Course Syllabus
Developmental Disorders B |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2024 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Psychology, Child Development |
| Prerequisite(s): |
One psychology course at University level. |
| Faculty Members: |
Flavia Dorelia Cardas (current students please contact via the Canvas Inbox) |
| Program Contact: |
Department email address psy.cns@dis.dk |
| Time & Place: |
Monday and Thursday: 13.15-14.35 Classroom: Fiolstræde 44 (Kosmopol Conference Center) - Room Kosmo 4C left |
Course Description
This is a course about child development. Its aim is to introduce students to different developmental disorders, from a systemic and biopsychosocial perspective. We will explore the aspects that shape the mental health of children and adolescents, using both theoretical lenses and experiential learning.
The focus of the course will be understanding child development on the scale from “order” to “dis-order” and learning to look beyond the pathological conceptualization of illnesses by identifying, in a both humane and academic manner, the cognitive, emotional, social, cultural factors translated into symptoms and diagnosis described in DSM-V.
We will use case studies, role play, group projects and debates to develop a deeper perspective on the developmental disorders in relation to both prevention and treatment, following the latest research and psychotherapeutic approaches in the field of children and youth psychopathology.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course students will be familiar with the theoretical foundations of developmental psychopathology. Students will be able to distinguish developmental disorders from one another and to describe the multiple pathways to each, and its possible prevention and treatment, as well as refer to research in the area.
Faculty
Flavia Dorelia Cardas. PhD in Psychology (University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania, 2018) and MA in Psychodiagnosis and Psychotherapy(University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania, 2014). She is currently working in private practice as an authorized psychologist, psychotherapist and dance/movement therapist in Copenhagen and her primary areas of expertise are theories and practice within: Children, adolescents, and family psychotherapy; adults, couples and group psychotherapy; working with vulnerable and marginalized populations; intercultural psychotherapy; trauma psychotherapy. Before moving to Denmark, she worked as an assistant professor at the University of Bucharest, Department of Psychology and as a school psychologist.
External Lecturer at DIS teaching Developmental Disorders starting Fall 2022.
Readings
Required textbook (provided to students by the DIS Library - please check out from Book Pickup during Arrivals Week):
- Wilmshurst, L. (2022). Child and adolescent psychopathology: A casebook (5th ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc.
Students will also be introduced to peer reviewed articles and chapters from other books when relevant. These will be available on Canvas.
Field Studies
See course schedule for details
Visit a center for counseling teenagers and young adults regarding substance abuse.
Visit to a school for children with autism; theoretical and practical efforts carried out in Denmark to support this group of children in a specially designed environment and give a tour of the school.
Guest Lecturers
See course schedule for details
Approach to Teaching
My approach to teaching is eclectic and experiential. As a psychotherapist, I offer a safe and interactive space for learning, where topics are explored from different perspectives – theoretical and practical, in a collaborative and feedback informed manner. One of my main teaching goals is to create a dynamic educational environment where curiosity, clarity and collaboration are the main pillars. I encourage a transparent communication and I support an active participation so that everyone is included in the learning process.
Expectations of the Students
Students are expected to be engaged, curious and open to participate in group discussions and to keep up to date with their tasks. My intention is to create a fruitful learning space, so my expectation is to build a collaborating relationship.
It is expected that cell phones and laptops are off during class.
Evaluation
The evaluation of the course is an ongoing process.
There will be short experiential exercises during class, one formal group presentation and two major papers:
1 - A midterm written assignment, which is a paper based on a case and the theoretical and diagnostic aspects of this. The case essay will be an academic paper as per DIS requirements.
2 - A final paper: a written journal (essay-type), that includes your personal reflections on a certain number of classes (short impressions on the topic and personal insights).
Policy on late papers – Late papers will be accepted, but your grade for the paper will be reduced by half a point for each day that it is late.
Grading
| Class participation |
25% |
|
Group presentation |
25% |
|
Midterm assignment |
25% |
|
Final paper - class journal |
25% |
|
TOTAL |
100% |
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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