Instruction
Assignment/Assessment
Art-Informed Research Paper – 25% (Proposal 5% and Paper 20%)
Due: Week of March 26th
Length: 7 – 8 pages
Trauma leaves a long-lasting impact on individuals, their families, and their caregivers. Many
SSW professionals continue to rely on traditional approaches of individual counselling or group
work in working with those who have experienced human-made or environmental disasters.
However, in recent years art-based healing methods have proven to be significantly effective in
working with immigrants, refugees and those who have experienced traumatic life events. The
purpose of this art-based research paper is to explore the use of creative and expressive
therapeutic methods in working with diverse migrant populations.
*A proposal is due on February 18th worth 5% of the grade. A template will be provided in class,
but you need to have identified your topic, main argument and 3 – 5 relevant academic
resources that you will use for your paper.
Instructions:
1. Chose a particular migrant community/group that has been affected by human-made
violence or environmentally induced disasters (i.e. children, youth, unaccompanied
minors, parents, bereaved adults, survivors of state violence, members of LGBTQ+
communities, people living with HIV/AIDS, precarious status migrants, Indigenous
Peoples, etc.).
2. Using existing research, outline some elements of trauma that may be experienced by
the community/group you have chosen. Consider causes of the trauma, as well as factors
that may perpetuate trauma throughout the migratory experiences for your group.
3. Describe the use of any art-informed strategy (dance, music, poetry, drawing,
photography, sculpture, drama, painting, spoken word, movement, video, etc.) that you
think is relevant and effective in responding to the trauma experienced by your
population. You should explain how your specific strategy would be an effective
intervention for your chosen group. To achieve this, students should draw on existing
examples, case studies, etc..
4. Make sure you include all elements of an academic paper – APA citations, relevant
academic research, proper formatting, editing, etc..