Psychological Disorders in Adults

Course Description

An empirical approach to the tiology, assessment, and treatment of psychological problems in adults. 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:

  • Define the core characteristics and symptoms of the major DSM-5 disorders.
  • Conceptualize psychopathology from categorical, dimensional, and network perspectives.
  • Characterize the role of emotions in psychopathology
  • As evaluated using exams and the term paper writing assignment, evaluate research methods used to understand the etiology and maintenance of psychopathology.
  • As evaluated using exams and the term paper writing assignment, discuss current issues in the field impacting conceptualization and etiology of psychopathology.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Three Unit Exams. 20% of grade per exam 60%
Term Paper. 20%
Class Engagement 20%

Grading Scale:

Percentage Letter Grade
≥ 93.0A
90.0-92.9A-
87.0-89.9B+
83.0-86.9B
80.0-82.9B-
77.0-79.9C+
73.0-76.9C
70.0-72.9C-
60.0-69.9D
<60.0F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance is required. Points will be assigned 10 weeks for contributions in class that elevate our discussion, including thought-provoking questions, synthesis of our readings, critiques about empirical research methods, and the like.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No reading materials are required for student purchase. Students may access DSM-5 through the Psychology Clinic resources.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.