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Course Offerings

Course Details

Spring 2011-2012
PSY 420 (SA)   na, npdf

Controversies in Clinical Psychology

Mark Glat

The field of clinical psychology is currently marked by many controversies. This course will focus on the leading ones, highlighting one or two important controversies each week. We will explore each controversy in depth, examine both sides of the issue, and consider relevant research, ethical and legal concerns, implications for clinical practice and study, and broader societal implications. Controversies under examination will include: the ethics of mental health research, overprescription of psychotropic drugs, and the influence of insurance companies in therapy decisions.

Sample reading list:
Sacks, Oliver. New York Review of Books, 2009: 56:14, The Lost Virtues of the Asylum
Diefenbach et al. J Hist Neurosci. 1999;8:60-69, Portrayal of Lobotomy In the Popular Press: 1935-1960
Conrad, P. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2004;158:829-830, Prescribing More Psychotropic Medications for Children
Addis, M. E. et al., Evidence-Based Practices
Norman, J. Inter. Jrnal Mental Health, 2004;33(2):32-43, Gender Bias in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression
Sanchez L.M. & Turner S.M. Am Psychol. 2003, Practicing Psychology in the Era of Managed Care
See instructor for complete list

Reading/Writing assignments:
An average of 75-100 pages of required reading per week, from journals and book chapters.

Requirements/Grading:
Take Home Final Exam - 30%
Papers - 60%
Class/Precept Participation - 10%

Other Requirements:
Not Open to Freshmen.

Prerequisites and Restrictions:
PSY 207 or PSY 320..

Reserved Seats:
Open to PSY Concentrators Only 26

Schedule/Classroom assignment:

Class numberSectionTimeDaysRoomEnrollmentStatus
40879 S01 1:30 pm - 4:20 pm T   Green Hall   0S9   Enrolled:28 Limit:39