Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal Psychology

    1. Course Title: Abnormal Psychology
    2. Course Prefix/Number: PSYC 430
    3. Credit Hours: Three (3)
    4. Description: This course involves understanding psychological and psychiatric disorders across the lifespan, including the definition of normality/abnormality within a historical context, the underlying assumptions on what constitutes “abnormal” mental health, and an understanding of the DSM criteria to classifying psychological and psychiatric disorders. This course provides a brief overview of the major theories in the area as well as some discussions of approaches to the treatment of such disorders.
    5. Student Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course students will be able to:

      1. Have knowledge of what defines abnormality within historical context, legal and ethical issues in psychopathology, concepts of diagnosis, assessments, types of disorders across the lifespan, and the treatment approaches.
        • Define basic concepts in Abnormal Psychology across the lifespan.
        • State basic facts associated with definitions, diagnosis, prognosis, assessment and treatment of the different disorders across the lifespan.
        • State the key legal and ethical issues in mental health services and research.
      2. Understand types of disorders across the lifespan and the impact on the affected individuals.
        • Identify the key characteristics of the various disorders across the lifespan.
        • Describe the causes, etiology, prognosis and approaches to treatment for disorders found across the lifespan.
      3. Apply and analyze the theories and concepts in Abnormal Psychology that are related to diagnosis, causes, etiology and treatment options.
        • Interpret the presenting issues, assumptions, theories related to these disorders
        • Discuss the treatment options
        • Explain how causes of disorders interact and impact on development of disorders.
    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 and Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders
      • Mood Disorders and Suicide
      • Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
      • Personality Disorders
      • Eating and Sleep-Wake Disorders
      • Substance Related, Addictive, and Impulse Control Disorders
      • Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders

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