PSYC2310

Meets MN Transfer Curriculum Goal Area 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences. This course explores the nature and causes of psychopathology and the terminology used in describing and discussing psychopathology. The focus will be on terminology, classification, etiology, assessment, and treatment of the major disorders and they will be explored from several different theoretical and treatment perspectives. Students will examine current trends and research in the fields of mental health and psychopathology with the goal of greater awareness and knowledge in hopes that we can reduce the suffering and stigma associated with mental disorders. This class was formerly known as Abnormal Psychology.Student Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate major historical and contemporary theoretical and treatment perspectives associated with the field of abnormal psychology/psychopathology.
• Identify principal research methods and types of questions that emerge in the science of abnormal psychology/psychopathology.
• Distinguish what is "normal" and "abnormal" behavior.
• Identify the characteristics, strengths and limitations of the current diagnostic system (DSM).
• Describe the epidemiology, etiology, assessment, symptoms, and scientifically validated treatments of specific psychological disorders.
• Describe how diversity in age, race, culture, gender and class is related to understanding psychological processes.
• Explain how psychologists use their understanding of the APA Ethics Code and legal system to guide decisions in clinical and legal situations.
• Apply psychological constructs to understand and improve intrapersonal, interpersonal and intercultural dysfunction (e.g. case studies).