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.

I will always suggest that students take classes with Seehuus if given the chance. With any other professor, I would have felt nervous and awkward spending an entire semester talking about sexuality, but somehow Seehuus is great at finding ways to make it not awkward. Ever had a question about reproductive anatomy that you were afraid to ask? This is the place to find out. The exams are a bit untraditional, but I thought they did a good job of testing my knowledge, and I didn't have to study much for them. There was a pretty continuous stream of writing during the semester, but a lot of it was reflective rather than formal, so it wasn't a burden.

This class was somewhat difficult. The weekly quizzes made it pretty stressful but I really enjoyed Professor Seehuus' lecturing style. Overall, the content was interesting but the quiz questions could get really specific which made them difficult.

Material of this class was very interesting. Prof. Seehuus is a good lecturer, and the content was engaging. There were readings for every class, though you can get by with not doing them. The exams were duoable, and the case studies were interesting. 