Catalog Course Description

This course emphasizes the scientific inquiry into abnormal psychology while stressing both the depth of human suffering and the social costs associated with this subject. Abnormal psychological conditions are explored through a combination of biological, surface-level and depth-level theoretical perspectives on important facets of the field of abnormal psychology. Issues of assessment, labeling, and how to intervene into the problems associated with abnormal psychological conditions are explored from the same biological, surface and depth perspectives on abnormal functioning and ways of living.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify the terms and concepts of abnormal psychology.
2. Explain the major theoretical approaches specific to disorders and treatments.
3. List and describe the five axes of diagnosis used in the DSM-IV-TR.
4. Identify and describe the various classifications of psychological disorders.
5. Discuss recent research findings regarding abnormal psychology.
6. Apply contemporary issues in abnormal psychology to theory.

Attributes

GE Social Sciences
Liberal Arts