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Southern Utah University

Fall Semester 2026

Psychopathology (Face-to-Face)

PSY 6450-01

Course:	PSY 6450-01
Credits:	3
Term:	Fall Semester 2026
Department:	Psychology
CRN:	33410

Course Description

This course reviews human behavior usually classified as “abnormal” or pathological. We will explore definitions of “abnormal behavior” throughout human history to the current time. We will use the current version of the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic criteria (DSM-V) as a diagnostic foundation, but take special care to humanize the people who have the mental conditions we cover. Four conceptual themes inform our approach to discussing psychopathology. First, care will be taken to thoroughly review signs and symptoms, and other diagnostic considerations of the condition(s) consistent with the medical model. Second, we will explore etiological models, such as multicultural and/or adaptive (teleological functions) of the condition(s). Third, we will review treatment and intervention strategies consistent with each of the etiological considerations. Fourth, we will cover neurobiological factors associated with each condition or constellation of conditions. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): PsyD students only

Required Texts

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
Other assigned readings as posted to the google document.

Learning Outcomes

While establishing a foundation in empirically-based case conceptualization underlies many of the Profession Wide Competencies (PWCs) in Health Services Psychology as outlined by the American Psychological Association, this course is designed to introduce and target the following more specifically:

1) PWC vi (Assessment):

Demonstrate current knowledge and application of knowledge of diagnostic classification systems, functional and dysfunctional behaviors, including consideration of client strengths and psychopathology.
Select and apply assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity considerations and contextual influences (e.g., family, social, societal, and cultural) of the service recipient.
Interpret assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations, while guarding against decision-making biases, distinguishing the aspects of assessment that are subjective from those that are objective.
Communicate orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in an accurate and effective manner sensitive to a range of audiences.

2) PWC vii (Intervention):

Develop and implement evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity considerations, and contextual variables. This includes the ability to modify and adapt evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking.
Evaluate intervention effectiveness and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing progress evaluation.

By the end of this course, it is expected that students will:

1. Identify, define, and conceptualize diagnoses in DSM-5 – Students will identify, define, and describe the wide range of psychopathological diagnoses contained in the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Measurement: Multiple choice and short answer questions on quizzes and exams, case analyses.

2. Understand major research methods and findings in psychopathology – Students will identify, critically evaluate and summarize key information regarding current research in psychopathology, including both theory and clinical application. Measurement: Discussion leader, Essay responses

3. Be able to effectively communicate understanding of psychopathology to others – Based on evidence in the current literature, students will learn to respond to concerns and controversy highlighted in the community and media, as well as communicate within multidisciplinary settings. Measurement: Essay responses, Discussion leader

Course Requirements

Reading/ DSM Quizzes (14 quizzes, 15 pts each, lowest dropped)

While lecture will include DSM material relevant to disorders, the purpose of lecture is not to introduce or focus on information in the DSM (criteria, specifiers, course, etc). In order for class time to be the most productive, it is expected that you will come to class having read and familiarized yourself with the DSM material as assigned. Over the course of the semester, 15 in-class quizzes will be given at the beginning of class to assess DSM and other relevant assigned reading. Please be on-time to class as no extended time will be offered to students arriving late; DSM quizzes cannot be made-up or taken outside of in-person class unless an exception was granted by the instructor. Such exceptions will be extremely rare.

Essential Thought Essays (4 papers, 25 pts each, lowest dropped, 75 pts)

Writing is an essential skill. In this course you will write 4 papers that are 5-8 pages long each, not including the cover page or the references. As a clinical psychologist it is essential to be able to find, understand, and analyze professional literature. Although one paper grade will be dropped, you must complete all 4 papers. If the quality of a paper is such that you earn less than 15 points you will be required to write an alternative paper with a new paper prompt. The rubric and topics for these papers are available here.

Participation (70 pts)

Since this is a graduate level class you are expected to come to class prepared and to actively participate.

At the end of each class you will rate your preparation and participation. You will score yourself with the following rubric:

5= I read and studied all the resources for class and actively participated.

4= My reading, participation, or studying was lacking in one area.

3= I did not participate in one of the three areas (reading, studying, participating).

2= I did not participate in two of the areas (reading, studying, participating).

1= I showed up to class but did not complete any of the areas (reading, studying, participating).

0= I did not attend class.

Discussion Leader (35 pts)

On seven different occasions you will be the discussion leader for part of class. You are required to make a powerpoint presentation to organize materials for discussion. Each time you present it is worth 5 points. Powerpoints must be hyperlinked in the syllabus for your classmates prior to class. On days you present please follow the directions here.

Midterm and Final Conceptualization (100 pts, 50 pts each)

For your midterm exam and final you will sign up for a time for an in-person assessment. You will have 1 hour to review a case and answer a series of questions related to case conceptualization. I will then have 10 minutes to review what you wrote. We will then have 20 minutes for me to ask additional questions. This assignment evaluates two elements in the Profession-Wide Competency (PWC) assessment and intervention (see grading rubric at end of syllabus). It is required that students receive scores of 3 or better on each part of the rubric. If the student fails to earn a 3 or better they will by given an appropriate remediation plan determined by the instructor. Students must demonstrate understanding of the skill at a 3 or better prior to successfully completing this course. If a student requires a remediation plan to pass the midterm or final the highest grade they can earn in the course is a B+ regardless of their overall percentage in the course.

Course Outline

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

No late work will be accepted without a university approved absence.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is expected except for in the case of extreme circumstances or illness.

Course Fees

There is a $12 course fee associated with this class.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Religious / Conscience Belief Accommodation

RELIGIOUS / CONSCIENCE BELIEF ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with SUU Policy 6.7 Student Belief Accommodation, students may request, in writing, that their faculty accommodate their sincerely held religious or conscience beliefs. Students should provide their faculty with sufficient advanced notice, if possible within the first five (5) business days of the semester or session, or thereafter with good cause for requesting an accommodation after the first five (5) business days.

Faculty must provide a schedule accommodation or excuse an absence, in any course, for students to observe or participate in religious holidays or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of the student’s religious tradition or religious organization.

In courses that are required for graduation or for an academic major, a faculty member may accommodate a religious or conscience belief by modifying an assignment or examination if its content conflicts with the student’s belief. Faculty may decline the accommodation if it would fundamentally alter the course requirements. If declined, the student may request review by a neutral arbiter using the Belief Accommodation Request Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv&layout_id=5

Questions go to Assistant Provost Jake Johnson at johnsonj@suu.edu.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

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