This psychology course is an introduction and overview of psychopathology. This course discusses diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of mental disorders and issues impacting mental health professionals.
Course Effective Dates: 2/25/00 – Present
Outline of Major Content Areas
As noted on course syllabus
Learning Outcomes
Define abnormal behavior from a contextual perspective of the individual and society.
Define specific mental disorders based on symptomology and criteria as found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Demonstrate an understanding of integrative approaches to psychopathology, including the Biopsychosocial approach.
Demonstrate an understanding of abnormal behavior in historical and cultural context.
Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of a differential diagnosis, including purpose of the use of diagnostic trees and tables.
Demonstrate an understanding of the impact and significance of cultural differences on diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of mental disorders.
Demonstrate an understanding of the utilization of Clinical Assessments, diagnosis, and research methods used in psychopathology.
Distinguish the difference between mental illness from a clinical perspective and insanity according to law.
Identify ethical issues faced by mental health services professionals in the assessment diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
Identify legal and ethical issues impacting patients, clients and caregivers.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies Goal 05 — Hist/Soc/Behav Sci
Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
