Tags
GPH, PSY
Admissions requirements
Introduction to Psychology.
Description
Mental Health and Psychopathology provides an introduction to the study of psychological dysfunction and psychiatric disorders. The course is designed to introduce students to various clinical presentations of psychopathology that may occur throughout human development. The course focuses on the definition, phenomenology, etiology, and treatment of the major syndromes. We will critically review theories of the causes and mechanisms of mental illness, ranging from social to neurobiological approaches. In the context of disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, eating disorders, personality disorders and anxiety disorders, we will look at how genetic, neurobiological and social factors contribute to the development of mental illness, as well as how social and cultural factors mediate the severity of or may even prevent the development of mental illness. Current empirically based psychological and biological interventions will also be reviewed.
Course objectives
After this course, students will:
Be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of major psychiatric syndromes
Know how to interpret signs and symptoms in classification and diagnoses, and understand the strengths and limitations of current diagnostic systems
Know the relevance of genetic, psychological and social factors in the development of psychiatric disorders.
Be able to process recent research findings relative to the development and description of maladaptive behavior
Know the rationale and evidence concerning psychological and biological treatments of psychopathology.
Timetable
Once available, timetables will be published here.
Mode of instruction
Teaching methods include lectures by the instructors, (group) presentations by the students, excursion or an interview with psychiatric patients and debates.
Assessment
Students are expected to attend class, read required assignments prior to class and participate in class discussions.
Participation (20%): Participation will be determined by attendance and participation in class discussions. Aspects of participation include listening skills, verbal reasoning skills (including ability to support verbal statements with evidence and/or examples), knowledge of course material, creativity of expressed ideas, and ability to provide supportive or constructive feedback to colleagues.
Book review (20%): Students will be required to select a book from the course reading list for scholarly review. Book reviews should include a brief synopsis, critical analysis (incorporating external sources including course materials, journal articles, etc.), and the impact, if any, the book has on the field. The review should be 4-5 pages and written according to APA style. Due via Turnitin (Blackboard) on or before <date>.</date>
Course Paper (20%): Students will be required to write a paper on a current issue in the field. Additional details about this assignment will be provided on Blackboard and will be discussed during the first class meeting. The paper should be approximately
5-6 pages in length and written according to APA style. Due via Turnitin on <date>.</date>Final Examination (40%): The examination will consist of shortanswer questions on relevant course material (including course literature, lectures, and assigned readings).
Blackboard
There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.
Reading list
To be announced.
Registration
This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Curriculum Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Prof. dr. Willem van der Does