PSY 355 - Personality Disorders: Science vs. Pop Psychology

This course explores personality disorders, emphasizing scientific evidence over popular misconceptions. Students will examine historical and contemporary perspectives, the interaction between typological and dimensional assessment approaches, etiology, comorbidity, life trajectories, and outcomes. In addition to DSM-5 categories, the course covers new dimensional approaches and constructs such as psychopathy and the Dark Tetrad. Case studies and media analysis will help students distinguish normal from abnormal behaviors, with a focus on key controversies and challenges in diagnosis.

(Cr: 3)