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Learner Reviews & Feedback for History of Mental Illness by Wesleyan University

4.7
stars
59 ratings

About the Course

Our lexicon of mental illness is immense: There currently are hundreds of classified disorders and an extensive assortment of medications and therapies. This course explores the history of this productive science -- its discoveries, classifications, and treatments of psychiatric distress. The excursion begins with a general introduction and proceeds to explore 4 kinds of mental illness: neurasthenia, depression, attention deficits (ADD/ADHD), and narcissism. Each kind is examined in terms of its scientific research and classification; treatments developed to cure or alleviate its symptoms; lived-experiences of those so diagnosed with the disorder; and critical reflection on the diagnosis. This course departs from histories that mainly chronicle scientific achievements and, instead, invites you to investigate how the scientific discoveries and therapies were deeply informed by cultural conditions of the time. The cultural influences on psychiatric science include ideals of individual happiness; conceptions about what is ‘normal’; notions of rational personhood; and existing social, gender, and racial hierarchies/biases. We investigate these cultural dynamics and then look at the lived experiences of those who were diagnosed or living with the condition. Paying attention to culture and lived experiences accords with the perspective of “mad studies,” a recent movement to foreground the people who suffer and the socio-political conditions surrounding their experiences. Exploring cultural dynamics and lived experiences along with the scientific milestones prepares us to critically reflect on world of psychopathology and on psychopathology in the world. In our reflection classes we will ask, for instance, about the forces behind incredible increases in depression and attention deficit disorder; racial and gender biases in research and treatment; the apparent happiness epidemic; and the prospects of neurodiversity....

Top reviews

SB

Mar 18, 2022

The course and the teacher have been very effective in helping me to learn about the history of mental illness. Thank you!

EC

May 5, 2022

Such a good course, so thought enticing. I would recommend it, especially to those working in mental health.

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1 - 12 of 12 Reviews for History of Mental Illness

By Mary A E

Aug 31, 2021

Compared to other coourses Ive taken thru Coursera including the 1st course in the Abnormal Psychology Specialization; I found this Professsor to be hard to understand and confusing. The subject matter was interesting but I felt it could have been presented in a more organized and concise manner. Was actuelly relieved when I finished because couldn't listen to this lecturer any longer; I'm not a novice at attending lectures either - I'm an MD.

By Habeeba W

Jun 25, 2022

Dr. Jill Morawski, in her lectures, explained how we reacheed, and where we are now in the field of psychological pathologies. i thouroughly enjoyed the course especially the 'the lived experiences' sections. Thank you, Professor. I am eagerly waiting for more lectures from your side.

By Suzanne B

Mar 19, 2022

The course and the teacher have been very effective in helping me to learn about the history of mental illness. Thank you!

By Elena M C C

May 6, 2022

Such a good course, so thought enticing. I would recommend it, especially to those working in mental health.

By Angeliki S

Dec 9, 2021

Mrs. Morawsky has one of the best courses I have ever attended.

By Jeanette H

Apr 22, 2022

Excellent information and course lessons. Very informative.

By Deborah F

Aug 28, 2022

Very interesting perspective on mental illness.

By Kent

Nov 17, 2021

Good knowledge from the professor.

By Robert B S M

Sep 4, 2022

Great!...well done...thanks.

By Gabriel j R

Feb 3, 2022

I learned it yes I did

By ELMER M P

Sep 18, 2021

thank you

By Dr. W E H E

Mar 4, 2023

شكرا