Psychopathology: Course Overview, Requirements, and Key Concepts

Psychopathology: Course Overview and Structure

Course Description

This course examines how European-heritage cultures define and classify psychopathology, focusing on the development of mental disorders, diagnostic systems, and the influence of cultural and social factors. Students will learn about major types of disorders, their causes, and how they are treated.

• Psychopathology: The scientific study of mental disorders, including their symptoms, etiology (causes), and treatment.

• Abnormal behavior: Actions, thoughts, or feelings that are statistically rare, violate social norms, cause distress, or impair functioning.

• Diagnostic classification: Systems used to categorize mental disorders, such as the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

Learning Objectives

• Understand the role of cultures and their institutions in defining, classifying, and managing abnormal behavior and experiences.

• Know the history and controversies surrounding the development of diagnostic classifications.

• Apply knowledge of psychological science and its methods to understand the diagnosis process.

• Understand the role of developmental context, cultural beliefs and values, and immediate social situation in creating mental disorders in some individuals and shaping how they are treated.

Course Requirements and Evaluation

Assignments and Grading

• Personal Learning Goals (5% of grade): Students set three main learning goals to guide their path through the course and assess progress.

• In-Class Quizzes (15% of grade): Quizzes are given before class and cannot be made up if missed. They are designed to familiarize students with the types of exam questions.

• Essay Activities (20% of grade): Short essays submitted via Canvas, Wordpad, or Notepad. Hard copy in class is required. Essays are not graded individually; completion of at least 80% earns full credit.

• Exams (60% of grade): Three exams, each worth 20%. Exams consist of multiple-choice questions based on lectures and readings.

• Extra Credit Opportunities: Participation in research (SONA) or other approved activities can earn up to 10 extra credit points.

Grading Scale

• Completion of 80-79% earns a B (80-70%)

• Completion of 60-69% earns a C (60-69%)

• Less than 50% earns an F

Required Texts

• Hooley, J.M. & Nock, M.K. (2025). Psychopathology, 10th Edition. (or Hooley, Nock & Butcher, Abnormal Psychology, 18th Edition. Pearson. Same book; older edition is acceptable and cheaper.)

Additional info: Students are encouraged to use older editions if cost is a concern. Lifetime access e-books may not be suitable for this course.

Classroom Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Arrive on time and stay for the entire class.

• Participation is expected; ask questions in class or via TA about aspects of the readings.

• Respectful communication is required; avoid discriminatory language.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited and subject to university policy.

Student Support Services

• Free tutoring is available through the Learning Center.

• Student Health and Wellness Center, Counseling and Testing Services, and UNT Care Team provide additional support.

• Disability accommodations are available through the Office of Disability Access (ODA).

Course Schedule: Main Topics

Week	Main Topic	Chapter
1	Overview: Concept Formation and Taxonomy	Ch. 1
2	Historical Views of Abnormal Behavior	Ch. 2
3	Current Processes and Viewpoints: Biological and Psychological	Ch. 3
4	Fundamental Concepts and Methods	Ch. 4
5	Physical Disorders	Ch. 5
6	Mood Disorders	Ch. 6
7	Bipolar Disorders	Ch. 7
8	Eating Disorders	Ch. 8
9	Anxiety Disorders	Ch. 9
10	Review and Consultation	-
11	Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders	Ch. 13
12	Treatment: Overview and Evaluation	Ch. 16
13	Final Exam	-

Key Concepts in Psychopathology

Definition and Classification

• Taxonomy: The science of classification, in this context referring to the categorization of mental disorders.

• Etiology: The study of the causes of mental disorders.

• Diagnosis: The process of identifying and labeling a mental disorder based on symptoms and criteria.

Major Types of Disorders

• Mood Disorders: Disorders characterized by disturbances in mood, such as depression and bipolar disorder.

• Anxiety Disorders: Disorders involving excessive fear or anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.

• Psychotic Disorders: Disorders involving loss of contact with reality, such as schizophrenia.

• Eating Disorders: Disorders characterized by abnormal eating habits, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Methods in Psychological Science

• Empirical methods: Use of observation, experimentation, and statistical analysis to study mental disorders.

• Case studies: In-depth analysis of individual cases to understand unique presentations of disorders.

• Longitudinal studies: Research that follows individuals over time to observe the development and course of disorders.

Example: Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder

• Persistent depressed mood or loss of interest in activities for at least two weeks.

• Symptoms include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating.

• Diagnosis requires meeting a minimum number of criteria as outlined in the DSM.

Formula: Prevalence Rate

The prevalence rate of a disorder in a population is calculated as:

$\text{Prevalence Rate} = \frac{\text{Number of Cases}}{\text{Total Population}} \times 100$

Additional info: Some academic context and definitions have been expanded for clarity and completeness.