Introduction to Clinical Psychology (306-CN-64)
Instructors
Benjamin J Gorvine
847/467-1839
Swift 306
Ben Gorvine is a Professor of Instruction in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern, where he is also currently serving as the Assistant Chair and Lead Adviser. He received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Michigan in 2002. His academic interests center on understanding the influences, both positive and negative, that fathers and father figures (i.e., men other than the biological father who may be fulfilling the fathering role) have on their children’s socioemotional development. He also has an interest in research on pedagogical practices for college teaching. He is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois.
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Mon 6:15PM - 9:15PM
Overview of class
This course will introduce major concepts and methods of clinical psychology. The course will emphasize four main areas relevant to clinical psychology: (1) fundamentals of clinical psychology with some discussion of the history of the field, (2) psychological assessment, (3) psychotherapy, and (4) research that has been used to investigate the efficacy of interventions in clinical psychology. Ethical issues as they relate to the field will also be considered. Course requirements will include an annotated bibliography and research paper, two essay exams, and class attendance and participation. Carries social science credit.
Registration Requirements
PSYCH 110 or equivalent. Completion of PSYCH 303 is recommended for students enrolled in PSYCH 306, but not required.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course students should:
-be familiar with the major paradigms within the field of clinical psychology and have an understanding of them in historical context.
- be familiar with some of the "sticky issues" and controversies in the field of clinical psychology, particularly the debate over psychotherapeutic approaches and empirical evidence.
- be aware of the range of applications of clinical psychology (assessment, psychotherapy, research).
-be able to critically think about questions in the field of clinical psychology and evaluate the data that are available to answer those questions.
Teaching Method
Case Studies, Discussion, Films/Videos, Group Work, Lecture, Presentations, Seminar, Writing Assignments
Evaluation Method
Discussion, Exams, Papers, Participation/Attendance
Class Materials (Required)
Materials may include the following. Confirm course texts and materials by contacting instructor or viewing course Canvas site or University bookstore website.
Pomerantz, A.M. (2014). Clinical Psychology: Science, Practice & Culture (3rd edition). Los Angeles: Sage. ISBN: 9781483345048.
Gnaulati, E. (2018). SAVING TALK THERAPY: How health insurers, big pharma, and slanted science are ruining good mental health care. New York: Beacon. ISBN: 9780807093405
Other readings provided on Canvas via pdf.