In this course, you will learn about the symptoms, psychological disorders, and treatment methods within clinical psychology.   The course will emphasize the application of scientific research to identifying and treating psychological disorders across a range of theoretical approaches.   

You will learn by working individually and as a class. Individually, you will learn by reading your textbook, viewing the slideshows for each applicable week, completing critical thinking assignments, and taking exams. As a class, we will learn by posting, reading, and responding to group assignments and current event postings.  This is not a self-paced class;  deadlines and due dates are firm and late work and exams will be penalized or not accepted.

What you learn in this course will benefit you by giving you content knowledge regarding the scientific study of psychopathology and the body of knowledge it has created. This course also aims to promote understanding of self and others and to encourage critical thinking skills.

The following are required for entry into this course:

• PSY 200, 201, or 202

If you complete this course and do well, you will be able to:

• Broadly differentiate between abnormal and normal behavior and mental processes

• Demonstrate understanding of research methods in abnormal psychology

• Apply critical thinking skills to diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities

• Understand how diagnosis and treatment has changed over time

• Understand how to use the current version of the DSM as an assessment tool

•  Identify major psychological disorders when major symptoms are provided

• Understand the biopsychosocial perspective and how disorders might have multiple causes

• Demonstrate knowledge of different approaches to treating psychological disorders including psychotherapy and drug therapy, and their utility in different cases. 

•  Apply knowledge of abnormal psychology to real cases presented by media

• Demonstrate understanding of the role of cultural diversities in differentiating normal from abnormal and in treatment of disorders

Your course grade will be determined by the following assignments:

Your final grade will be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also pass at least 2 of the 3 exams in order to pass the course, in addition to having a total number of points above passing level.

There are 3 exams in this course.

We are here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact us when they do:

You may also call to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or at our campus offices. 

Last Updated: August 8, 2011