Clinical Psychology — Eligibility for Course Enrollment
Graduate courses in the Clinical Psychology Program are ordinarily open only to regularly matriculated students in the program. Students matriculated in other graduate programs who wish to enroll in a graduate psychology course need permission of the instructor and of the program director.
Courses
: Not all courses are offered every semester. Some elective course offerings currently being planned are not listed below. The most current information is available from the program office.
PSYCH L 550 (CRCRTH L 651)
Cognitive Psychology
This course gives a survey of the field of cognitive psychology from an information-processing viewpoint. The course considers how people encode, organize, transform, and output information. Emphasis is given to such topics as concept formation, problem-solving, and creative thinking. This course does not count toward the Clinical Psychology doctoral program.
Prerequisites: CRCRTH 601 and CRCRTH 602, or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 601
Assessment and Testing I
As part one of a two-semester foundations course on diagnostic testing and assessment, this course trains students to administer, score, and interpret tests of cognitive and intellectual functioning. Issues pertaining to test construction and the standards and ethics of psychological testing provide the context for assessment training. In addition, students learn to conduct an assessment interview and are encouraged to articulate for themselves a philosophy of testing. Special attention is given to the issue of cultural bias in standard psychological tests.
4 Lect Hrs, 4 Credits
PSYCH 602
Assessment and Testing II
This course, a continuation of PSYCH 601, is part two of the clinical diagnostic testing and assessment sequence. It instructs students on the administration, scoring, and interpretation of objective and projective tests that assess the personality and the social/emotional functioning of children, adolescents, and adults. Emphasis is placed on the integration of cognitive, intellectual, and personality test data in presenting a comprehensive and culturally congruent assessment of individuals.
4 Lect Hrs, 4 Credits
PSYCH 610
Culture and Mental Health
This course focuses on three issues: 1) the role of culture in the development of psychological health and psychopathology; 2) variations across cultures in defining and understanding mental health and deviant behavior; and 3) the importance of cultural context in constructing ways to prevent and/or ameliorate psychological problems. Emphasis is placed on the social-cultural contexts of United States minority groups and on what such contexts imply for mental health policy and intervention strategies.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 611
Developmental Psychopathology I
The first course in a two-semester sequence focusing on the development of psychopathology across the life span, this course introduces students to the field of childhood psychological disorders, their etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. It examines biological, normative developmental, familial, and sociocultural factors involved in childhood symptomatology.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 641, or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 612
Developmental Psychopathology II
This course focuses on psychological problems and disorders that typically manifest themselves during adolescence or early or later adulthood. Adult disorders are examined from biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives. Students become familiar with the major syndromes classified in DSM-IV. This course is a continuation of PSYCH 611.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 614
Forensic Psychology
This course examines the intersection of criminal law and clinical psychology. Topics include those that are frequently the concern of forensic mental health clinicians, namely recidivism, violence risk assessment, insanity, legal competence, and false memory. These topics are studied from cultural and developmental (childhood, adolescence, adult) perspectives.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 620
Intervention Strategies
An introduction to effective, health-promoting psychotherapeutic interventions designed to address a wide range of clinical and developmental problems. Greatest attention is paid to the theory and practice of individual psychotherapy with adults, although therapeutic interventions with children and adolescents and with families are also introduced. The course adopts an integrative approach to psychotherapy, an approach that combines aspects of interpersonal psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems perspectives.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 628
Trauma: Psychological Response and Recovery
This course examines the psychological and biological consequences of trauma by integrating theoretical, research, and clinical material from several disciplines. Students become familiar with the prevailing theoretical models in the field; with common features of the aftermath of different forms of trauma; with the neurobiological consequences of trauma; and with the methods of treatment that have evolved from the field’s expanding empirical base. Developmental issues are given special consideration with a particular focus on childhood abuse. The course also focuses on historical and current sociocultural issues that comprise the context of trauma and its aftermath, both personal and collective.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 641
Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior: Life Span Development I
