Abnormal Psychology: Understanding Mental Health Disorders

In Abnormal Psychology: Understanding Mental Health Disorders, high school students will embark on an engaging, age-appropriate exploration of mental health conditions, structured as a supportive yet informative introduction to psychology. This 8-week course covers various topics, including anxiety, mood, psychotic, personality, trauma-related, and eating disorders, alongside historical and cultural perspectives on mental health and a discussion on ethical considerations in treatment.

What will be taught?
Students will gain foundational knowledge of mental health disorders, including symptoms, causes, and available treatment options. By the end of the course, they’ll be able to identify key characteristics of various disorders, understand the influence of historical and cultural factors, and challenge stigmas and misconceptions around mental health.

What topics will you cover?
Each week, the class focuses on a specific area of abnormal psychology:

Week 1: Introduction to abnormal psychology, historical views, and diagnostic criteria.
Weeks 2-3: Anxiety and mood disorders.
Week 4: Psychotic disorders, with an emphasis on schizophrenia.
Week 5: Personality disorders.
Week 6: Trauma and stressor-related disorders.
Week 7: Eating disorders and body image.
Week 8: Treatment options and ethical considerations.
How is the class structured?
Each class session lasts one hour and includes a mix of teaching, interaction, and group discussions. The class follows a consistent structure each week: an introductory activity, interactive lecture with slides, and student activities (such as case studies or role-plays). This structure allows students to deepen their understanding, apply what they've learned, and interact with both the instructor and classmates.

How will you teach?
I combine multimedia resources (slides, video clips, and case studies) with engaging, interactive activities. Each session includes an introduction to the topic, followed by age-appropriate examples and case studies that make the content relatable. Quizzes and group activities encourage participation and reinforce learning.

What’s your teaching style?
My teaching style is supportive and engaging, promoting critical thinking and empathy. I encourage active participation and make complex topics accessible to high school students by using clear, relatable examples and ensuring that the learning environment feels safe and nonjudgmental.

How much will learners get to interact with you?
Students will interact with me throughout the session during lectures, discussions, and activities. I encourage questions and open dialogue, fostering a space where students feel comfortable engaging with challenging material. Activities include:

Lectures: Clear, structured explanations and examples.
Group Discussions: Safe, respectful discussions on the week’s topic.
Case Studies and Quizzes: Interactive activities to solidify understanding.
Video Clips and Slides: Visual aids to reinforce learning.
Overall, this course is a guided exploration of abnormal psychology, designed to be informative, empathetic, and engaging.