These syllabi are intended for use in conjunction with the Collective Trauma and Healing Curriculum Instructor’s Guide. See the “Curriculum Overview” page for details.
Queer College-Student Focused Syllabus
by Eliza Iacobucci
Based on the Collective Trauma and Healing Curriculum developed by Suffolk University faculty and students, this syllabus highlights queer/LGBTQIA+ experiences and voices. Acknowledging that queer/LGBTQIA+ students face many external factors contributing to the presence of collective trauma, this syllabus is designed to allow queer/LGBTQIA+ students to expand their knowledge through a course that affects their own identity.
This syllabus can be used in combination with or following Collective Trauma and Healing Curriculum. It would be best suited as 2 additional in-person classes of 90 minutes each. Units 2.2 and 3.2 can be introduced anytime after Unit 1 (Introduction to Collective Trauma) and prior to Unit 4 (Collective Healing). It is advised to include Unit 2.2 after Unit 2 (GBV and Collective Trauma) and Unit 3.2 following Unit 3 (Intersectionality).
Note: This course uses the word “queer” as an umbrella term for describing queer people (e.g., bisexual, gay, lesbian, pansexual) and trans people (e.g., transgender, non-binary)
Note: We use the word “class” to describe group meetings. This syllabus is well suited both for formal courses and for self-directed student learning groups.
Group Check-in to be done prior to each class:
Preparing to Discuss Trauma and Introducing Collective Trauma to queer college students
Discuss how all members of the class can ensure a brave space for everyone to talk about difficult issues centered around aspects of their identity.
Acknowledge that education can be a form of retraumatization. Ensure students are aware of this, and made aware that if at any point they feel retraumatized by participating in a class, they are free to step out. Students should be encouraged to seek assistance from a trusting peer/classmate/faculty/other service either in the moment or later.
Resource: Especially the “Trauma in the Curriculum” Section:https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/summer-2019/when-schools-cause-trauma
Additional syllabi will be posted shortly