007- Psychosocial Trauma and Healing

This course is designed to provide participants with a thorough overview of the complex issues of trauma and healing within socio-historical and cultural contexts.  Participants will explore the social-psychological-neurobiological-physical-spiritual processes of responding to deep personal loss, pain and suffering in settings of protracted, violent conflict, as well as examine recently developed approaches to the healing of individuals and communities as they move from violence or war to justpeace. Participants will explore the theoretical bases through narratives and case examples from a variety of international settings and engage in practical exercises to demonstrate approaches to trauma recovery. This course specifically aims to integrate trauma healing into the larger conflict resolution/transformation field, since unhealed trauma often continues the cycle of violence.  It is expected that participants will bring a general understanding of these issues and be prepared to address them theoretically and practically.  Learning process for this course involves a collaborative, interactive effort by the professor and participants through a format which includes lectures, hands-on activities, role-plays, dialogue, and circle processes. 

(3 credits)