The aim of this course is to inform students of the state of the art of a particular area of psychological knowledge, research, and development that is related to the clinical and counseling profession. Some of the areas include neuro-cognitive approach and techniques (e.g., brain imaging and neuro network analysis) of mental health and treatment, evolutionary psychology and psychopathology and adaptation and fitness views about human health and development, cultural and cross-cultural perspectives on the theories and practice related to the counseling and clinical profession, and other areas of scientific development in psychology. The course will focus on in-depth analysis and evaluation of the issues, advances, and trends of the development at the time of an area of psychology.

CILO-1: Identify cutting edge issues and trends of the scientific development of an area of psychology. CILO-2: Describe historical and developmental origins of the issues and trends. CILO-3: Provide critical synthesis, analysis, and evaluation of the acquired knowledge and research. CILO-4: Apply, at some level, the acquired knowledge to clinical practice or planning and thinking about clinical practice.