The course format will include lectures, class discussions, presentations from someone with lived experience of a mood disorder, and a small group project. Videos and movies will be utilized to illustrate symptom profiles and specific treatment approaches (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), and we will read selections from autobiographical novels that highlight personal accounts of living with a mood disorder. Assignments will include readings, one short paper, and a small group project focused on comparing and contrasting an empirical (e.g., peer reviewed research study) and lay audience (e.g., newspaper) report describing a controversy related to the understanding of mood disorders.
During this class, you will:
• Develop an enhanced understanding about the system of psychiatric disorder classification, with a particular focus on mood disorders.
• Learn how to integrate information on the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the onset and maintenance of psychological disorders.
• Learn, within this framework, how to critically evaluate controversies surrounding the causes, diagnoses, and treatment of mood disorders.
There are no prerequisites for this course, although an understanding of general psychology (i.e., key terms and broad topics) would be helpful.
Online sections of Pre-College courses are offered in one of the following modalities: Asynchronous, Mostly asynchronous, or Blended. Please review full information regarding the experience here.