What is normal? When should someone be diagnosed? How the perspective of mental illness be re-shaped to eliminate stigma? These are complex questions that require an understanding of the way psychology assesses and treats people who are seemingly “abnormal.” Students will examine the ways that psychology shapes our understanding of ourselves and those around us.

Content:

Approaches to Psychopathology
Diagnosis
Anxiety Disorders
Trauma/Stress/OCD Related Disorders
Mood disorders
Eating and Addictive Disorders
Personality and Dissociative Disorders
Psychosis/Schizophrenia
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Legal and Contemporary issues in Psychopathology
Strategies: Students will learn through a variety of strategies that include, but are not limited to, research, presentations, cooperative group projects, analysis of case studies, and media.