This course aims to bring the recent studies in the interdisciplinary study of trauma to bear on the field of theology. What unique challenges does the phenomenon of trauma pose to contemporary theology? The structure of the course is three-fold: The first part of the course explores recent studies in trauma, focusing on three areas of research: 1) neurobiology of trauma, 2) clinical/therapeutic studies, and 3) literary approaches to trauma. The second part of the course examines theological engagements with issues of radical suffering. We will study the work of contemporary theologians (in the Judeo-Christian tradition) who are rethinking the following questions through the lens of radical suffering: Who is the human person? What is the significance of the cross? What is sin? What is redemption? (Examples: Wendy Farley, Miroslav Volf, Delores Williams, Jurgen Moltmann, Catherine Keller, Mark Lewis Taylor, Melissa Raphael) These authors reveal both the limitations and the possibilities of reframing questions of suffering in relationship to contemporary discussions of trauma. The third part brings together the insights from the first two and focuses on the question of what it means to witness theologically to individual, societal, and global trauma. We will look at issues and contexts such as the criminal justice system, war, poverty, and racism. In this final part, students will be working towards constructive theological engagements with issues of trauma through interaction with a variety of mediums: art, literature, spiritual practices, and film. The course is not a counseling course. It aims to provide rich theological reflection around issues of suffering, violence, and trauma, both individual and global. THIS COURSE REQUIRES PERMISSION FROM THE PROFESSOR IN ORDER TO GET REGISTERED.