Psychopathology

Catalog description

A broad spectrum view of psychopathology including biological, social, cognitive, psychological, and neuropsychological approaches, is emphasized, with an applied focus. PSYC 517 Psychopathology (3) This course will cover a broad spectrum of all aspects of psychopathology including the earned, social, biological, emotional, cognitive, affective, and cultural factors, which may be relevant to the understanding and diagnosis of mental disorders. The varied theoretical views of abnormal behavior and psychopathology will be critically reviewed, with emphasis on the current dominant theories. Approaches reviewed will include biological, behavioral, social, cognitive, psychological, existential, medical, and neuropsychological theories.Students will learn to make differential diagnoses based on the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and to code the disorders appropriately. Successful completion of the course requires the demonstration of competence in understanding the nature of psychopathology. Psychopathology is a required course for students in the M.A. in Applied Clinical Psychology program, and is restricted to students in the M.A. in Applied Clinical Psychology program. This course will be a prerequisite for PSYC 518, 519 , and 540. The objectives of this course are to prepare students for working with a variety of clients in therapeutic settings.Methods of evaluating student performance will be explained on the syllabus, and may include components such as examinations, written papers, oral presentations, videotaped and live demonstrations of diagnostic role plays, and other in-class exercises.This course is offered once a year with an enrollment limit of 15 students.