Psychology 439
I. Course Title: Abnormal Psychology
II. Course Number: PSYC 439
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: PSYC 121
V. Course Description:
Introduces students to the study of psychological disorders, emphasizing diagnostic criteria, background and contributing factors to disorders, treatment for disorders, and theories of various psychological disorders.
Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
Major topics to be covered in a typical semester will include:
• Defining abnormal behavior
• Research methods in abnormal psychology
• Methods of assessment used in abnormal psychology
• Theoretical perspectives concerning mental illness
• Diagnosis and treatment of various psychological disorders, which may include:
- Schizophrenia
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Dissociative disorders
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Sexual disorders
- Personality disorders
- Somatic disorders.
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
A number of instructional strategies will be employed to enhance student engagement, and may include any or all of the following general strategies.
- Lecture
- Online content, activities, and assignments
- Individual and group presentations
- Individual and collaborative research activities
- Community-based projects
- Video instruction
- Instructor-led class discussions
- Small-group discussions
- Informal writing activities
- Written and critical thinking assignments
- Group activities
- Case studies
- Guest speakers
- Journals or class blogs
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe how behaviors and beliefs relating to mental illness may vary across time and cultures
- Describe the major theoretical perspectives related to mental illness
- Describe the diagnostic criteria for major psychological disorders
- Discriminate between the most common psychological disorders
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real life examples
- Describe empirical data regarding etiology and treatment of various psychological disorders.
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Assessment measures may include any combination of the following strategies:
- Examinations (Objective, short answer, or essay questions)
- In-class or out-of-class quizzes
- Student Presentations
- In-class discussion and participation
- Written assignments/projects
- Evaluation of research
- In-class application assignments
- Online assignments
- Group participation
- Class attendance
Other Course Information: None
Review and Approval
September 2001 Updated and put in new format Dr. Alastair V. E. Harris
March 01, 2021