What does psychology have to say about what is considered “normal” behavior? How have feminist psychologists conceptualized the relationship between gender and behavior? A critical lens on psychology asks us to consider the ways in which psychology is inherently political, involving the play of power–the power to define, categorize, and control. This program brings together understandings of psychopathology from a scientist-practitioner perspective and theories from feminist psychology to explore the ways that individuals and communities are shaped by the larger systemic context.
Feminist psychology asks the question, “how do we know what we know?” It values observations and theories that start out from, and look at the world from, the perspectives of those most impacted by gender-based oppression. Together, we will examine the categories of gender and sexuality within and beyond the psychological discipline and familiarize students with major theoretical perspectives on gender including social constructionism, feminism, queer theory, and decolonization. The program will draw from psychological empirical research on gender and sexuality across history and culture and emphasizes the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, ability, and immigration in people's experiences and identities. We will explore how gender and gendered practices have been studied in relation to macro-social processes, such as patriarchy and capitalism, but also how they form meanings in the physical and psychological lives of individuals.
In the study of Psychological disorders, we will explore the classification of psych disorders, including the historical and philosophical issues with psychological classification systems. This program will emphasize a biopsychosocial conceptualization of the influences on the development of disorders, and will also review the most current research on effective interventions. The program is designed to enable students to: discuss historical and current perspectives, definitions, and paradigms of psychopathology; apply the biopsychosocial lens in describing, understanding, assessing, and treating psychopathology, including discussion of the impact of biological (e.g., genetics, neurochemistry), psychological (e.g., cognition, personality), and social (e.g., roles, cultural influence) variables; adopt a scientific approach to understanding psychopathology; advance familiarity with applying the DSM-5 diagnostic system; describe psychological disorders commonly encountered in clinical practice as well as those that may be of special interest to students, including characteristic features, diagnostic criteria, associated features, prevalence, and etiology; and reflect on personal attitudes regarding the stigma of mental illness and deepen understanding and compassion for individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health concerns.
Major assignments will include weekly seminar papers, quizzes, co-facilitation of seminar, and a final collaborative presentation where students will analyze a specific disorder drawing on key concepts from feminist psychology.
This program will be taught fully online. To successfully participate in this program, students will need a computer (including a microphone and preferably including a camera) and internet access.