on individuals and communities across a variety of demographic and social contexts.

Prerequisite Courses

None

Course Outcomes

Students who have completed this course should be able to:

Describe some of the neurobiological changes that occur during and after a traumatic experience
Identify various areas, regions and structures of the brain impacted by trauma
Examine the cumulative and/or transformative effects of repeated trauma on individuals, and communities
Identify response trajectories of trauma exposure

Course Materials

Required Texts

Traumatic Stress: The Effects of Overwhelming Experience on Mind, Body, and Society. van der Kolk, B.A., McFarlane, A.C., & Weisnaeth, L. 2007, Guilford Press
Handbook of PTSD, Second Edition: Science and Practice, Edition 2, Friedman, M. J., Keane, T.J., & Resick, P.A. 2007, Guilford Press

Writing References and Resources

A wonderful quick-reference resource for formatting in APA style can be found at: http://www.apastyle.org/

Students are required to access the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) for information about composition strategies, grammar, and punctuation rules, and APA formatting and citation styles. The OWL can be accessed at the following online site: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

While the OWL is free to access as a reference resource, please note the Fair Use Policy regarding restrictions for using the OWL at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/551/01

Technology Tools

Minimum Technology Requirements

http://www.regis.edu/CPS/CPS-Student-Portal/College-for-Professional-Studies/Academic-Resources/Online-Learning/System-Requirements.aspx

Course Assignments & Activities

Week	Readings and Resources	Graded Assignments and Points
1. Defining Trauma	Van der Kolk, Mcfarlane, & Weisaeth Ch.1 Friedman, Keane & Resick, Ch. 6 Additional journal articles and videos listed in weekly content	Introductions: Not Graded Discussion Forum - 5 points Select and Watch your Film
2. Historical Perspectives	Friedman, Keane & Resick, Ch. 4 Van der Kolk, Mcfarlane, & Weisaeth Ch.3, 4 & 7 Additional journal articles and videos listed in weekly content	Discussion Forum - 5 points
3. Physiological Impacts of Trauma	Friedman, Keane & Resick, Ch. 14, &15 Van der Kolk, Mcfarlane, & Weisaeth Ch.10 Additional journal articles and videos listed in weekly content	Discussion Forum - 5 points Annotated Bibliography - 20 points Activity-Knowledge Check: Not Graded
4. Trauma and the Brain	Friedman, Keane & Resick, Ch. 11, & 12 Van der Kolk, Mcfarlane, & Weisaeth Ch.12 & 13 Additional journal articles and videos listed in weekly content	Discussion Forum - 5 points Small Paper - 10 points Activity-True/Fslse Questionnaire: Not Graded
5. Dimensions of Diversity	Friedman, Keane & Resick, Ch. 18, 19 & 29 Van der Kolk, Mcfarlane, & Weisaeth Ch.14, 15 & 17 Additional journal articles and videos listed in weekly content	Discussion Forum - 5 points
6. Vicarious/Secondary Trauma	Friedman, Keane, & Resick, Ch. 34 Additional journal articles and videos listed in weekly content	Discussion Forum - 5 points
7. Trauma Treatments	Van der Kolk, Mcfarlane, & Weisaeth Ch.18, 22 & 25 Additional journal articles and videos listed in weekly content	Discussion Forum - 5 points
8. Response Trajectories: Wrap up	Friedman, Keane & Resick, Ch. 33 & 35 Van der Kolk, Mcfarlane, & Weisaeth Ch.8 Additional journal articles and videos listed in weekly content	Discussion Forum - 5 points Final Paper/Project - 30 points

NOTE TO LEARNERS: On occasion, the course faculty may, at his or her discretion, alter the Learning Activities shown in this Syllabus. The alteration of Learning Activities may not, in any way, change the Learner Outcomes or the grading scale for this course as contained in this syllabus. Examples of circumstances that could justify alterations in Learning Activities could include number of learners in the course; compelling current events; special faculty experience or expertise; or unanticipated disruptions to class session schedule.

College of Contemporary Liberal Studies Grading Scale:

Letter Grade	Percentage	Grade Point
A	93 to 100	4.00
A-	90 to less than 92	3.67
B+	90 to less than 89	3.33
B	83 to less than 87	3.00
B-	80 to less than 82	2.67
C+	78 to less than 79	2.33
C	73 to less than 77	2.00
C-	70 to less than 72	1.67
D+	68 to less thank 69	1.33
D	63 to less than 62	1.00
D-	60 to less than 62	0.67
F	Less than 60	0

CCLS Policies

Review the CCLS Policies on the Regis University website.