Course Syllabus

Summer 2026 | PSY-2155-VO01 - Trauma: Origins & Impacts

Online Class

Online courses take place 100% online via Canvas, without required in-person or Zoom meetings.

Faculty

Kimberly Quinn Smith
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Kate Hughes

General Education Requirements

Social Science

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This course introduces students to a variety of viewpoints on human trauma from contemporary social science disciplines. Students will explore the nature and impact of trauma across the lifespan and will discuss current theories, research, and interventions. The course will examine societal impacts and responses to trauma from global, cultural, and historical perspectives. Recommended prior learning: Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth & Development, or Child Development.

Essential Objectives

1. Describe the causes and characteristics of various types of human trauma and traumatic stress.
2. Examine current scientific theories and research regarding the impacts of individual and societal trauma and recommended interventions.
3. Explore the biological, cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal impacts of trauma on individuals over the lifespan.
4. Examine the societal costs and impacts of trauma from global, cultural, economic, political, and historical perspectives.
5. Describe common behavioral manifestations of trauma in children, adolescents, adults and in traumatized communities.
6. Describe examples of trauma-informed practice and factors that promote resiliency in the helping professions (Criminal Justice, Human Services, Education, Healthcare, Substance Abuse work, etc.).

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations, along with free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials.

Summer 2026 textbook/book details will be available on 2025-12-01. On that date a link will be available below that will take you to eCampus, CCV's bookstore. The information provided there will be specific to this class. Please see this page for more information regarding the purchase of textbooks/books.

PSY-2155-VO01 Link to Textbooks for this course in eCampus.

For Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Prohibited: The use of generative AI is not allowed in this course, with the exception of spellcheck, grammar check and similar tools. This course rests in the value of students engaging in the learning process without relying on AI-generated content. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills independently, owning their learning journey from start to finish. If you use these tools, your actions would be considered academically dishonest and a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Methods

Books and Materials:

Mindfulness Skills for Trauma and PTSD: Practices for Recovery & Resilienceby Rachel Goldsmith Turrow

ISBN 9780393711264

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dogby Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz

ISBN 978-0-465-09445-5

The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD

ISBN 978-0-14-312774-1

*There will also be a variety of articles and videos for discussions and assignments

Methods

Participation in discussion is critical for an enriched classroom learning experience. Please jump in right away and join in the conversation.

Initial discussion posts are due on Wednesday at 10:00 pm and at least 3 substantive responses to classmates are due the following Monday at 11:59 pm.

Students can also expect short answer or writing assignments due on most Sundays. Make sure to check assignment deadlines.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria

This class uses a total point system. Each assignment will be graded with a rubric that can be found in the Canvas course.

In general, I expect students to put their best feet forward as you are on your way to becoming professionals, or further enhancing your professional skills if you already in the workforce. This means to read/watch/listen to the course material attentively and then respond and create with loads of detail and examples from the information you have acquired.

Structured writing is required for any of the "helping professions" as well as education and business fields in general. As far as your career, solid writing will be the gift that keeps on giving.

*Make sure to familiarize yourselves with the APA format which includes headings. Headings organize your writing, making it easier and more enjoyable for the reader.

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

This is an oline course, therefore the discussion forum is meant to be a simulated classroom experience. Participation is all about the discussion forum and a detailed initial post and engaging with classmates throughout the week.

Initial discussion posts are due on Wednesday at 10:00 pm and at least 3 substantive responses to classmates are due the following Monday at 11:59 pm

Rubric for Discussion Forums

Criteria	Exceed (A)	Meet (B)	Approach (C)	Not Meet (D)	Points
Timeliness (20%) Did you post your answer to the discussion prompt(s) on time? Did you post responses to your classmates on time?	4	3.5	3	2.5	__ / 4
Engagement with Material (25%) Do your posts reflect careful and critical consideration of course material? Do you demonstrate an ability to apply learning and make connections?	5	4.25	3.75	3.25	__ / 5
Use of Details & Evidence (25%) Do you use good detail and relevant evidence to support your ideas? Do you reference course material and/or outside research?	5	4.25	3.75	3.25	__ / 5
Interaction (30%) Do you respond to three classmates? Do your responses offer substantive ideas, questions, feedback and/or connections?	6	4	2	0	__ / 6
					__ / 20

Missing & Late Work Policy

There is a late fee of 10 percent per day for discussion posts and assignments submitted after the deadline. Assignments will not be accepted beyond two weeks. Please let me know if you have extenuating circumstances. Communication is key to a successful college experience. Please make sure to reach out so together we can come up with a solution.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/student-support/accessibility-services/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

Apply Now for this semester.