This is part one of a two-semester course sequence. The aim of part one is to provide a broad perspective on a number of themes that are of enduring importance throughout the life cycle and thus merit special attention. The themes have been selected for the significance they hold for the study of normal as well as atypical development. They provide us with a vantage point from which to consider some of the prerequisites for normal development, and they set the stage for a discussion of mental health and of problem prevention, atypical mental development, psychopathology, and remedial intervention.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 642
Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior: Life Span Development II
This course, a continuation of PSYCH 641, introduces students to sociological and anthropological perspectives on human development across the life span. A major focus is on “points of transition” in the human life cycle, with special emphasis on phases of adolescent and adult human development.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 645
The Psychology of Gender
An examination of metatheoretical perspectives on the meaning of gender, its relationship to sex, the development of gender identity, and the application of gender analysis to the practice of psychotherapy. The course draws from diverse perspectives, including women’s studies, men’s studies, psychobiology, anthropology, neoanalytic and social learning models, all with the aim of understanding and interpreting the psychological research on gender.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 660
Physiological Psychology
This course, designed for students in the Critical and Creative Thinking program, provides an overview of basic concepts in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurochemistry, with particular emphasis on recent developments in these areas that are of particular relevance to clinical psychology. The course also emphasizes the basic assumptions and limitations of the techniques utilized to investigate brain-behavior relationships.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 662
Psychopharmacology
The aims of this course are threefold: 1) to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of psychoactive drugs, 2) to understand the facts and theories underlying the use of drugs in the treatment of neurobehavioral (“mental”) and neurological disorders, and 3) to understand the processes of addiction and the properties of drugs of use/abuse. The course focuses first on the fundamental aspects of neurochemical activity in the brains of normal individuals, then on each of the major neurotransmitters, related neurological diseases and/or “mental” disorders, and the major drugs that act on each particular neurotransmitter system. The student should gain 1) an understanding of why pharmacological approaches to therapy are used, how they work, and relevant side effects, and 2) an understanding of the pharmacodynamics of substances of abuse. For the clinician, this understanding should permit informed management of future clients who are dependent on the use of psychoactive compounds.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 660 or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 670
Advanced Statistics
This course instructs students in advanced statistical topics and provides training in the use of the corresponding computer methods. The course emphasizes the statistical methods of most general interest and importance to social scientists: multiple regression analysis and analysis of variance.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 270 or equivalent undergraduate course in statistics.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 675
Research Methods in Clinical Psychology
This course focuses on the basic principles and techniques of research in clinical psychology. Topics include developing research hypotheses, the nature of correlational and causal relationships, survey research, group-comparison experimental research, single-subject and quasi-experimental research, and ethical issues in clinical research.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 670.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 680
History and Systems of Psychology
This course explores the theoretical and methodological problems of contemporary psychology from a historical perspective. It provides a broad overview of psychology’s development as an independent discipline, and of the development of the various sub-specialties in the field. By examining intellectual antecedents and underlying assumptions, the course seeks to evaluate the significance of new movements and methods.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 698 and 699
Master’s Research
Students are given individual supervision in research by a member of the psychology department faculty or faculty in related fields and attend a master’s research seminar. Each student is helped to design and carry out an original master’s thesis using an appropriate methodology. Both courses must be taken, for a total of six credits. The six credits are awarded to the student when the thesis is approved.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits
PSYCH 701
Advanced Neuropsychological Assessment
This course emphasizes the neuropsychological assessment of adult brain dysfunction. It presents neuropsychological models of memory, attention, language, perception, and emotion, in relation to various adult brain disorders. Students learn to apply clinical neuropsychological tests and procedures for both descriptive and diagnostic purposes. They complete various learning modules that emphasize neuropsychology across the life span, beginning with developmental neuropsychology and culminating in geriatric neuropsychology.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 710
