Abnormal Psychology (Residential)

The class will attempt to facilitate a complex understanding of mental illnesses by exposing students to the real life experiences of individuals with these conditions. The course will begin with a critical examination of the concept of mental illness from a historical perspective. The major paradigms for conceptualizing mental illnesses will be explored for what they may contribute to our understanding of mental illness. The rest of the course is designed to provide an introduction to a wide variety of psychological disorders and related theoretical concepts. The information reviewed will include diagnostic criteria, theories of etiology, treatment paradigms, sociological relevance, and current controversies associated with the area of psychopathology. The course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to critically apply information learned in class to case studies by entertaining hypotheses for diagnosis and treatment.