Child Psychopathology 2017

Course Description

This course will provide students with an overview of child and adolescent psychopathlogy. This course covers various forms of abnormal behavior found in infancy, childhood, and adolescence - examined within the context of psychological theories. We will examine etiology (causes), symptoms, classification, and treatment of various childhood/adolescent psychological disorders. 

 

Course Objectives

 By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the nature of psychopathology in children and adolescents.
  • Understand the process of assessing such behavior and the system for classifying psychological disorders.
  • Be familiar with and able to discuss theoretical perspectives on childhood and adolescent psychopathology.
  • Be familiar with the research methods and research findings on a variety of psychological disorders.
  • Understand the causes of childhood and adolescent psychopathology.
  • Be able to identify the symptoms of these various psychological disorders.
  • Be familiar with effective treatment approaches to these different childhood and adolescent psychological disorders.

Included in the above will be students’ ability to: demonstrate an understanding of the DSM-IV taxonomy of child and adolescent behavioral disorders; critically review the literature as it pertains to the strengths and weaknesses of the DSM-IV taxonomy of child and adolescent behavioral disorders; communicate an awareness of how co-morbidity and family dynamics frequently complicate clinical presentation and significantly influence outcome; and express an appreciation for how cultural and gender issues may interact with diagnostic criteria for the various child/adolescent psychopathology disorders.

And – MOST  important: learn the material that will specifically benefit YOU in your future career as a psychologist!

NOTE - full syllabus will be provided in the Welcome/Introduction section.