Course code:
This course presents an alternative view of mental disorders as an attempt to describe types of human dysfunction rather than as medical diseases. We will look at mental disorders as falling on dimensions described as Dimensions of Dysfunction. We will also develop an ‘ecological’ perspective on mental disorders called the biopsychosocial model. Our discussions will be based on Gallon’s Nine Dimensions of Madness: Redefining Mental Health. Students will be evaluated on 1) demonstrating their timely reading and understanding of required reading from the text; 2) researching and preparing a class discussion on additional issues on one of the nine dimensions and; 3) writing a five-page paper showing how you think your discussion topic does or does not fit Gallon’s model of mental disorders.
Prerequisites:
Some social science course background is desirable.
Always visit the Registrar's Office for the official course catalog and schedules.