Current Courses

 

 

Abnormal Psychology

In this course, we critically examine the concept of “abnormality” and its intersection with societal and cultural contexts. We then review theories, assessment, and research on diagnoses included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). At times, we discuss treatment of psychopathology. Throughout, we explore first-person experiences of psychological disorders and deconstruct attached stigma.

 

Seminar in Asian American Psychology

We examine the psychology of Asian Americans, with particular attention to how racism and racialization in the U.S. shape lived experience and mental health. Students learn about general trends in the “Asian American” group as well as how intersecting identities contribute to diverse experiences within the community. Foundational concepts of race, ethnicity, and culture are connected to Asian Americans’ experiences. We consider the individual, interpersonal, and institutional factors that affect mental health and interventions.

 

Research Methods I

This course covers both research methods and statistics. We use the question-centered approach, Passion Driven Statistics, to help students hone their critical thinking skills and understand statistics. Students use a large dataset to learn how to design a psychological research study by addressing research questions that are important to them and in the real world. They organize and evaluate data, conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, and present their original findings.

 

Advanced Methods in Qualitative Research

Students explore qualitative methodologies used in psychology (e.g., narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study research). They get in-depth experience by working collaboratively to conduct an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA; Smith et al., 2009) research study, that includes formulating a qualitative research question, collecting and analyzing data, and writing a research report. Students gain an understanding of the philosophical assumptions that underlie qualitative methods and can contrast them with mainstream quantitative approaches.