Abnormal Psychology Course Syllabus
COURSE SYLLABUS
Semester: Fall Year: 2013
Mission Statement:
Kennedy-King College is dedicated to providing high quality, comprehensive, accessible education and training opportunities that respond to changing community needs and that enables individuals to reach their full potential and successfully compete in the global marketplace.
Course (Discipline): Psychology Number: 36221 Section: N IAI#:
Course Title: Abnormal Psychology 213 Length of Course (Weeks): 16
Credit Hours: 3 Lab Hour: Contact Hours: 3
Meeting Day(s): T Th Times: 3:30 am- 4:50 am Building: Y Classroom #Y106:
Syllabus can be found on Blackboard website at https://ccc.blackboard.com/webapps/login/.
Instructor’s Name: Jennifer Thompson-Watson
E-mail Address: jthompson46@ccc.edu Phone #: 773-602-5167
Office #: Y142 Building: Y Building, Suite Y131
Office hours: Monday, Wednesday 2:00 – 2:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Note: Modification in this syllabus may be made predicated on the needs of the class and at the instructor’s discretion. Changes will be announced in class and posted on the web-based blackboard.
Required Textbooks:
Beidel, D.C., Bulik, C.M., Stanley, M.A. (2012) 3rd Edition, Pearson Education, Inc., Publisher. ISBN-0-205-20501-01
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 Washington DC: APA.
Catalog Course Description:
Abnormal Psychology: Abnormal behavior and its social significance; symptoms and dynamics of psychological disorders; neuroses and psychosomatic reactions, sociopathic psychoses; consideration of therapies and theories of prevention. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.
Course Pre-requisites:
The learner must have a grade of C or better in Psychology 201, or consent of Department Chairperson.
Course Goals/Objectives:
After successful completion of this course, the students should have:
1. An understanding of the framework of major diagnostic categories in the DSM-5
2. An understanding of the purpose and limitations of the DSM-5
3. An understanding of the various forms of psychiatric disorders, their etiologies, and the current treatment approaches
4. An awareness of current empirical research into major psychiatric conditions
Student Outcomes
The student should be able to:
1. Identify and distinguish between different mood disorders
2. Know and identify substance related disorders
3. Identify and distinguish personality disorders
4. Identify and distinguish anxiety disorders
5. Define psychoticism and identify components of schizophrenia.
6. Know and identify neurodevelopmental disorders
7. Know the contributors of psychology and be able to apply their theories to an applicable case situation
8. Identify psychological, environmental, cultural, and physical factors that contribute to the development and maintain psychological disorder
9. Demonstrate ability to perform a mental status exam (MSE)
10. Know and identify the various treatment modalities
Active Pursuit Statement for the Course:
Students will be considered as Actively Pursuing this course when they are following guidelines listed below:
Regular attendance - Attendance in class ensures that you are receiving class content necessary for passing the course. I reserve the right to drop you from this course for excessive absences. Also note that if you choose to drop this course, you are responsible for ensuring that you have been successfully dropped; do not rely on me to drop you. It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from classes.
Completion of assignments and passing exams
Full and respectful participation in class
Students who have not met the academic pursuit standard by midterm may be administratively withdrawn from the course by the instructor according to the criteria that has been set by the instructor above.
Course Attendance Policy: Students are required to attend class. Failure to attend class may result in the student being withdrawn from the course or failing the course. Failure to attend the class may also affect financial aid eligibility. When there are absences, students are responsible for contacting the instructor and providing written documentation to explain absence. Students are held accountable for missed work or resulting drops in grade due to absences.
No Show Policy:
If a student registered for the course before the start time of the first class period, but 1) did not attend the first 2 classes, or 2) attended only 1 of the first 3 classes and failed to notify the instructor of his or her intentions to continue the class, the Registrar’s Office will remove the student from the course.
Student Conduct:
City Colleges of Chicago students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which is considerate of the rights of others and which will not impair the educational mission of the College. Misconduct for which students are subject to College Discipline (e.g. expulsion) may include the following: (1) all forms of dishonesty such as stealing, forgery, (2) obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceeding, (3) physical or verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, and/or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person, and (4) carrying or possession of weapons, ammunition or other explosives. Classroom Etiquette: Please share in the responsibility of creating a classroom community and being life-long learners. Get to know your classmates and create a support network. Share phone numbers and email addresses as a way to connect and get information in case of absence. The class will include large and small group discussions as well as collaborative work to be presented to classmates. You are expected to participate in all classroom activities and discussions. Be prepared each class session by completing assignmens on time and reading assigned chapters prior to class. The following behaviors are not allowed in class:
Texting/E-mailing/web surfing/playing games in class
Walking in and out of class
Talking to students outside of the classroom
Bringing children to class
Eating during class time
Sleeping in class or working on something other than what is pertinent to this class
Engaging in private conversations for any reason while someone else is talking
Disrupting the class for any reason
Wearing head coverings
AMERICANS with DISABILITIES ACT POLICY
Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should:
1. Register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center
2. Bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type of accommodation. This should be done during the first week of class.
