PS 340 - Narratives of Disorder

Credits: 4 credits

An exploration of the nature and development of psychological disorder viewed through the lens of personal narrative. Beginning with the biological and psychosocial origins of disorder, students trace the emergence of psychological difficulties from early risk factors to first diagnosis, and from diagnosis to the process of psychosocial adjustment-aligning ideas of the self, and identity, to a new reality, to a new reality of psychological challenge. The class uses a socio-cultural and developmental framework to examine the personal impact of diagnosis at a pivotal developmental moment and introduces qualitative methodologies to collect, analyze, and explore personal accounts of mental illness and psychological dysfunction.

Prerequisite(s)/Course Restrictions: Completion of one Psychology course or MT 207, SC 212, SC 213, SC 215, SC 312, CD 201, or CD 315 and Junior standing.
Fulfills the Social and Psychological perspective.