Here is an age-old question in psychology, sociology, theology and medicine: Why do some individuals, communities or organizations rally around each other and respond to imminent threats with resilience. While others are profoundly burdened and broken down by the same kind of crisis? In this course we will ask what underlying risk factors shift the balance towards distress and disrepair? And, what are the underlying protective factors that shift the balance towards recovery, renewal and resilience? We will explore these factors across several levels of analysis—considering individuals, communities and systems. You will have opportunities to chart your own processing and learning through weekly reading responses and journal reflections.
Students will become conversant in research related to risk factors and at-risk populations through several different pathways. First, through assigned readings and discussions that span this field, students will build knowledge about how others have defined trauma and resilience and have addressed these issues in their particular work or service-oriented settings. Second, the research element of this course will allow the student to specifically explore these issues in the population, organization or culture the student is most interested in studying. Third, tools that identify and assess needs and practices that build resilience will be described from within assigned reading. Focus is placed on research literature, trends over the last 10 years of this area and demographic studies of individuals and communities. Students will review the literature, apply it to their own work settings and participate in on-line discussions to reflect on what needs arise when crisis strikes and consider ways to build resiliency wherever they live, work and serve.
Students will become conversant in research related to risk factors and at-risk populations through several different pathways. First, through assigned readings and discussions that span this field, students will build knowledge about how others have defined trauma and resilience and have addressed these issues in their particular work or service-oriented settings. Second, the research element of this course will allow the student to specifically explore these issues in the population, organization or culture the student is most interested in studying. Third, tools that identify and assess needs and practices that build resilience will be described from within assigned reading. Focus is placed on research literature, trends over the last 10 years of this area and demographic studies of individuals and communities. Students will review the literature, apply it to their own work settings and participate in on-line discussions to reflect on what needs arise when crisis strikes and consider ways to build resiliency wherever they live, work and serve.
- Teacher: Joy Kreider
Course Access Dates: Students from 4/10/2021 until 6/20/2024; Faculty from 11/11/2020 until 6/20/2024