Child Psychological Assessment
This course provides an overview of psychological assessment of children and adolescents, combining didactic training in various approaches to social development and psychological assessment with practical hands-on training in several instruments routinely employed in traditional child psychological assessment batteries. Tests to be covered span the domains of cognitive functioning, language, academic achievement, neuropsychological functions, adaptive behavior, and social-emotional/personality functioning. They include both structured and semi-structured methods. Participants become familiar with the procedures for administering, scoring, and interpreting such instruments as the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT), and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 601.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 719
Severe Psychopathology
This seminar considers the domain of severe psychopathology. Its focus is on schizophrenia; other disorders are considered in relation to what is generally considered this most disruptive and chronic of psychopathologies. Participants consider in depth the conceptual and empirical status of schizophrenia as a discrete diagnosable disturbance. In light of that consideration of schizophrenia, they go on to evaluate, on metatheoretical, theoretical, and empirical grounds, the validity of different models of etiology. Finally, consideration is given to effective treatments for schizophrenics, and to the social repercussions of ineffective treatments, as seen through issues of institutionalization and deinstitutionalization, and the plight of homeless severely disturbed individuals.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 612.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 720
Family Systems and Family Therapy
The course builds on the introduction to family therapy provided by PSYCH 620. It focuses on the historical and conceptual background of family therapy; the major theoretical models and key concepts guiding practitioners in the field; current research findings regarding the effectiveness of family interventions; contemporary critiques of family theory and therapy; and assessments of the appropriateness of various family therapy models for low income, ethnic minority, and immigrant families. Through videotapes and clinical case material, students are exposed to the work of some of the major family therapists practicing today.
Prerequisite: PSYCH 620.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 721
Child Therapy
Child Therapy provides an introduction to theoretical perspectives, empirically tested interventions, and therapy technique that are relevant for children. Students will gain general skills for working with children and parents in clinical settings and learn specific techniques for psychosocial interventions with children who are experiencing difficulties across multiple domains of functioning. Empirically supported treatment programs for children and families will be examined. Approaches for tailoring treatment goals and methods to fit the specific lifestyle needs of families will be discussed. It is hoped that students will begin to develop specific skills necessary for the individual and team-oriented practice of child clinical psychology.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 724
Health Psychology
This course introduces students to the disciplines of health psychology and behavioral medicine, providing them with historical and conceptual background; a look at the major theoretical models, with a focus on social learning theory; key concepts in the field; and current research findings of importance to health psychology and behavioral medicine. Intervention models reviewed range from community-based public health interventions to individual psychotherapy.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 725
Ethnic Validity in Psychotherapy
This course looks at the theoretical and methodological issues confronting practitioners and researchers in cross-cultural psychotherapy. Through critical reading and discussion of past and current literature, students develop a theory-based framework for analyzing psychotherapy research and for conducting culturally appropriate and sensitive psychotherapy. The course examines the meanings of race, ethnicity, and culture from a psychosocial competence perspective; provides an in-depth discussion of several models representative of cross-cultural psychotherapy frameworks; and analyzes the methodological issues that confront research paradigms in this area.
Prerequisites: PSYCH 620, PSYCH 797.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 726
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This course will enhance students’ theoretical, empirical, and practical understanding of cognitive, behavioral, and cognitive/behavioral approaches to psychological and behavioral change. Approximately half the class will be devoted to obtaining sufficient familiarity with theories and research in this area to be able to appraise current research critically and, most importantly, to be able to develop a well-thought-out, individualized treatment plan for a range of presenting problems. The other half of the class will be devoted to obtaining practical skills in a range of cognitive/behavioral strategies (e.g., progressive muscle relaxation, systematic desensitization, cognitive restructuring, direct therapeutic exposure).
