History, Ethics, Diversity, and Consultation in Clinical Psychology (420-0-1)

Instructors

Alissa Chung

Meeting Info

Swift Hall 231: Wed 9:30AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This course has multiple goals that will be covered in separate modules that we will also weave together to look for bigger themes and connections. We will begin with a focus on ethics in psychology. This is a critical piece of what clinical psychologists do, whether in practice, in research, or in consultation. We will review the code of ethics and will have conversations about the many gray areas and the sometimes complex interplay between our ethical and our legal obligations. Will then move into consultation, covering the various roles one can take on as a clinical psychologist and the factors to consider. Our third topic will be the history of psychology, where our goal will be to understand and contextualize the history of our field. That means taking a full look at historical figures for their accomplishments and their shortcomings and the context in which their work took place that may have shaped their thinking. It also means delving further into some of the "hidden figures" in the field whose accomplishments may not be as well known because of the way that some voices have been amplified over others. Finally, we will discuss issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion both as it relates to ourselves and the people we work with (clients, colleagues, mentors, students).

Teaching Method

The course will include lectures, discussions, and case studies. It is predominantly a research-focused class, but we will also look at clinical or applied issues, using the science to inform our understanding of the individual. Discussions will be based on the readings, so it is expected that students will complete readings before class.

Evaluation Method

Students are expected to read all of the assigned readings before the relevant class, attend class, participate in class discussion, and complete all assignments. You will have to post a question or comment on the reading for each class on the Canvas Discussion Board before class begins to help to guide our group conversation. For the ethics portion, your assignment will be to take on a portion of the ethics code and create flash cards or a study guide that will help you when you sit for your licensing exam. For the consultation portion, you will lead a part of class on one aspect of consulting psychology. Similarly, you will select a psychologist to present on for the historical component of the class. Finally, you will be writing a paper that is a reflection on your own identity and one professional interaction you have had (with a client, mentor, student, colleague/peer) in which your identity differences led to a miscommunication.

APA requires that you receive a separate grade for each of the HEDC components, so you will get an overall grade that includes discussion board participation and then also four separate grades, as listed below.

Discussion Board Questions: 10%, Ethics Study Guide: 25%, Consultation Presentation: 20%, History Presentation: 20%, Identity Reflection Paper: 25%

Class Materials (Required)

Knapp, S. J., VandeCreek, L. D., & Fingerhut, R. (2017). Practical ethics for psychologists: A positive approach (third ed.). American Psychological Association. ISBN 978-1-4338-2745-7

All other materials available on Canvas

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration. Pre-requisite: Student must be part of the Psychology PhD program to enroll.