Psychological Disorders What makes an individual “abnormal”?   Under what circumstances do mental health professionals classify emotions, thoughts, or behaviors as “disordered”?  In this course, we will explore these questions with attention to their historical, theoretical, ethical, and diagnostic implications.  We will investigate various classes of disorders, like anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders, with a focus on their causes and treatments.  Throughout, we will aim to appreciate the complexities and uncertainties surrounding diagnosis, and to recognize and challenge common assumptions about psychological disorders.  In addition to lecture, the course will include discussions of current and controversial topics, and occasional demonstrations, analysis of clinical case material, and/or role plays.

Approaches to Clinical Psychology: Theory and Practice What are the major theoretical orientations of clinical psychology, and how does each view the domains of thinking, behavior, free will, psychopathology, and treatment?  In this discussion-based course, we will explore cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, behaviorist, existential, and other approaches to clinical psychology.  Each has its own emphasis; some focus on symptoms, while others teach emotional tolerance or address unconscious drives. Using philosophy, theory, evidence, and case examples, we will explore similarities and differences among the major orientations and consider their consequences for researchers, therapists, and society at large.

Research Methods in Psychology This course will provide students with an understanding of the research methodology used by psychologists. Students will learn to read psychological studies and other related research as informed consumers. Students will collect, analyze, and interpret data during lab assignments. They will also design an empirical study, review the related literature, and write a formal APA-style research proposal. (PSYC 0105 and PSYC 0201 or MATH 0116 or STAT 0201 or ECON 0111 (formerly ECON 0210); not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors)

Human Sexuality In this course we  will discuss the biological, psychological, behavioral, and cultural aspects of human sexuality, starting with a review of anatomy, physiology and function.  We will use current research findings to inform discussions of topics such as arousal and desire, relationships, sexual orientation, consent, pornography, and compulsive sexual behavior.  We will look at how issues like contraception, sexuality, and sexually transmitted diseases have influenced and been influenced by their cultural context.

Introduction to Psychology  This course will provide a general introduction to the field of psychology. The most central and important theories, concepts, findings, controversies, and applications in the following areas will be considered: biological bases of behavior, learning, perception, thinking, development, personality, psychological disorders, and social behavior. (Open to Juniors and Seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs lect./1 hr. disc.

Martin Seehuus

Reviews and ratings for Martin Seehuus at Middlebury College.Martin Seehuus teaches Psychological Disorders, Theories of Clinical Psych, Research Methods in Psychology and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Martin Seehuus good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Prof. Seehuus is a funny and engaging prof who teaches the material effectively. I am a psyc major so I felt that some of this course was review for me. I liked this class however because it allowed me to think about psychological disorders in ways I hadn't before. 

There was not a midterm or a final. The papers included two 3 page papers that we signed up for throughout the semester. There were quizzes every week and 3 big tests total. The quizzes were on the lectures and not really on the readings. Loved the professor he's super funny and you can tell he's super interested in what he's teaching. He brings in examples from his own research or therapy sessions.

Professor Seehuus is a fair grader and covers everything on exams in his lectures. The papers and presentations allow students to learn about other topics not included in lectures. The weekly quizzes are not super challenging and provide a good benchmark for the exams. 