Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PSYC 441 D100

Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology (4)

Psychopathology

Class Number: 4886

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201, 210, 241, and 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

This seminar will review the classification and diagnosis of abnormal behaviour, primarily in adults. For graduate students, the goal of the course is to prepare students for the practice of clinical psychology through understanding the etiology and nature of psychological disorders. For undergraduate students, the goal is to extend their knowledge of psychopathology and understanding of considerations in clinical practice. The skills emphasized in this course should inform the students’ current (or potentially future) engagement in evidence-based practice, particularly in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, case formulation, and treatment planning. The course will primarily focus on familiarizing students with the diagnostic guidelines in the DSM-5-TR. Notably, the DSM-5-TR is controversial, and this course will also emphasize engagement with current controversies in our understanding of psychopathology and applications through psychodiagnosis.

Grading

  • Pre-Lecture Quizzes: 10%
  • Participation: 20%
  • Presentation: 35%
  • Case Vignettes: 35%

REQUIREMENTS:

Classes will be in person and will consist of "case conference" style discussions of case examples, brief lectures, and student presentations.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Readings will typically consisting of relevant sections of the DSM-5-TR (citation below) and related articles. Articles will be available through the library and citations will be provided.

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.