Psychological Science: Anxiety: Theories & Treatment

See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Prerequisites: PSYS 2002; and PSYS 2100 or PSYS 2200 or PSYS 2300 or PSYS 2400 or PSYS 2500.

Prereqs: PSYS 2002 or 2000,and PSYS 2500; Junior and Senior class standing only PSYS majors and minors only PACE students by permission and override. Special Topics courses cannot carry CC designations

This course is an undergraduate seminar designed to introduce students to theory and treatment of anxiety and related disorders (e.g., obsessive-compulsive, posttraumatic stress). The course will provide students with: 1. A rich understanding of theoretical models of anxiety 2. Comprehension of how anxiety treatments arise from theoretical models 3. Knowledge about traditional types of anxiety treatment 4. Introduction to skills commonly used in traditional anxiety treatments 5. Understanding of how experimental treatments have been used to ameliorate anxiety symptoms 6. Understanding of how culture and diversity play a role in anxiety Additionally, throughout the course, students will learn to become educated consumers of scientific research, gain experience presenting original research ideas, and design studies that can contribute to the scientific literature.

The class will consist of lectures, student-led discussions, and in-class activities (e.g., role-playing treatment skills). Students are expected to do weekly readings and frequent reading responses. Students will take turns leading discussions, and will also give a group presentation. Additionally, students will do a semester-long project, in which they propose a research project related to anxiety. Students are expected to do approximately 6-8 hours of coursework per week outside of class time, with additional time for the semester-long research proposal.

Students will be graded on attendance and participation, ability to lead discussion, reading responses, a group presentation, and the semester-long research proposal.