April Psychology Course Spotlight: Psychopathology
- kig181
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Want to deepen your understanding of mental health and neurodiversity? Harvard Extension School students have chosen PSYC E-1240: Psychopathology, taught by Dr. Shelley Carson, as this month’s spotlight course. Covering a range of mental disorders—including autism—this class explores causes, diagnoses, and treatments from multiple perspectives, fostering greater awareness and empathy.
Course Overview
PSYC E-1033: Psychopathology
Format: Flexible Attendance Web Conference
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to mental disorders in adult humans, and examining them from several different theoretical and treatment perspectives. The course focuses on diagnosis, epidemiology, course of the disorder, etiology, and treatment issues. There is also a brief examination of the ethical and legal issues pertaining to psychopathology. A major goal of the course is to promote greater awareness and knowledge of psychopathology in hopes of reducing the suffering and stigma associated with mental disorders.
Key topics include:
Diagnosis and Classification of Mental Disorders
Legal, Ethical, and Social Issues in Psychopathology
Biological and Psychological Foundations of Mental Disorders
This course takes a multidimensional approach, integrating biological, psychological, and social perspectives to deepen understanding of mental disorders and enhance treatment strategies.
Meet the Instructor
Dr. Shelley Carson, Ph.D., is a researcher and instructor at Harvard University, specializing in psychopathology, creativity, and resilience. Since earning her doctorate from Harvard in 2001, she has served as Director of Education & Research at the Academy for Brain Health and Performance and is a Founding Scientist/Scholar of the Brain Health Initiative. She has consulted for the Department of Defense, corporations, and mental health organizations. Dr. Carson is also the author of Your Creative Brain and co-author of Almost Depressed.
Why Take This Course?
Gain a Deeper Understanding of Mental Health: Explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of a wide range of mental disorders.
Bridge Science and Human Experience: Learn how biological, psychological, and social factors interact to shape mental health.
Develop Critical Diagnostic Skills: Analyze case studies and real-world examples to better understand mental illness and its impact.
Learn from an Expert in the Field: Gain valuable knowledge by studying with Dr. Shelley Carson.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for students in psychology, health sciences, social work, or anyone eager to deepen their understanding of mental health. Whether you’re pursuing a career in clinical practice, research, or simply want to gain insight into the complexities of the human mind, PSYC E-1240 offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of psychopathology.
If you’re passionate about mental health and want to develop a more informed, empathetic perspective, this class is for you.
