Course Description
Empirical approach to etiology, assessment, and treatment of psychological problems of children, emphasis on development factors. Not intended for students without a strong background in abnormal psychology, child development, and developmental theory. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in UNCG psychology programs, or permission of instructor.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the conceptual models of the etiology (multiple causes) of externalizing, internalizing, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Analyze the similarities and differences in diagnoses of behavioral and emotional disorders of childhood, including historical changes in diagnostic criteria and taxonomy from prior versions of the DSM and the current DSM-5.
- Describe the evidence establishing links between adult outcomes and emotional, behavioral and neurodevelopmental problems diagnosed in childhood and adolescence
- Explain the selection process for using multiple methods of assessment when conducting diagnostic and behavioral assessments with children and their families
- Understand and apply the principles of developmental psychopathology, including research on risk and resilience factors, to explain probable outcomes using clinical child case examples
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Exam 1 | 100 points |
| Exam 2 | 100 points |
| 4 Reaction Papers | 100 points |
| Class presentation | 100 points |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 93% | A |
| 90-92% | A- |
| 87-89% | B+ |
| 83-86% | B |
| 80-82% | B- |
| 77-79% | C+ |
| 73-76% | C |
| 70-72% | C- |
| 67-69% | D+ |
| 63-66% | D |
| 60-62% | D- |
| 59 and below | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Students may miss one class with permission from the instructor. Makeup assignment is required for professional development experience or for illness.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
- McLeod, B.D., Jensen-Doss, A., & Ollendick, T. (2013). Diagnostic and Behavioral Assessment in Children and Adolescents: A Clinical Guide. Guilford Press, NY: NY.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorders, Fifth Edition- TR. Arlington, VA, American Psychiatric Association
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.