Abnormal in a Normalized World: Psychopathology and Treatment Interventions in Context

Quarters
Winter Open
Location
Olympia
Class Standing
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Jon Davies
Ada Vane

This program provides a survey of mental health problems, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, addiction and substance abuse disorders, the schizophrenias, and personality disorders. The program curriculum asks, What does it mean to be “normal” and who decides? How has history and culture affected our perspectives on abnormality? What are clinical characteristics of mental disorders and how are they assessed? What role does treatment play in addressing psychological disorders? How do we separate facts from myths surrounding psychological disorders?

This program will not simply present a checklist of symptomology. Through contextualization and bio-psycho-social perspectives, students will develop critical thinking skills as applied to theories, assessment, and treatments relevant for each disorder. Students will also be encouraged to consider the role of stigma in mental illness. In this exploration, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of how to live a healthier life. Lectures, workshops, seminars, and films help to further contextualize program texts.

This program is coordinated with Greener Foundations for first-year students. Greener Foundations is Evergreen’s in-person 2-quarter introductory student success course sequence, which provides first-year students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive at Evergreen.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Abnormal Psychology in context

4 - Diagnosis of Psychopathology

4 - Treatment Interventions

4 or 2 (Greener Foundations students) - Socio-Cultural Context of Well-Being

Registration

Course Reference Numbers
(16): 20207

Academic Details

Psychology, social work, counseling, mental health

16
50
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior

Schedule

Winter
2025
Open
In Person (W)

See definition of Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person instruction

Day
Schedule Details
Olympia