PSYCH 742
Social Construction of Self and Identities
A broad exploration of self and identities from constructivist and social constructivist views. This course provides an overview of constructivist and social constructionist theory in clinical psychology and addresses the general question of the nature of self and identities, how self and identities develop, and how social contexts and constructions (including power) influence the perception and construction of self and identities. It will then explore in more depth specific identities/topics chosen by students (e.g., racial identities; gender identities; identities in relation to sexual orientation; class identities; identity in relation to ability/disability; identity related to trauma).
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 775
Interview Research
This course is a theoretical introduction to, and a practical workshop in, narrative methods of research. It focuses on interviewing people about their lives and interpreting their accounts from a psychosocial perspective. It also addresses the relationship between narrative perspectives and interpretive approaches to psychotherapy.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 785
Clinical Seminar/Practicum I
The first of four required clinical seminars accompanied by supervised clinical training experiences in field settings. The seminars provide the theoretical and empirical foundations necessary for students to establish competence in diagnosing or defining problems through psychological testing and assessment and formulating and implementing intervention strategies. The practicum placements on campus and in community agencies provide students with the opportunity to apply a range of assessment and intervention techniques under close supervision.
3 Lect Hrs, Practicum Hrs by arrangement, 6 Credits
PSYCH 786
Clinical Seminar/Practicum II
The second of four required clinical seminars accompanied by supervised clinical training experiences in field settings. (See PSYCH 785.)
3 Lect Hrs, Practicum Hrs by arrangement, 6 Credits
PSYCH 787
Clinical Seminar/Practicum III
The third of four required clinical seminars accompanied by supervised clinical training experiences in field settings. (See PSYCH 785.)
3 Lect Hrs, Practicum Hrs by arrangement, 6 Credits
PSYCH 788
Clinical Seminar/Practicum IV
The fourth of four required clinical seminars accompanied by supervised clinical training experiences in field settings. (See PSYCH 785.)
3 Lect Hrs, Practicum Hrs by arrangement, 6 Credits
PSYCH 790
Professional Standards and Ethics
The primary goal of this course is to insure that students are familiar with the current professional standards and ethical principles of the American Psychological Association. It studies conduct in research and teaching. Because program emphasis is on clinical psychology, the course focuses particularly on the standards and principles which guide the professional behavior of clinical psychologists. Students learn, through a close inspection of each of the ethical principles and the use of case studies, how to analyze and respond to a range of problems and situations.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 891
Seminar in Teaching Psychology
This seminar is required of all fourth-year students who are teaching undergraduate psychology courses. The seminar provides didactic presentations combined with class discussion and supervision on a variety of topics, including pedagogy, techniques for effective teaching, teaching diversity in psychology, writing and delivering lectures, and conceptualizing exams.
Prerequisites: Status as fourth-year graduate student in Clinical Psychology Program.
3 Sem Hrs, 3 Credits
PSYCH 896
Independent Study in Clinical Psychology
This course involves the comprehensive study of a particular topic in clinical psychology under the direction of a faculty member. An independent study course can fulfill one elective requirement. A detailed proposal must be submitted to the faculty member prior to registration.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits
PSYCH 897
Special Topics in Clinical Psychology
This advanced course offers intensive study of selected topics in clinical psychology. A special topics course can be used to fulfill one area elective requirement (see “Degree Requirements”). Course content varies according to the topic and is announced before registration each time the course is offered.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits
PSYCH 898
Internship in Clinical Psychology
Doctoral candidates in clinical psychology are required to complete this one-year full-time predoctoral internship in a setting approved by the American Psychological Association. During the internship, students have a variety of clinical experiences, including assessments and therapeutic interventions. They are closely supervised by mental health professionals, some of whom must be licensed clinical psychologists. A letter from the on-site internship director documenting satisfactory completion must be in the student’s file at the University before the degree can be granted.
18 Credits (9 for each semester)
PSYCH 899
Dissertation Research
Research, conducted under supervision of the doctoral committee, leading to the presentation of a doctoral dissertation.
Hrs by arrangement, 1-9 Credits