ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY PSY275 Section: 003 Credit Hours: 3.00 Lab Hours: 0.00 Lecture: Hours: 3.00 IAI Core: IAI Majors: PSY905 Semester: Spring 2015 Course Begins: 02/02/2015 Course Ends: 05/29/2015 Instructor: G. Braasch E-mail: gbraasch@mchenry.edu Phone: (815) 479-7589 Office Hours: MW: 10 11:30am TR: 8:00 8:30am; 11:30 - Noon Office Location: C-114 Required Materials: Textbook: Beidel, D.C., Bulik, C.M. & Stanley, M.A. (2014). Abnormal Psychology (3rd edition). New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Course Description: Abnormal Psychology explores psychological disorders by examining their diagnostic criteria, their theoretical explanations, the research methods used to study them, the interventions used to treat them, and the legal aspects of their treatment and prevention. Course Prerequisite: PSY 151 Section Notes: This is a Self-Paced Online Course (SPOC). Welcome! You are now enrolled in the McHenry County College Abnormal Psychology Self-Paced Online Course. The purpose of this written introduction to the course is to provide you with some important information regarding the self-paced online course and the course requirements. You may have a number of questions regarding the course, and I hope to address and answer some of these questions and concerns in the following sections. This syllabus will detail the specific requirements and expectations for the course. Listed below are some questions or concerns that you may have about the Self-Paced online Course. 1. What are the basic requirements for this course? There are a number of requirements for completing the PSY275 Self-Paced Online Course. These include: reading the assigned materials from the textbook, completing a variety of assignments, and completing the five exams online (using the CANVAS course management system). 2. What exactly is a self-paced online course (SPOC)? The PSY275 Self-Paced Online Course (SPOC) is similar to the traditional PSY275 online course, with one major exception there are no deadlines imposed upon the student (other than the requirement that all course activities be completed by the last day of the term (in this case May 29th). The traditional online class has weekly deadlines and fixed due dates for assignments and exams. The SPOC provides the student with greater flexibility with regard to completing tasks. However, this flexibility requires the student to show a good deal of discipline in order to stay on track and complete the requirements in a timely and even manner. The SPOC also allows the student the opportunity to complete the course in a shorter time period, if he or she so desires. Page 1 of 9
3. Is there a secret to doing well in the course? Perhaps the most important step is to prepare for and take the first exam in a timely manner. Those students who take the first test early in the semester almost always perform better in the course. However, those who repeatedly procrastinate or avoid taking the first exam tend to experience much greater difficulty. I realize that you may feel somewhat reluctant prior to the first exam because you may not feel you re ready, you may be nervous, or you might not know what to expect, I encourage you to take that first exam within the first few weeks of the course. This will at least get you started in terms of completing the course requirements and make you more comfortable with the procedures involved with taking the test, as well as familiarize you with the types of questions that are to be found on the exams. 4. Do I really need to buy the textbook? Of course! The vast majority of the test questions will address material that was presented in the textbook. Remember, you are essentially working at your own pace when taking a SPOC (I will be happy to provide assistance and support whenever you need it!), so you will need some means to determine how well you are learning and understanding the material. 5. How will I know how well I did on the exams and assignments? I will grade your assignments and post your results on CANVAS, where you can access your score. Additionally, your exam scores will appear in the CANVAS grade book once you have completed each exam. 6. What happens if I fail to complete the required number of tests before the deadline? Remember, this SPOC is a college course for which you will receive college credit. Therefore, in order to earn a passing grade you must complete the assigned work before the deadline for the end of the course passes. If you are not meeting the necessary requirements for the course, you do have the option to withdraw from the course, but you must do so before the college deadline to do so. I would recommend that you contact me at any time if you are having any difficulty with the course or have any questions