SOWK 5528PSYCHOPATHOLOGY USING A COMPETENCY-BASED ASSESSMENT MODEL

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Not open to those with credit for SOWK 5530.This course is designed to introduce students to the field of Psychopathology using a Competency-based Assessment Model, which incorporates key perspectives and theories inherently embedded in the Social Work profession: Systems Theory, Strengths perspective, Ecological theory, and the Biopsychosocial framework. Since mental illness is riddled with stigma and oppression, it is important for social workers to view a mental disorder using this holistic framework. This course is divided into three sections: Understanding the Competency-based Assessment Model, Knowledge of Diagnostic Assessment and Mental Status Examination and Examining major mental disorders from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). First, students will examine the core theories and perspectives of the Competency-based Assessment Model and its importance in understanding mental illness. In part two of the course, students will develop knowledge and skills on diagnostic interviewing and assessment as well as the mental status examination. After understanding the components of the Competency-based Assessment Model and diagnostic assessments, students will explore major mental disorders listed in the DSM-5. Throughout the course, students will examine ethical and cultural considerations related to the DSM-5 and diagnostic assessments. Specific attention is given to the student’s values and beliefs as they relate to mental illness, diagnoses, and the NASW Code of Ethics.