PSYC 340 Abnormal Psychology Syllabus Professor: Dr. Jacob Jones, Ph.D. Office Hours: H-224A/ MW: 11-12, T-TH: 11-12 or by appointment Office Phone: 248-1254 E-Mail: jacjones@coloradomesa.edu STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS: The following learning objectives are desired outcomes when you finish your degree in Psychology as specified by the Psychology Faculty. This course will assess one or more of these objectives. 1. Graduates will know the historical trends in psychology. 2. Graduates will apply basic research methodology in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation. 3. Graduates will communicate clearly in written and oral presentations in standard American Psychological Association format. 4. Graduates will apply statistical concepts to decision making and problem solving in areas of psychological application. 5. Graduates will think critically to solve problems in psychological areas of analysis using academic sources of information. MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to: 1. Compare and contrast major theoretical perspectives of psychological disorders. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical evolution of abnormal psychology. 3. Analyze various factors that can lead to psychological disorders. 4. Define and discuss major categories of psychological disorders and treatment. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of specific psychological disorders and associated symptoms. 6. Analyze the purposes and uses of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V (DSM-V). 7. Apply current research findings to the understanding and treatment of psychological disorders. COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include Historical Perspectives Etiology and research Legal, ethical, and sociocultural issues Psychological assessment and classification Definition and treatment of the following classes of disorders: Anxiety Dissociative & Somatoform Mood Substance use Schizophrenia Sexual and gender dysphoria Personality Developmental & Cognitive Stress Childhood & Adolescence TEXT: Sue, D., Sue, D.W., & Sue, S. (2012). Understanding Abnormal Behavior (10 th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.
COURSE METHODOLOGY This course will utilize a lecture/activity/discussion/online format with an emphasis on application of theory and important concepts. Each student is expected to participate in discussions; therefore the assigned material should be read prior to class. The course is interactive, and some class time will be devoted to discussion/activities involving relevant issues. Consequently, all text material will not be covered in class. However, students are responsible for all material in the text, videos, reading assignments, and handouts. In addition, this is a hybrid course and email is a main method of communication. Thus, you are expected to check your CMU email DAILY for course updates and information. EVALUATION 1. Four tests (each worth 100) 400 2. Ten Online assignments (each worth 30) 300 3. Four case study reaction papers (each worth 50) 200 4. Class participation/attendance 100 Total: 1000 GRADING SCALE Grading will be based on the following: 900 --1000 A 800 899 B 700 799 C 600 699 D 599 or less F TESTS Important: All 4 tests will be taken in D2L. The tests will be timed and you will receive approximately one minute for each question. You will have one attempt at each test. Test material will mainly consist of multiple choice questions derived from your textbook reading and a few short answer from lecture and book material. The professor will hold a test review in the class period before each test. MISSED TEST POLICY It is required that you take tests in the time period it is given, unless you make approved arrangements with me before the test is given. If you miss a test you will only be allowed to make-up a test if you have an acceptable excuse (e.g. illness). WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS All written assignments must be turned in on indicated due dates in D2L. 10% will be deducted for each day that the assignment is late. After the assignment is more than 5 days late it will not be accepted. All assignments must be formatted in APA style. All written assignments should be in Microsoft Word format and turned in using the D2L drop box. Plagiarism will result in a 0 for the assignment and further repercussions (in reference to the student handbook) could be imposed. REACTION PAPERS TO CASE STUDIES Over the course of this class, students will read case studies related to specific areas of abnormal behavior. After each case study, all students will be required to write a 2-4 page
