PTSD and Combat Related Trauma – CRIS 607

Course Description

This course will examine in depth the causes, symptoms and treatments of PTSD and Combat-related PTSD, taking into account the latest research in the field and examining the affective, behavioral, cognitive and spiritual challenges faced by survivors.

Rationale

More than half of all Americans experience traumatic stress and may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In certain groups (first responders, military, rape and violent crime survivors, etc.), exposure and contraction rates are much higher. The Pentagon recently stated that at least 30% of returning troops from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from Combat-related PTSD. Professional counselors and pastors will face the challenge of counseling and assisting individuals and families affected by PTSD at an ever-increasing rate. Due to the nature of the disorder, specific knowledge is needed to assist clients and parishioners in this area.

Course Assignment

Textbook Readings and Lecture Presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words, use at least 2 scholarly citations in current APA or Turabian format, and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words and include at least 1 scholarly citation. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Research Paper: Topic Assignment

In this one-page paper, the student will articulate a proposed topic for further research. The topic must be somehow related to PTSD or combat stress, though the specific focus of the paper will be determined by the student’s area of study, interests, and career goals. The assignment should be written in either APA or Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Reading Report Assignments (2)

The Reading Report Assignments are short papers designed to allow students the opportunity to interact with selected chapters from Ritchie, Friedman, and Adsit. Reading Report Assignments will include summary, application, and critical thinking sections, allowing students to discuss the material from the perspective of their own courses of study and career goals. The report should be written in either APA or Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C, D, F)

Research Paper Assignment

Students will write a professional research paper of 7-8 pages (not including the title page or references/bibliography page) investigating PTSD in relation to a specific trauma, population, symptom or comorbid disorder.  At minimum, the paper should include a summary of PTSD (including key symptoms), exploration of treatment options, and integration of a Biblical worldview or Scriptural principles. The paper must be supported by published research and include a minimum of eight scholarly, peer-reviewed resources published within the last eight years. The paper should be written in either APA or Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Quizzes (4)

There will be 4 quizzes in this course over the assigned video presentations. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions, have a 30-minute time limit, and allow 1 attempt. (CLO: C, D, E)