An introduction to the mechanisms and treatment of psychopathology. Emphasis is placed on the use of the scientific method for understanding abnormal behavior.
Athena Title
Psychopathology
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in PSYC 3230E, PSYC 3230H
Prerequisite
PSYC 1101 or PSYC 1030H or PSYC 1101E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will understand the DSM diagnostic system and compare it to older and alternate diagnostic systems.
Students will describe the major diagnostic categories and their primary characteristics.
Students will compare and contrast major theoretical models such as biological, cognitive, psychodynamic, sociocultural, and humanistic.
Students will analyze and evaluate the major treatment approaches used for specific psychological disorders.
Students will understand the fundamentals of the major research approaches used in the investigation of the etiological factors contributing to mental disorders.
Students will describe some of the history of our understanding of abnormal behavior and compare the past to present day ethical interpretations.
Students will critique the relationship between mental health and broader societal factors, including stigma, legal and ethical issues, and the role of mental health professionals in society.
Topical Outline
Below is a general outline for the content and order of topics presented in the
course. Most of the topics below will be presented. However, due to new developments
in the field and the use of different texts and supplemental materials over the years,
some topics below may be deleted and others added. The exact order topics will vary.
1. Historical perspective and definitions
2. Paradigms and orientations
3. Research methods
4. Classification
5. Anxiety disorders
6. Somatoform disorders
7. Psychophysiological disorders
8. Dissociative disorders
9. Affective disorders
10. Eating disorders
11. Substance abuse
12. Personality disorders
13. Schizophrenia
14. Developmental disorders
15. Disorders of childhood
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
