Abnormal in a Normalized World: Psychopathology and Treatment Interventions in Context

This program provides a survey of mental health problems, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, addiction and substance abuse disorders, the schizophrenias, and personality disorders. The program curriculum asks, What does it mean to be “normal” and who decides? How has history and culture affected our perspectives on abnormality? What are clinical characteristics of mental disorders and how are they assessed? What role does treatment play in addressing psychological disorders? How do we separate facts from myths surrounding psychological disorders?

This program will not simply present a checklist of symptomology. Through contextualization and bio-psycho-social perspectives, students will develop critical thinking skills as applied to theories, assessment, and treatments relevant for each disorder. Students will also be encouraged to consider the role of stigma in mental illness. In this exploration, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of how to live a healthier life. Lectures, workshops, seminars, and films help to further contextualize program texts.

This program is coordinated with Greener Foundations for first-year students. Greener Foundations is Evergreen’s in-person 2-quarter introductory student success course sequence, which provides first-year students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive at Evergreen. Students expected to take Greener Foundations should use CRN 20291 to register for a 2-credit Greener Foundations course in addition to this program for 14-credit.

First-year students who are not expected to take Greener Foundations or have been granted an exemption should use CRN 20207 to register for this program at 16-credits. Find more details about who isn't expected to take Greener Foundations on the Greener Foundations website.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Abnormal Psychology in context

4 - Diagnosis of Psychopathology

4 - Treatment Interventions

4 or 2 (Greener Foundations students) - Socio-Cultural Context of Well-Being