Graduate Catalog 2010-2012 - Richmont Graduate University

PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES
INSTITUTE
Psychopathology and Treatments Curriculum
PSY 6143: Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment of
Mental Disorders
CED 6143: Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment of
Mental Disorders
3 hours. This course is a comprehensive survey of the major psychological
and behavioral disorders as described in the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).
Diagnosis, etiology and treatment are the major areas of study.
Students acquire knowledge of the DSM-IV classification system,
the diagnostic categories, and the primary treatment options
for the major mental disorders. Included is an examination
of psychobiology and psychopharmacology. An emphasis is
placed on the spirituality of the client as a factor in beliefs, values
and diagnosis.
PSY 6152: Personality Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CED/PSY 6143.) The focus of this course
is diagnosis, etiology and treatment of the personality disorders
as delineated on Axis II of DSM-IV-TR. This course is a continuation
of CED/PSY 6143: Psychopathology.
PSY 6412: Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
CED 6412: Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
2 hours. This course provides an overview of the etiology, diagnoses,
and treatment of mental disorders in the childhood and
adolescent years. Disorders specific to childhood and adolescence
in the DSM are reviewed along with other disorders manifested
in youth. Particular attention is given to developmental
psychopathology.
PSY 7162: Psychopharmacology for Therapists
2 hours. (Prerequisite: CED/PSY 6143.) This course is designed
to provide therapists with a basic understanding of the classifications
and characteristics of psychotropic medications and the
basic principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
Students will gain a working knowledge of medications most
often used in conjunction with adult mental illness and typical
child and adolescent disorders. Emphasis is placed on understanding
the effects of each medication and equipping therapists
to educate clients on basic medication management. Information
also is provided regarding the effects of other typical medications
on the mental health of clients.
PSY 7822: Psychodynamic Theories and Counseling
2 hours. This course provides an opportunity to explore the contribution
of psychoanalytic theory for the understanding of persons
and the practice of counseling. Psychoanalytic traditions
examined include classical drive theory, ego psychology, interpersonal
theory, object relations theory, and self-psychology. Special
attention is also given to the contributions of psychoanalytic
theory to the understanding of character pathology and clinical
diagnosis.
Research Curriculum
PSY 5062: Introduction to Graduate Writing, Research, and
Professionalism
CED 5062: Introduction to Graduate Writing, Research, and
Professionalism
This course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of basic
writing skills, research, professionalism, and interpersonal boundaries.
Significant focus is placed on writing an academic paper, understanding
how to utilize APA format, and conducting oneself in
a professional mental health setting. For those students required to
take this course, it will be used as an evaluation to determine their
readiness for additional graduate coursework.
PSY 7713: Methods of Research
CED 7713: Methods of Research
3 hours. Students learn basic strategies for research in the areas relevant
to counseling. Students gain knowledge in the various research
designs, research procedures, basic statistical concepts, and
how to access, read and evaluate research in the literature. The use
of technology in conducting research and statistical analysis is presented.
Includes information regarding community and program
evaluation as methods to improve counseling. This course is a part
of the Richmont Career Mapping Sequence.
PSY 7761: Research Group I
1 hour (Prerequisites: CED/PSY 7713 and permission of instructor.)
Students learn about a specific area of integration research
while working on a research project with the instructor. May be
taken twice.
PSY 7771: Research Group II
1 hour. (Prerequisites: CED/PSY 7713 and permission of instructor.)
A continuation of Research Group I, this course provides students
the opportunity to participate in advanced research with an
instructor. May be taken twice.
PSY 8711: Thesis I
The student defines a research question(s) and/or project that is
firmly embedded in the body of theory and empirical data that
has been accumulated in counseling, spirituality, theology, or
closely related fields. The student will present a written proposal
and other defined steps to all members of the thesis committee, as
directed by the Thesis Advisor, for the committee’s approval. The
proposal should include the basic research question, a concise review
of the precedent literature, and the design and methodology
of the project. A thorough presentation of the relevant literature
and an in-depth discussion of the results and findings of the project
are required. The student will consult with his or her Thesis
Advisor and establish goals that must be achieved during the
course.
PSY 8721: Thesis II
The student will continue and complete the research project
begun in Thesis I. The final project, the written thesis, is presented
to the Thesis Committee for evaluation. Students must
adhere to Richmont requirements related to theses as described in
the thesis guide.
Psychology and Theology Integration Curriculum
PSY 7272: Psychology of Religion and Spirituality
2 hours. Provides an overview of the psychological aspects of religious
belief and experience and examines their relevance in understanding
and helping religiously committed clients in counseling.
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