Abnormal Psychology

1. 1. Course Title: Abnormal Psychology
   2. Course Prefix/Number: PSYC 430
   3. Credit Hours: Three (3)
   4. Description :This course involves understanding the philosophic bases for defining what is “normal” mental health, the types of underlying assumptions psychologists make about what constitutes “abnormal” mental health, and an understanding of the DSM IV- TR approach to classifying psychological and psychiatric disorders. This course will involve a brief overview of the major theories in the area as well as some discussions of major approaches to the treatment of such disorders.
   5. Student Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course students will be able to:
      • Have an appreciation of abnormal behavior in a historical context.
      • Describe the current system for the classification and assessment of mental disorders, & diagnosis of psychiatric disorders.
      • Know the gender, cultural, psychological, biochemical, and environmental factors which predispose individuals toward mental disorders.
      • Know how psychologists use research and statistics to answer questions about mental illness.
   6. Grading Scale: Your letter grade in this course will be determined by calculating your score on all assignments and exams as a percentage of the total possible score, on a standard grading scale:
      

      Your Letter Grade	Your Score as % of Total
      A	90–100
      B	80-89
      C	70-79
      D	60-69
      F	0-59

      Assignments 40%

      As part of the requirements, students must complete short assignments based on these studies. There will be 2 assignments, each attracting 20% of total course grade.

      Assignment (Essay) 20%

      Students are also required to turn in an essay assignment.

      Guidelines for the essay assignment:

      • Word limit: 1500 – 2500
      • The assignment should be typed using Times New Roman, 12-point size, double spaced, and 1″ margins.
      • The assignment should be edited for spelling and grammar.
      • References to be provided using the APA guidelines.

      Exam 40%

      There will be a Final exam. The exam will be based on material covered in the textbook readings and lecture notes.

   7. Course Outline
      

      Topic
      Abnormal Behavior in a Historical Context An Integrative Approach To Psychopathology
      Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Research In Psychopathology & Mental Health Services: Legal & Ethical Issues
      Anxiety, Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders
      Mood Disorders and Suicide
      Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders Substance Related, Addictive and Impulse-Control Disorders Dissociative Disorders & Personality Disorders
      Physical Disorders and Health Psychology Eating and Sleep-Wake Disorders Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
      Sexual Dysfunctions Paraphilic Disorders and Gender Dysphoria Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders

    

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