Saint Michael's College

Clinical Psychology - Fall 2008

Some of the courses listed below are General Core Courses (GC), Clinical Core Course (CC), other Required Courses (R), or Elective Courses (E) for the degree program. Click on the Course Code to see the full course description. Research Seminar I and II are required before registering for the Major Paper, Case Study, or Thesis. Practicums and Internships are for degree-seeking students and are under the approval of the Program Director.

Clinical Psychology courses are generally not open to non-matriculated (non-degree seeking) students without the Director's approval. Non-matriculated students need to contact the Director, Dr. Ronald Miller, rmiller@smcvt.edu, 802.654.2288 or Tara Arcury, Program Assistant, tarcury@smcvt.edu, 802.654.2206, before registering.

Classes begin the week of September 1st and end the week of December 19th unless otherwise noted. Monday classes are held on Labor Day, September 1st.

GPS 505 Physiological Basis of Behavior (3cr.)
Instructor: Ari Kirshenbaum
Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. - 7:25 p.m.
Saint Edmund's Hall 205
The course focuses on current topics in the area of experimental psychology with an emphasis on the biological correlates of psychopathology. The goal is to educate students about basic neurophysiology by evaluating the medical treatment of the major psychological disorders. The process of drug discovery is described in detail with a cursory review of both pre-clinical (animal) and clinical-trial data. The strengths and weaknesses of current physiological theories of depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and substance-abuse related disorders are discussed. Prerequisites: Bachelor’s Degree, Introduction to Psychology and Physiological Psychology or its equivalent. The instructor recommends reviewing Neil R. Carlson’s Physiology of Behavior text prior to enrolling in this course. 

GPS 507 Psychological Assessment I (4cr.)
Instructor: Noah Rahm
Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - 9:55 p.m.
Lab: Monday, 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saint Edmund's Hall 207
An introduction to the construction, administration, and interpretation of psychological tests. Emphasis during the first semester will be on the assessment of intellectual functions and abilities. Extensive practice in the administration of individual intelligence tests will be provided. Note: There will be a lab on Mondays from 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. starting 9/8. Lab Fee: $35.00. Prerequisites: Course open to degree students only or with permission of the Director.

GPS 511 Research Methods II (3cr.)
Instructor: Susan Kuntz
Monday, 5:00pm-7:25pm
Saint Edmund’s Hall 207
This course is designed to give students an introduction to the philosophical, conceptual, and practical basis of qualitative methodologies. We will survey the most common types of qualitative inquiry and their theoretical roots, differences between qualitative and quantitative methods, techniques of data collection and analysis, integration of qualitative and quantitative methods, and current debates regarding qualitative inquiry.  Students will become familiar with published qualitative work in the discipline of psychology. Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree and either Research Methods I or undergraduate Statistics 

GPS 515 Advanced Abnormal Psychology (3cr.)
Instructor: Helene Nilsen
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. - 9:55 p.m.
Jeanmarie Hall 393
An in-depth look at clinical theory as it relates to child and adolescent development. With a basis in theoretical knowledge, the student will then study the DSM IV-TR child and adolescent disorders with an added focus on the phenomenological experience of the child/adolescent. Prerequisites: Course open to degree students only or by permission of the director.

GPS 525 Introduction to Clinical Intervention I (4cr.)
Instructor: Ronald B. Miller
Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. - 7:25 p.m.
Lab: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saint Edmund's Hall 207
An examination of the therapeutic relationship as a basis for clinical assessment and intervention. Also covered will be crisis intervention, short-term therapy, milieu therapy, and the interface with medicine. Note: There will be a lab following class from 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Prerequisites: Course open to degree students only with permission of the director.

GPS 608 First Year Practicum I (3cr.)
Instructor: Naomi Shapiro
Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 7:25 p.m.
Saint Edmund's Hall 301
This course provides supervision, clinical training, and support for students participating in their first year practicum experience. It is required of all first-year full-time students. Prior to taking Internship, it is also required for part-time students without previous work experience in a mental health setting, and highly recommended for all part-time students. Course continues in spring as GPS 609 (3cr.). Prerequisites: GPS 525-526 should be taken prior to or concurrently with this course. 