regarding deadlines, requirements, procedures, etc. 7. Is there a date by which I must have the first test completed? Not necessarily. However, I would encourage you to take at least two exams by the midterm date, which will be eight weeks after the beginning date of your section. I strongly encourage you to avoid procrastination. This course will be much more manageable and meaningful (and enjoyable!) if you take the first exam in a timely manner. Go ahead and get it out of the way. Things should seem much more comfortable and familiar after you do this! 8. Are Self-Paced Online Courses (SPOC s) for everyone? Probably not. In order to be successful, students taking a SPOC must be disciplined enough to stay on schedule and work well on their own. It is also important to create a timeline or schedule that you can follow so that you do not allow yourself to get too far behind. It will be difficult to play catch up with the readings and assignments. One considerable benefit of the SPOC is that it allows the student to take a college course without being confined by a rigid schedule, and thus affords the student greater freedom with regard to covering the material within a more convenient timeframe. Page 2 of 9
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. List and describe the following definitions of abnormality: A. norm violation B. statistical rarity C. personal discomfort D. maladaptive behavior E. deviation from an ideal 2. Name, describe, and list the pros and cons of the following ways of explaining abnormal behavior: A. psychodynamic B. behavioral C. cognitive D. humanistic-existential E. biological 3. Compare and contrast the following research methods in the study of abnormal behavior: A. correlational research designs B. longitudinal studies C. epidemiological studies D. surveys E. case studies F. analogue experiments G. single-case experimental designs 4. Describe the diagnostic criteria of and explanations of the following disorders and their syndromes: A. anxiety & OCD-related disorders B. dissociative C. somatic complaint D. mood disorders E. personality disorders F. substance-related disorders G. paraphiliac and sexual dysfunctions H. schizophrenia & psychotic disorders 5. Describe, compare, and contrast, and discuss advantages and disadvantages of the following methods of treating psychological disorders: A. psychodynamic B. behavioral C. cognitive D. humanistic-existential E. biological F. group G. family H. institutional care I. community services Page 3 of 9
6. Explain the purpose of the Insanity Defense, and describe the American Law Institute definition of insanity. 7. Develop an appreciation of the multi perspective approach to understanding abnormal behavior and develop his/her own perspective on abnormal behavior. 8. Develop an appreciation of the numerous types of therapy available. 9. Develop a concern for the potential conflict between the right to treatment and the right to refuse treatment. Course Outline: I. Abnormal Behavior: Past & Present A. Criteria for Determining Abnormal Behavior B. Historical Views of Abnormal Behavior C. Multiperspective Approach II. Historical and Theoretical Perspectives A. Psychodynamic Perspective B. Humanistic Existential Perspective C. Behavioral Perspective D. Cognitive Perspective E. Sociocultural Perspective F. Biological Perspective III. Research and Diagnosis Methods A. Characteristics of the Scientific Method B. Research Designs C. Issues in Assessment D. Methods of Assessment IV. Anxiety & OCD-Related Disorders A. Types of Anxiety Disorders B. Theoretical Perspectives of Anxiety Disorders V. Dissociative disorders A. Types of Dissociative Disorders B. Theoretical Perspectives of Disorders VI. Somatic Complaint & Related Disorders A. Types of B. Theoretical Perspectives of VII. The Mood Disorders A. Types of B. Theoretical Perspectives of C. Suicide i. who commits? ii. why do people commit? VIII. Personality Disorders A. Types of B. Theoretical Perspectives of IX. Substance Related Disorders A. Classification of Substance Related Disorders B. Theoretical Perspectives of X. Paraphiliac and Sexual Dysfunction Disorders Page 4 of 9
XI. XII. A. Types of B. Theoretical Perspectives of Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders A. Symptoms of B. Subtypes of C. Theoretical Perspectives of Treatment of Psychological Disorders A. Psychodynamic B. Humanistic-Existential C. Behavioral D. Cognitive E. Group F. Family G. Institutional Care and Community Services i. Methods/Techniques H. Biological i. Drugs a. Types of b. Advantages/Disadvantages ii. Electroconvulsive a. Advantages/Disadvantages iii. Psychosurgery a. Types of b. Advantages/Disadvantages COURSE OUTLINE: The following course outline details the specific tasks (assignments and readings) that are associated with each of the four exams. I would encourage you to complete all of the readings and assignments pertaining to each exam prior to taking the online exam. There are no set due dates, however, I have indicated an ideal completion date for each exam as a general guide to follow (in order to stay on track ). Each exam will consist of 60 multiple- choice questions, and you will have 60 minutes to complete each of the online exams. Page 5 of 9
