Psyc 165: Psychopathology

** THIS IS A SERVICE-LEARNING CLASS **

This course serves as an introduction to the world of psychopathology, alternately referred to as abnormal psychology, mental illness, psychological disorder, or any number of other terms referring to deviant, aberrant, or otherwise abnormal behavior and thought processes. In this course, students will explore the different forms of psychopathology, including issues in case conceptualization, diagnosis, etiology, and treatment. We will review bio-psycho-socio-cultural perspectives on psychopathology as a way to think critically about such phenomena and their impact on individuals, families, and systems.

Syllabus

 

Psyc 465: Biopsychosocial Perspectives on Disordered Eating

Patterns of disordered eating, whether over-eating, under-eating, or the use of compensatory behaviors to reduce the likelihood of weight gain, are influenced by a multitude of biological, sociocultural, and psychological (e.g., mood, personality, self-esteem, etc.) factors. The goal of this course is to examine the research on these factors, assessing individual-level as well as systemic factors implicated in the etiology and maintenance of problematic eating behaviors, ranging from obesity to anorexia nervosa. We will review the historical context of disordered eating and evaluate definitions of these problem behaviors as articulated by the DSM-IV. In addition to theories regarding etiology and maintenance, we will review treatment approaches for eating disorders. By the end of this course, you should be able to think critically about research in clinical psychology and the specific field of eating disorders, have a well-developed understanding of the biopsychosocial model of disordered eating, and possess an in-depth understanding of one particular research area in the field of eating disorders and/or obesity.

Syllabus

 

Psyc 201: Design of Psychological Research

This course serves as an introduction to research methods in psychology. In this course, students will explore the major concepts in planning research studies, research design, and data analysis. We will review how to search and critically evaluate scientific research, how to design and orchestrate research projects, how to interpret findings, and how to share these findings with other psychologists. We will also discuss the various limitations of research methods, as well as methods for assessing threats to the validity and reliability of psychological measures.

Syllabus