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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PS 354"
COURSE NAME: "Abnormal Psychology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session II 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Lynn Della Pietra
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MTWTH 9:00AM 10:45AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: PS 101
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Issues related to psychopathology will be explored, with an emphasis on methodological problems and the causes of psychopathological conditions. The classification system of DSM-IV, which has become standard in North America and in many other parts of the world, will be examined critically, and other more theoretically coherent nosologies will be studied. Diagnostic categories will be examined from the point of view of three major theoretical approaches: psychodynamic, biological, and cognitive. Through required readings and a research paper, the student will become familiar with contemporary work in the field and will learn to read professional articles in a critical way. Emphasis in the course will be on the understanding and not simply the description of psychopathological states and their multiple complex determinants. Every psychological disorder has its specific content for the person suffering from it.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Presentation of the symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches for the primary psychological disorders in the DSM.  Critical analysis of the concept of diagnosis and exploration of the impact that factors such as race, gender, and culture have on the recognition/diagnosis of psychological disorders. 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

 

  1. Describe the symptom profiles of the primary psychological disorders recognized in DSM-V.
  2. Identify possible causes of, and interventions for, psychological disorders from the psychodynamic, biological, and cognitive perspectives.
  3. Critique the concept of diagnosis, the DSM, and other nosological systems.
  4. Read scholarly articles and be able to identify, explain, and critique the hypothesis, methodology, results, and conclusions. 
  5. Explain how psychological disorders and their diagnosis and treatment are impacted by factors such as culture, gender, and social context.
  6. Search for and present contemporary research in the field abnormal psychology.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Essentials of Understanding Abnormal BehaviorSue, D., Sue, D.W., Sue. D., & Sue, S.Cengage Learning978-1-305-63999-7     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
QuizzesThere will be 12 quizzes given throughout the course. The best 10 grades will each count for 2.5% of the final course grade.25%
ExamsThere will be 4 exams given throughout the course. The best 3 grades will each count for 15% of the final course grade.45%
Oral presentationStudents will conduct a psychological case study analysis of a fictional character from a book or movie. The case study should include background information on the person, description of symptoms exhibited, DSM diagnosis, and a treatment/intervention plan. The case study must include at least 3 scholarly articles to support the diagnosis and/or treatment plan. Case studies will be presented to the class. 15%
Research article paperStudents will write a paper in which they identify the hypothesis, methodology, results, and conclusions of an empirical study of a psychological disorder.15%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course
BThis is a highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised. There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performance demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material. Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included. In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
Make-up exams will not be given.  If you miss an exam, this becomes the grade you will drop.  If you miss a second exam, you will receive a zero unless the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization, death in the immediate family (for which you must attend the funeral), or other situations of similar gravity.  Students who will be absent from a second exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam.

Absences due to conflicts such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings, or personal convenience, will not be excused.   Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused.  Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until August 4th.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Date

Topic

Reading

July 3

Introduction

What is Abnormal Behavior?

 

 

July 5

Understanding and Treating Mental Disorders

 

Chapters 1 and 2

July 6

Clinical Research, Assessment, and Classification

 

Chapter 3

July 7

Anxiety Disorders

 

Chapter 4

July 10

EXAM 1

 

 

July 11

Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

 

Chapter 5

July 12

Somatic and Dissociative Disorders

 

Chapter 6

July 13

Mood Disorders

 

Chapter 7

July 17

Suicide

 

Chapter 8

July 18

EXAM 2

 

 

July 19

Eating Disorders

Research paper due

 

Chapter 9

July 20

Addictions

 

Chapter 10

July 24

Schizophrenia

 

Chapter 11

July 25

Neurocognitive Disorders

 

Chapter 12

July 26

EXAM 3

 

 

July 27

Sexual Disorders

 

Chapter 13

July 31

Personality Disorders

Chapter 14

 

August 1

Disorders of Childhood

 

Chapter 15

August 2

Presentations

 

August 3

Presentations

 

August 4

EXAM 4