Abnormal Psychology

This course will use interdisciplinary perspectives to explore the question "how do we understand what it means to be mentally ill or well?" Following the the framework established by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, students will learn about the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders, with a focus on their clinical characteristics. Using a biopsychosocial perspective, students will also learn from sociological, historical, and anthropological perspectives to explore the socio-cultural and historical perspectives that shape our understanding of illness and wellness, with a particular focus on the impact of pathologization and stigma. Course activities will include a mix of synchronous in person seminar discussion and lecture, and asynchronous learning including online discussion and small group work.

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 standard biological and psychological approaches to Psychology and the Mental Health System in the United States.
• To introduce students to the biopsychosocial model as it relates to psychopathology.
• To acquaint the student with the current classification systems of the various psychopathologies.
• To introduce the students to the theories and approaches to etiology, symptomatology, and treatment of mental health disorders.
• To introduce students to interdisciplinary perspectives on mental health disorders, with a particular focus on critical perspectives.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Abnormal Psychology