“Both courses directly related to my internship as well as to my experience in the city. They allowed me to better understand what was going on around me.”
Sara Goldstein, Kalamazoo College
Fall 2005
Women Organized Against Rape, Court Advocate
Electives
Abnormal Psychology
Lori Nelsen-Luneburg
Dramatic changes in the healthcare system over the past ten years have had a significant impact on the role of the traditional psychologist. This course is designed to address the effects these changes have had as well as how they will affect career options in the future. Additionally, this course will provide a basic overview of issues relevant to the current practice of psychology. Topics will include: a broad review of prevalent DSM – IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 4th edition) diagnoses; a basic overview of projective/neuropsychological testing and its uses as well as discussion of prominent theories and techniques in psychotherapy. Other topics such as ethnicity in therapy; the treatment of special populations (i.e.: eating disorders, trauma and sexual abuse) and application and admission to graduate school programs will also be covered.
This course is designed for those who are interested in pursuing a career in mental health and/or those interested in relevant psychological issues. The objective is to provide students with a broad understanding of psychology today. Active participation as well as a willingness to discuss field placement case related questions/issues is required.