Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Catalog description

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the field of clinical psychology, with a particular emphasis on common mental health symptoms and disorders across the lifespan (i.e. formerly referred to as "abnormal psychology"). We will discuss the defining characteristics of specific disorders (e.g., mood, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and psychotic disorders), review systems used to define and assess diagnostic criteria (e.g., the DSM-5), consider theories of etiology (causes), and introduce basic methods of therapeutic treatment. This course will draw on historical and contemporary case studies, experimental research, clinical research, and media to illustrate concepts and guide class discussions.