JSB224 Understanding Trauma in Criminology

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This subject addresses the ways in which trauma is important to theory and practice in criminal justice and social justice discourse. Trauma informed practice is explored in ways that introduce students to theory and skills in order to inform their engagement with policy and practice and expand their understanding of professional work in criminal justice. This is particularly important in understanding intergenerational trauma in Indigenous communities. This subject will build on understanding gained in core units to help prepare for careers working in criminal justice agencies and policy development in criminal justice related fields.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Explain and apply the terms, concepts, theories and policies in trauma informed practice (Discipline Knowledge, Professional Ethics - 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2,2)
2. Discuss the history of trauma informed practice and the current influences on trauma theory and practice (Discipline Knowledge, Professional Ethics - 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2,2)
3. Locate and critically discuss policies and programs that relate to individuals who have experienced trauma, as well as assess the impact of policies and programs that are intended to benefit individuals within criminal justice and related agencies. (Critical Thinking and Basic Research Skills, Problem Solving - 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2)

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit will be offered to both internal and online students.

Internal mode delivery is via a two-hour lectorial and one hour of online learning tasks. Online mode delivery is via the lecture podcast and one hour of online learning tasks. The lectorial will introduce students to the theory, context and information for each topic and provide critical discussion points and activities. Assessment items will provide students with an opportunity to develop key skills that will be required for those pursuing a career in fields that require an understanding of trauma and the political, social and policy contexts that organisations whose clients have experienced trauma exist in. Authentic problem-based learning and case studies will be featured in the learning and teaching approaches utilised in this unit.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester, which may include:

• worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
• in writing, e.g. criteria sheets, written commentary
• to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
• to the whole class

Assessment

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Case Study

From the perspective of a professional (Police, Corrections, Victim Assist) and drawing on one of the case studies provided, students will complete a guided exercise that identifies possible causes of trauma for the client in that case, possible outcomes of that trauma, and a brief case plan which accounts for trauma informed practice.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Practice Proposal

Writing from the perspective of a key organisation (for example Police, Corrections, Courts, Victim Assist) students will write a practice proposal on the implementation of best practice in trauma informed care within that organisations. Students will chose to focus on one activity undertaken in that organisation – examples include trauma informed interviewing, (cross) examination of witnesses, and evidence gathering.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources