Psychology & Brain Sciences 391PT - S- Psychology of Trauma

This seminar course will introduce the study of traumatic stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Students in this course will learn about the history of PTSD, as well as theoretical frameworks for understanding the effects of traumatic stress on individual psychological functioning. We will also cover the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals who have experienced traumatic stress. Careful attention will be paid to the various contextual factors that influence both exposure and responses to violence, including developmental stage, gender, and race/ethnicity. By the end of this course, students will be able to identify the range of experiences that constitute traumatic stress and the ways by which these experiences affect psychological functioning. Students will also have a better understanding of current evidenced-based practices used in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic stress.

Open to Senior and Junior Psychology majors only. Pre Req: PSYCH 241 Students on the waitlist when classes start must come to the first class if they want to maintain their waitlisted status.