impression/reaction paper. Each paper should include a description of what you learned as well as your subjective emotional experience as you read the case study. A description of the relationship between course content and observed issues, conditions, symptoms, treatment, etc should also be included in each paper. A detailed outline of what is to be included in the reaction papers can be found in the D2L dropbox. ONLINE ASSIGNMENTS There will be ten online assignments that will be available on the Fridays marked on the course schedule (at the end of the syllabus). The assignments will consist of a mix of online discussions, tutorials, video responses, quizzes, and group projects. You should assume that there is an assignment due every Sunday night. PARTICIPATION/ATTENDANCE Regular attendance is expected throughout the duration of the course. It is the student s responsibility to sign the attendance sheet. Failure to do so will result in an absence for that day. Due to the interactive nature of this course you are afforded 3 absences, which can be excused or not excused. After you have missed 3 classes your participation/attendance grade will be affected, whether or not the absence is excused. This rule is in place because participating in the in-class activities is vital to the learning process of the course. In addition, NO extra credit opportunities will be given if you miss more than 3 classes. STUDY TIME An undergraduate student should expect to spend on this course a minimum of two hours outside the classroom for every hour in the classroom. The outside hours may vary depending on the number of credit hours or type of course. More details are available from the faculty member or department office and in CMU s Curriculum Policies and Procedures Manual. GENERAL CLASS CONDUCT ALL CELL PHONES OFF WHEN YOU ENTER THE CLASSROOM Students are expected to approach the class as mature adults and to conduct themselves accordingly. While questions and interaction with the professor are encouraged during the lecture, disruptive remarks, behavior and unnecessary personal conversations between students will not be tolerated. The use of cell phones, surfing the internet on your laptop, and other distracting behavior during class are direct indicators of your participation in the class. Thus, your participation grade will be influenced if you choose to engage in these behaviors. TUTORIAL LEARNING CENTER=TLC IN HH 113 The TLC is a FREE academic service for all Colorado Mesa University students. Tutors are available on a walk-in basis for many courses. Do you have a quick question? Do you need homework clarification or feedback on a paper? Are you reviewing for a test? Help is available at the TLC! At the main campus, come to Houston Hall 113 to meet with one of our friendly peer tutors. We are open on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am-6pm; Tuesdays from 8am-7pm, and Fridays from 8am-5pm. We are also open Sundays from 1pm-6pm! Tutoring at branch campuses
and distance tutoring is also available. Check out the website for schedules and locations at www.coloradomesa.edu/tutoring or call 248-1392 with any questions. EAS STATEMENT In coordination with Educational Access Services, reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified students with disabilities. Please meet with the professor the first week of class to make arrangements. Nancy Conklin, the Coordinator of Educational Access Services, can be contacted at 248-1826, or in person in Houston Hall, Suite 108. COURSE CALENDAR PSYC 340 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 16 WEEKS Readings are to be completed before each class. Date Reading/Assignment Week 1 Aug. 18 Syllabus Aug. 20 Chapter 1: Abnormal Behavior Aug. 22 Online Quiz #1 on Chapter 1 Week 2 Aug. 25 Chapter 2: Models of Abnormal Behavior Aug. 27 Aug. 29 Online Quiz #2 on Chapters 2 & 3 Week 3 Sep. 1 Chapter 3: Assessment/Classification Sep. 3 Sep. 5 Anxiety Disorders Online Assignment Week 4 Sep. 8 Chapter 5: Anxiety Disorders Sep. 10 Sep. 12 TEST #1: CHAPTERS 1 2 3 5 Week 5 Sep. 15 Chapter 7: Somatic Symptom & Dissociative Disorders Sep. 17 Sep. 19 DID Case Study Due, PTSD Online Discussion Assignment Week 6 Sep. 22 Chapter 6: Stress Disorders Sep. 24 Sep. 26 Personality Psychopathology Group Assignment Week 7 Sep. 29 Chapter 15: Personality Psychopathology Oct. 1 Oct. 3 Intervention Case Study Due Week 8 Oct. 6 Chapter 11: Substance Related Disorders Oct. 8 Oct. 10 TEST #2: CHAPTERS 6 7 11 15, FALL BREAK Week 9 Oct. 13 Chapter 8: Mood Disorders Oct. 15 Oct. 17 Depression Treatment Online Discussion Assignment Bipolar Case Study Due Week 10 Oct. 20 Chapter 14: Sexual Disorders & Gender Dysphoria Oct. 22 Oct. 24 GD Online Discussion Assignment Week 11 Oct. 27 Chapter 13: Neurocognitive Disorders Oct. 29
Oct. 31 TEST #3: CHAPTERS 8 13 14 Week 12 Nov. 3 Chapter 10: Eating Disorders Nov. 5 Nov.7 Eating Disorder Case Study Due, Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence Group Assignment Week 13 Nov. 10 Chapter 16: Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence Nov. 12 Nov. 14 Online Quiz #3 on Schizophrenia Week 14 Nov. 17 Chapter 12: Schizophrenia Nov. 19 Nov. 21 Mental Health and Society Discussion Week 15 Nov. 24-28 NO CLASS THANKSGIVING Week 16 Dec. 1 Guest Speakers: NAMI IOOV, NAMI on Campus Dec. 3 Guest Speaker Dec. 5 Final Dec. 8-11 Final: CHAPTERS 10-12 16 ALL TEST DATES AND READING ASSIGNMENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE