PSYC 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:

1. Describe how behaviors and beliefs relating to mental illness may vary across time and  cultures
2. Describe the major theoretical perspectives related to mental illness 
3. Describe the diagnostic criteria for major psychological disorders
4. Discriminate between the most common psychological disorders
5. Apply theoretical knowledge to real life examples
6. 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