Abnormal Psychology

This course is designed to help students examine abnormal and normal behavior and experience along several dimensions. These dimensions include the historical and cultural influences in Western Psychology, current views on abnormality and psychological health, cultural differences in the approach and treatment of psychopathology, and the role of healthy habitat in healthy mind. Traditional classification of psychopathology will be studied, including theories around etiology and treatment strategies. Non-traditional approaches will be examined as well and the role of Ecopsychology in Abnormal Psychology will be studied.

Learning Objectives:

• To allow students to gain an understanding of historical and cultural influences on the development of Psychology, including an increased awareness of the biases and strengths of traditional EuroAmerican approaches to Psychology and the Mental Health System  in the United States.
• To acquaint the student with the current classification system of the various psychopathologies.
• To introduce the students to the various theories and approaches to etiology, pathology and treatment.
• To introduce the student to the current Mental Health system in the United States.
• To examine the role and relevance of Ecopsychology in psychological health.