Description 

Psychopathology is the study of abnormal cognitions, behavior and experiences. It can be broadly separated into descriptive and explanatory. Descriptive psychopathology is the field of study involved in categorizing, defining and understanding symptoms as relayed by people and observed through their behavior. This course covers a wide range of definitions and models that focus on the complex or problematic psychological disorders and conditions of psychopathology. Emphasis is on learning accepted conceptualizations of such disorders along with contemporary treatment approaches. Students are introduced to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the basis of diagnosis and classification of psychopathology. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, as are multicultural, legal, and ethical issues involved in the field of abnormal psychology.This course helps to identify and compare several theories about the causes of abnormal behavior.To discuss the ethical and legal considerations associated with abnormal behavior and to demonstrate an organized and coherent knowledge of selected psychological problems informed by reading and discussion.

The following course objectives are integrated into the topics listed on the Course Outline. Through this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of:

1. Disorder-specific models of psychopathology.

2. Strengths and limitations of diagnostic systems.

3. The moderating effect of diverse contextual, inter- and intrapersonal variables (e.g., SES, urban/rural, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, developmental pathways) on the definition and manifestation of psychopathology, and response to assessment and intervention practices.

4. The relationship between conceptualization of disorders, assessment, and intervention.

5. The effect of psychopathology on social, school, and family functioning.

Learning Outcomes of the Course

By the end of this course:

1. Students will be able to explain what “developmental psychopathology” is and how it relates to symptom formation and the underlying psychic structures that contribute to it.

2. Students will be able to explain the conceptual differences between “patterns of maladaptation” and “patterns of symptomatology”.

3. Students will be able to provide examples of similar symptomatic patterns that reflect distinctly different patterns of maladaptation and provide reasons why a child might be manifesting a particular pattern of symptoms.

4. Students will be able to discuss the manifestation of symptoms from a variety of theoretical perspectives.

CLASS TIMINGS: BS 6th Reg (Monday: 11:00 - 12:30 PM) (Tuesday: 11:00 - 12:30 PM)