Course Schedule The following outline provides you with a guideline regarding the material that will be covered on each of the five exams. I have indicated ideal completion dates for each unit of material. However, these dates are simply suggested as guidelines to help you to distribute the workload evenly across the duration of the course. Exam 1: Ideal completion date is March 5th Read: Chapter 1 Historical & Modern Perspectives Complete: On Being Sane in Insane Places assignment (10 points) Complete Documentary on Mental Illness assignment (10 points) Read: Chapter 2 Research Methods in Abnormal Psychology Read: Chapter 3 Assessment & Diagnosis Complete: Discussion Question #1 (5 points) Be sure to print out a copy of the Exam 1 Review Sheet Complete: Exam 1 (Chapters 1, 2 & 3) Exam 2: Ideal completion date is April 2nd Read: Chapter 4 Anxiety & OCD & Stress-Related Disorders Complete: PTSD assignment (5 points) Complete: Discussion Question #2 (5 points) Complete: Case Study (Anxiety Disorders) Assignment (10 points) Read: Chapter 5 Somatic Symptom & Dissociative Disorders Read: Chapter 6 Bipolar & Depressive Disorders Complete: TED Talk Kevin Breel Assignment (Depression) (10 points) Complete: Depression: Out of the Shadows assignment (5 points) Complete: Exam 2 (Chapters 4, 5 & 6) Page 6 of 9
Exam 3: Ideal completion date is May1st Read: Chapter 7 Feeding & Eating Disorders Complete: Dying to Be Thin assignment (10 points) Complete: Discussion Question 3 (5 points) Read: Chapter 8 Gender Dysphoria & Paraphiliac Disorders Read: Chapter 9 Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders Complete: Exam 3 (Chapters 7, 8 & 9) Exam 4: Ideal completion date is May 29th Read: Chapter 10 Schizophrenia Spectrum & Psychotic Disorders Complete: Schizophrenia Video assignment (10 points) Complete: Living with Schizophrenia assignment (10 points) Read: Chapter 11 Personality Disorders Complete: Discussion Question 4 (5 points) Read: Chapter 12 Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence (Selected portions) Read: Chapter 13 Disorders of Aging and Cognition (Selected portions) Complete Case Studies Assignment (10 points) Complete: Exam 4 (Chapters 10-13) GRADING POLICY Your performance in the course will be evaluated on the basis of the following: a) Four Examinations consisting of 60 multiple-choice items. All exams have a time limit of 60 minutes. Points are deducted for exceeding the time limit. b) Assignments, discussions, and participation: worth a total of 110 points. Points 4 Exams (60 points each) 240 Discussion Questions 20 Assignments 90 Total 350 Page 7 of 9
GRADING: The final distribution of grades will be based on the following scale. A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = Below 60% The Self-Paced Online Course requires a good deal of independent work and discipline, so try to distribute your workload evenly across the semester. Also, if there are any problems or concerns, contact me as soon as possible so I can help. REVIEW SHEETS Be sure to print out the Review Sheets that are available via the CANVAS course shell for this class. Simply click on the Modules tab, and then you will have access to the Review Sheet for each of the exams. Contact me immediately if you have difficulty accessing the sheets. They will be very helpful! Withdrawals: The last day to drop this course is Friday, May 1st. Failure to attend class does not constitute official withdrawal. If students are considering a withdrawal, they should consult directly with the instructor and an academic advisor. Students may withdraw from a class through the Registration Office, either in person or by fax: (815) 455-3766. In their request, students should include their name, student ID number, course prefix, number and section, course title, instructor, reason for withdrawing, and their signature. Withdrawal from a course will not be accepted over the telephone. Please refer to the following link for other important college dates: www.mchenry.edu/academiccalendar.asp General Education Goals: 1. Critical Thinking: To identify, define, analyze, synthesize, interpret, and evaluate ideas. 2. Information Literacy: To locate, evaluate, and use resources effectively. 3. Effective Communication: To develop, articulate, and convey meaning. 4. Ethical Awareness: To identify and make responsible choices in a diverse world. 5. Technological Literacy: To use tools skillfully. Assessment: Some student work may be collected for the purpose of assessment, including student competency in the general education goals, the program, or the course. Student E-Portfolio: The instructor of the course will designate at least one graded assignment for possible inclusion in the student E-portfolio. Students applying for an AA, AS, AFA, AES, or AGE degree must document their learning outcomes with a graded assignment for each of the five general education goals by the time of graduation. These five assignments and a cover letter will be in the student E-portfolio in Canvas. Page 8 of 9