This syllabus and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request. For more information about services to City Colleges of Chicago students with disabilities, contact: Student Disability Resource Center.
Disability Access Center:
Please note: Any student with a disability, including a temporary disability, who is eligible for reasonable accommodations should contact the Disability Access Center located in W10 or call (773) 602-5278 as soon as possible.
Required Assignments and Learning Experiences:
Class Presentation and Writing Assignment
The student will research an area of psychology and present an oral presentation. The topic must be approved by the instructor.
To request a topic, submit (in writing) two or three citations of empirical research (within the last 2-3 years) on the topic. This means you must first do a literature search on the topic.
Students must choose a topic pertaining to abnormal psychology that provides a more in-depth look at a particular disorder, prevalence rates, etiology (cause), and traditional and recent treatments that have shown effectiveness as well as their pros and cons. Treatments must include both psychiatric treatments, psychological treatments, and possible natural treatments stemming from a healthier lifestyle. The paper must be 5-7 pages long using APA style. Use at least 6 sources for your paper which must be used within the paper. Double-spaced, 12 pt font. Title page, reference list required (not included in page count).
Topics can range from anything dealing with abnormal psychology, treatment of psychological disorders, or maintenance of mental wellness, mental institutions, controversial topics (such as ADHD, marijuana use, overuse of medication, cuts in mental health funding).
Students must also put together a 15-20 minute oral presentation using a presentation program (i.e. Powerpoint) that summarizes the findings from the paper. Students can include videos, pamphlets, and their own creativity for the oral presentation.
This is to be a 20 minute presentation including an overview of the topic, and a summary of the research you reviewed. Please note your presentation must be no less than 20 minutes (you will be timed) and no more than 30 minutes. Practice ahead of time. You are encouraged to use videos, handouts, posters or any other aids to add to your creative presentation. You will need to plan for processing after the presentation as you lead a discussion/question time. It can be more beneficial to select an area in which are not yet proficient to enhance your learning. (It is strongly suggested that students dress professionally for their presentations).
Academic integrity:
The City Colleges of Chicago is committed to the ideals of truth and honesty. In view of this, students are expected to adhere to high standards of honesty in their academic endeavor. Plagiarism and cheating of any kind are serious violations of these standards and will result, minimally, in the grade of “F’ by the instructor.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism occurs when you take credit for someone else’s ideas and/or work. This considered a serious breach of academic integrity and will be punished as the college deems appropriate. All the work you submit for this course should be your own. Do not use someone else’s ideas or language in your own writing without giving the source credit. If you are unsure about whether or not you’re plagiarizing, please consult me.
Cheating
Cheating of any kind is also a serious breach of academic integrity.
Penalties for Plagiarism and Cheating
In the first instance of academic integrity violation, KKC instructors will assign a grade of zero/F to the assignment and counsel the student accordingly. If a second instance occurs regarding a violation of academic integrity, the instructor will contact the Department Chair and Dean of Instruction to determine a course of disciplinary action.
Student Projects
Students will also have the opportunity to experience psychology in action through participation in a psychological session, attending a support group, or watching a movie related to mental illness. Each student must choose two out of the three listed and write a short reflection essay related to their experiences. Students must be prepared to discuss their experiences and thoughts in class. (See last page of syllabus for further details)
Teaching Method/Class Format
Classes will consist of lectures, discussions of assigned readings, viewing and analyses of videos, student presentation, My Psych Lab review and discussion; overhead and/or PowerPoint presentations. Students are encouraged to access internet assistance, study guides and to outline respective chapters.
Examinations
There will be a total of four written exams worth 100 points each. A mid-term exam will be held around the middle of the semester. A final exam will be given towards the end of the semester. Exam dates will be provided in class as well as the format for each exam (i.e., multiple choice, true/false, and/or essay questions)
Grading Policy:
The overall learner’s grade is contingent upon attendance, punctuality, academic assignments and examinations, timely submittal of assignments and exams, and quality of written and oral presentations.