GPS 610 Internship Ethics and Professional Affairs Seminar I (3 or 6 cr.)
Instructor: Irene Sharp
Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Lab A: Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 5:50 p.m.
Entire Class, Thursday, 6:00 p.m. - 6:50 p.m.
Lab B: Thursday, 6:55 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Saint Edmund's Hall 211
This seminar is only for students doing their internship. Its objective is twofold: 1) an in-depth review of the ethical principles of psychologists and of relevant legal and policy issues in the profession; and 2) a forum for the discussion of specific clinical issues arising from the varied internship settings. Course continues in spring as GPS 611. Note: The entire class meets for the first and last two classes of the semester between 5:00 and 7:25. On other dates there will be two lab sections: Lab A meets between 5:00 - 5:50 on the night of class, Lab B meets between 6:55 – 7:45 on the night of class.   Please specify on the registration form for which lab you are registering.  Students who have taken GPS 608 should register for 3 credits. Prerequisites: GPS 515-516, 525-526 and 608-609. GPS 507-508 should be taken prior to or concurrently; those taking the course concurrently with internship may find their site options more limited. 

GPS 612 Marital and Family Therapy (3cr.) 
Instructor: Louise Dietzel
Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. - 7:25 p.m.
Jeanmarie Hall 391
This is a foundation course that reviews the main theories of marital and family therapy and systems theory. A concurrent focus will provide an opportunity to explore the significant dynamics in your family of origin to help you to work effectively with couples and families. Prerequisites: GPS 525-526 or with permission of the instructor.

GPS 686 Independent Study (3cr.)
By arrangement
Under special circumstances, when a course is not offered during a given semester, or when there is an irresolvable scheduling conflict, a student may complete some course work on an independent basis. The student must have the approval of a faculty sponsor and the department chair. Requests must be completed by the last day of the course change period. The student, with the supervisor, would outline in proposal form the objectives, topics, evaluation mechanisms and outside source material. The Independent Study Form must be signed by both student and advisor and submitted to the director. The director will then submit to the Dean of the College for final approval. 

GPS 687 Directed Readings (3cr.)
By arrangement
This option provides the student with an opportunity to undertake a study in a specific area not covered in the regular course offerings. The student must have the approval of a faculty sponsor and the department chair. Requests must be completed by the last day of the course change period. The student, with the supervisor, would outline in proposal form the objectives, topics, evaluation mechanisms and outside source material. The Directed Readings Form must be signed by both student and advisor and submitted to the director. The director will then submit to the Dean of the College for final approval.

GPS 689 Research Seminar (3cr.)
Instructors: Jason Fechter/Noah Rahm
Monday, 5:00 p.m. - 7:25 p.m. (Meets bi-monthly)
Saint Edmund's Hall 211
This is a yearlong seminar for all students beginning work on their major paper, case study, or thesis. It allows students to share their research and receive feedback and supervision on a continuous basis. The major paper is an in-depth analysis of the theoretical, clinical, and experimental literature in a specific area of clinical psychology. It demonstrates the student's ability to synthesize, integrate, and critique the knowledge base of professional psychology, and contribute to the growth of that knowledge. The thesis involves conducting a research study in the field or laboratory, while the case study is an intensive examination of an individual clinical assessment, treatment, or program. Prerequisites: GPS 510, 511. Students doing a Thesis must register for GPS 690, and those doing a Case Study must register for GPS 691 in the subsequent spring semester. 

GPS 690 Thesis (3cr.)
By arrangement
The Thesis is an empirical study of a particular hypothesis in the field of clinical psychology conducted up to the standards of the profession and contributing to the empirical knowledge base of professional psychology. It may be quantitative or qualitative in method. Prerequisite: GPS 689. 

GPS 691 Case Study (3cr.)
By arrangement
An in-depth Case Study of a sustained clinical service provided by the student during her/his training. The Case Study may be of an assessment, consultation, psychotherapeutic intervention, therapeutic milieu, or mental health program. The Case Study an analysis of the psychological processes and principles operating in the case, a literature review of similar cases and relevant empirical research, as well as a discussion of one theoretical/philosophical dilemma that arose. Prerequisite: GPS 689.

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For questions about Clinical Psychology course offerings, admission or registration, contact:

Dr. Ronald Miller
E-mail: rmiller@smcvt.edu

or

Tara Arcury, program assistant
E-mail: tarcury@smcvt.edu 
Phone: 802.654.2206

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THE MASTER'S IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
The focus of the M.A. Program in Clinical Psychology is on the integration of theory, research, and practice in the preparation of the professional psychologist. Our goal is to provide an educational milieu that fosters the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of our students and respects their individual educational goals and requirements. The program is not identified with any one particular "school" of psychology, and faculty offer a diversity of interest, orientations and experiences with the framework of the program. The program prepares students for professional practice in community agencies, schools, hospitals, and public and private clinics. Cross-registration in the M.S.A. program provides preparation for mental health administration as well. The curriculum is designed with two further goals in mind: (1) the preparation of students for state (Vermont) licensing examinations, and (2) further doctoral study in professional psychology at another institution.