Special Needs Statement McHenry County College offers support services for students with special needs. It is your responsibility to meet with the Special Needs Coordinator and provide current documentation regarding a disability. Please call or stop by the Special Needs Department, (815) 455-8676, Room A260, as soon as possible if you would like more information about the accommodations that are available. In addition, it is important for you to discuss those accommodations with your instructor so you are fully able to participate in this course. Academic Integrity As an educational community, McHenry County College values the pursuit of academic excellence and integrity. In accordance with this philosophy and Chapter 10, Act 5 of the 1994 Illinois Community College Act, academic dishonesty in any form, including cheating, plagiarism, and all other acts of academic theft, is considered intolerable. Appropriate sanctions, up to and including suspension from the College will be imposed by authorized College personnel. Copyright Policy MCC will maintain current procedures and guidelines to ensure that all staff and students comply with applicable copyright laws and other intellectual property protection laws. The College will encourage staff and students to engage in the development of intellectual property and facilitate ownership protections with respect to such development of intellectual property. The College expects that staff and students will act responsibly and ethically in a manner consistent with all copyright laws and College copyright procedures and guidelines. This policy authorizes the College to adopt and maintain such procedures and guidelines necessary to ensure compliance with copyright laws and to facilitate ownership protection with respect to the development of intellectual property. Student Code of Conduct and the Judicial Process Consistent with the MCC mission is an expectation that students will govern themselves in terms of appropriate behavior with emphasis on self-respect and respect for others. It is the practice of the College to respect the properly exercised rights of its students. The College recognizes a student s rights within the institution to freedom of speech, inquiry and assembly; to the peaceful pursuit of education; and to the reasonable use of services and facilities at MCC. MCC has adopted a Student Code of Conduct and judicial process to maintain a learning environment of respect, civility, safety, and integrity for all members of the MCC community. Whenever possible, sanctions for violations of the Student Code of Conduct may be educational in nature. However, violations affecting the health and safety of members of the MCC community are deemed to be the most serious. Therefore, acts of violence, threats or dangerous behavior are most likely to result in a suspension from the College. Violations of the academic dishonesty policy may also result in suspension or expulsion from the institution and/or reduced or failing grade. Children on Campus For the safety of children on campus, children (i.e., less than 16 years of age) are not permitted on campus unattended by a parent/guardian, except when they are attending classes offered by MCC for children. The College requires that no children be allowed into a classroom/laboratory environment, including the Testing Center, Learning Center and computer labs, solely for the purpose of a parent/guardian to provide direct supervision of his/her child. Page 9 of 9
Resources The following are useful resources available to you as a student at McHenry County College: Advising and Transfer Center: Phone (815) 479-7565; Office A257 www.mchenry.edu/atc/index.asp Counseling: Phone (815) 455-8765; Office A257 www.mchenry.edu/counseling Financial Aid: Phone (815) 455-8761; Office A262 www.mchenry.edu/financialaid Library: Phone (815) 455-8533; Office A212 www.mchenry.edu/library Special Needs: Phone (815) 455-8676; Office A260 www.mchenry.edu/specialneeds Tutoring and Study Skills (Sage Learning Center): Phone (815) 455-8579; Office A247 www.mchenry.edu/sage Page 10 of 9
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