EVALUATION PROCEDURE
Exam 1 100 points
Exam 2 100 points
Exam 3 100 points
Exam 4 100 points
Student Projects 50 points each
Student responses 10 points each
Quizzes 20 points each
The total number of points that your grade will be based on will vary depending on quizzes, assigned in-class activities and homework activities.
GRADING SCALE: A: 90% and above B: 80% - 89% C: 70% - 79% D: 60% - 69% F: 59% and below
Late Work and Make-up Assignments
Make-up exam policy: No make-up exams will be given except in the case of an extreme circumstance such as serious illness or accident or death in the family. Written proof from a physician will be required. Further documentation may also be requested. To qualify for a make-up exam, I must be notified either prior to the exam (highly preferable) or within 24 hours of the scheduled test. When permission is granted, make-up exams must be completed within 48 hours (2 days) from the original test date at my convenience. Failure to take an exam or submit any work will result in a score of zero.
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY COURSE OUTLINE
Week
Topic
Reading
1
Introductions, Syllabus Review
What is Abnormal Psychology?
Definition of Abnormal Psychology
Current Views of Abnormal Behavior and Treatment
Read Chapter 1
2
Conclude Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Research at Cellular Level, Neurons, Neurotransmitters, and parts of the brain
Case Study
Correlational Method
Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Studies
Read Chapter 2
3
Psychological Assessment
Purpose of assessment: screening, diagnosis and treatment
Types of Assessment Tools: clinical interviews (structured, unstructured); personality tests; neuropsychological tests; intelligence tests; behavioral assessments
Go to Wellness Center for psychological assessment; interview clinician about assessment tools used and their purposes in treatment.
Read Chapter 3
4
Chapter 3 cont’d
Diagnosis and Classification
Introduction to DSM 5
Dimensional system vs categorical system of diagnosis
Exam 1
Read Chapter 3
5
What is anxiety?
Anxiety Disorders cont'd
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders
Read Chapter 4, DSM5 criteria
6
Anxiety Disorders cont’d
Treatments – Drugs and Therapy
Read Chapter 4, DSM 5 criteria
7
Depression and Bipolar Disorders
Treatments – Drugs and Therapy
Read Chapter 6, DSM 5 criteria
8
Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia
Student Project #2 Due
Exam 2
Read Chapter 10, DSM 5 criteria
9
Personality Disorders
Read Chapter 11, DSM 5 criteria
10
Substance Use Disorders
Read Chapter 9, DSM 5 criteria
11
Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
Read Chapter 12, DSM 5 criteria
12
Disorders of Childhood cont’d
Exam 3
Read Chapter 12, DSM 5 criteria
13
Somatoform, Dissociative, and Factitious Disorders
Read Chapter 5,
DSM criteria
14
Aging and Cognitive Disorders
Read Chapter 13, DSM 5 criteria
15
Eating Disorders
Review for Final Exam
Read Chapter 7,
DSM 5 criteria
16
Final Exam
Schedule is subject to change at Instructor's discretion
Three Student Projects - Total 150 pts
Attend the Wellness Center for a psychological examination and therapy session. (50 pts)
Write a 3-4 page reflection essay on the experience
Discuss what your impressions of the counselors are (positive/negative) and explain
Describe what occurred. (You do not need to discuss the contents of the session if wish to keep that confidential).
Explain whether or not you would seek therapeutic treatment again in the future.
Would you recommend the Wellness Center to a family member or friend? Why or why not?
Attend a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Emotions Anonymous (50 pts)
Write a 3-4 page reflection essay on the experience
Discuss your impressions of the experience.
Briefly explain the history/founding of the support group you attended
Describe the stories of the people who are seeking support.
Discuss the structure of the support group (i.e. how does it begin, sharing, role of group facilitator)
From your observation, does the support group provide a helpful strategy for those struggling with a psychological problem? Explain your answer.
Watch one of the following movies that feature psychological disorders. (50 pts)
A Beautiful Mind
The Aviator
Silver Linings Playbook
The Soloist
Melancholia
Fight Club
Psycho
Matchstick Men
Leaving Las Vegas
Requiem for a Dream
The Hours
Shutter Island
Student Choice movie
Write a 3 page movie reaction paper that discusses the following:
Include a summary of the film - plot, time period of film
Describes the mental illness being presented. Discuss the symptoms of the mental illness that are portrayed in the movie.
How does the movie depict the treatment of mental illness
What relationship dynamics are shown when dealing with a person with mental illness
Your thoughts on the movie and any insights regarding mental illness and its portrayal in film.
Overall, how did the movie affect you after watching it?
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