COUC 546 is Liberty's graduate course in psychopathology. Its written work is a 12 to 14-page evidence-based research paper on a DSM-5 disorder category, built through a topic rationale, an abstract with annotated bibliography and an outline, plus three 3 to 4-page case studies with diagnostic impressions and treatment plans, short summaries of five DSM-5 categories, and three forums, one built on a social experiential activity.
Liberty's catalog lists the course as COUC 546 Psychopathology, 3 credit hours; Canvas and the course guide file print it as COUC546.
What COUC 546 covers
The catalog description: This course studies psychological disorders and normalcy across the lifespan. Students are prepared to responsibly and competently assess, diagnose, conceptualize, and counsel clients as defined by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual classification system. Concepts and constructs, assessment processes, etiology, cultural factors, differential diagnosis, decisions-making, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches are emphasized. Clinical and scientific research is integrated through the course with a biblical worldview so that students will have a robust biopsychosocialspiritual lens to understand and treat mental disorders.
The course studies the diagnosis, causes and treatment of mental disorders using the DSM-5, within a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework. The texts are the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and Kring and others, Abnormal Psychology.
Four quizzes (160 points) and the ungraded class reflection have no guide here. Each week runs Monday to Sunday, and the final week ends Friday.
Textbook named in the published guide: APA, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed., 2013). Kring et al., Abnormal Psychology (14th ed., 2016). Check the current edition in your Canvas section.
COUC 546 assignments, week by week
Every graded written assignment in the published guide has its own how-to guide below. Quizzes, exams, checklists and class introductions are left out because there is nothing to write.
| Week | Assignment | Points | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Discussion Board Forum 1 | 75 | Thread at least 400 words; replies at least 200 words |
| 1 | DSM-5 Summaries | 30 | 100 to 150 words for each of 5 categories |
| 2 | Discussion Board Forum 2 | 75 | Thread at least 400 words; replies at least 200 words |
| 2 | Research Paper Topic | 10 | 100 words |
| 3 | Case Study 1 | 100 | 3 to 4 pages |
| 4 | Abstract and Annotated Bibliography | 50 | A 250-word abstract and at least 10 annotated sources |
| 5 | Discussion Board Forum 3: Social Experiential Activity | 75 | Thread at least 400 words; replies to at least 2 classmates |
| 5 | Research Paper Outline | 25 | Not set in the guide; complete the template |
| 6 | Case Study 2 | 100 | 3 to 4 pages |
| 7 | Research Paper Final | 200 | 12 to 14 pages |
| 8 | Case Study 3 | 100 | 3 to 4 pages |
Week 1: Discussion Board Forum 1
A 400-word thread with at least 1 APA citation, then two 200-word replies. How to write COUC 546 Week 1 Discussion Board Forum 1.
Week 1: DSM-5 Summaries
Summaries of 100 to 150 words for 5 DSM-5 disorder categories, in APA. How to write COUC 546 Week 1 DSM-5 Summaries.
Week 2: Discussion Board Forum 2
A 400-word thread with at least 1 APA citation, then two 200-word replies. How to write COUC 546 Week 2 Discussion Board Forum 2.
Week 2: Research Paper Topic
Choose a disorder category from the provided list and write a 100-word rationale for your interest. How to write COUC 546 Week 2 Research Paper Topic.
Week 3: Case Study 1
A 3 to 4-page case study giving key issues, DSM-5 diagnostic impressions and collaborative bio-psycho-social-spiritual treatment recommendations. How to write COUC 546 Week 3 Case Study 1.
Week 4: Abstract and Annotated Bibliography
A 250-word abstract for your research paper and an annotated bibliography of at least 10 sources. How to write COUC 546 Week 4 Abstract and Annotated Bibliography.
Week 5: Discussion Board Forum 3: Social Experiential Activity
Carry out a harmless unusual behavior in public, then write a 400-word thread reflecting on it in terms of psychopathology, and reply to 2 classmates. How to write COUC 546 Week 5 Discussion Board Forum 3: Social Experiential Activity.
Week 5: Research Paper Outline
A working outline of your research paper on the provided template. How to write COUC 546 Week 5 Research Paper Outline.
Week 6: Case Study 2
A 3 to 4-page case study giving key issues, DSM-5 diagnostic impressions and collaborative bio-psycho-social-spiritual treatment recommendations. How to write COUC 546 Week 6 Case Study 2.
Week 7: Research Paper Final
A 12 to 14-page evidence-based paper on a DSM-5 disorder category covering six required areas, with 10 scholarly sources plus the textbooks and the Bible. How to write COUC 546 Week 7 Research Paper Final.
Week 8: Case Study 3
A 3 to 4-page case study giving key issues, DSM-5 diagnostic impressions and collaborative bio-psycho-social-spiritual treatment recommendations. How to write COUC 546 Week 8 Case Study 3.
How COUC 546 is graded
The published guide totals 1,010 points. The three forums are 75 each (225), the DSM-5 summaries 30, the paper topic 10, the abstract and annotated bibliography 50, the outline 25, the final paper 200, the three case studies 100 each (300), quizzes 160 and the checklist 10.
| Graded item | Points |
|---|---|
| Discussion Board Forums (3) | 225 |
| DSM-5 Summaries | 30 |
| Research Paper Topic | 10 |
| Abstract and Annotated Bibliography | 50 |
| Research Paper Outline | 25 |
| Research Paper Final | 200 |
| Case Studies (3) | 300 |
| Quizzes (4) | 160 |
| Course Requirements Checklist | 10 |
The published scale puts an A at 940 to 1010 points.
Week timing in the published guide: Each course week begins on Monday morning at 12:00 a.m. (ET) and ends on Sunday night at 11:59 p.m. (ET). The final week ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday.
How to approach COUC 546
Choose your research paper's disorder category in Week 2 and begin collecting at least 10 scholarly sources; the abstract and annotated bibliography are due in Week 4.
For the Week 5 forum you carry out a harmless unusual behavior in public to reflect on stigma, so plan something safe and respectful in advance.
Questions students ask
What must the COUC 546 research paper include?
A 12 to 14-page APA paper on a DSM-5 disorder category with at least 10 scholarly sources plus the textbooks and the Bible, covering an overview in your own words, potential causes (genetic, environmental and spiritual), evaluation processes, treatment options, a biblical perspective, and future research.
What do COUC 546 case studies include?
Key issues, DSM-5 diagnostic impressions, and collaborative bio-psycho-social-spiritual treatment recommendations, in 3 to 4 pages with 2 to 3 scholarly sources plus the textbooks and the Bible.
Working through COUC 546 now?
Tell us the week and the assignment. A tutor who knows the course replies with a plan for the draft.