PSYC C255: Abnormal Psychology
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 10/22/2010 |
| Top Code | 200100 - Psychology, General |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
Formerly: PSYC C120. An introduction to emotional and mental disorders from a biological, sociocultural, and psychological approach. The course covers the field's historical approaches and the range of psychological disorders as well as their symptoms, treatment, and the prevention of mental problems. PREREQUISITE: PSYC C1000. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: PSYC 120.C-ID: PSYC 120.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Use three of the "Models of Abnormality" (cognitive, behavioral, biological, psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, or sociocultural) to explain how a person could have developed specific abnormal behaviors.
- Describe the conditions that make stress disorders more likely to occur, including biological/genetic, personality, childhood experiences, social support variables, and characteristics of the trauma that put people at risk for developing a stress disorder.
- Using their own personal experiences and/or knowledge, learners will identify themes and coping strategies, and they will analyze the effectiveness of their strategies in controlling symptoms of psychological or physical stress.
- Learners will compare their own experiences to the role that stress may play in other people's psychological disorders.
Course Objectives
- 1. Describe the various contemporary concepts or models of abnormal behavior.
- 2. Explain the criteria used to define abnormal behavior.
- 3. Discuss the historical origins of modern diagnostic systems.
- 4. Compare the features of depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, substance abuse, and schizophrenic disorder.
- 5. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the DSM diagnostic system.
- 6. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the case study, correlation method, and experimental methods used to study and treat mental illness.
Lecture Content
Abnormal psychology in science and clinical practice Abnormal psychology: past and present What clinical researchers do Models of abnormality Biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic-existential, and sociocultural models of abnormality. Clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment Characteristics of assessment tools Classification systems DSM-V Research methods Problems of anxiety and mood Anxiety disorders Generalized anxiety disorder Phobias Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder Stress disorders Fight-or-flight response Acute and post-traumatic stress disorder Physical stress disorder Somatoform and dissociative disorders Mood disorders Unipolar depression Bipolar disorders Suicide Definition, study and research Triggering factors; causes Treatment and prevention Problems of the mind and body Eating disorders Anorexia nervosa Bulimia Substance-related disorders Depressants, stimulants Hallucinogens, cannabis Sexual Disorders and gender identity disorder Sexual dysfunctions; treatments Paraphilias Gender identity disorder Problems of the psychosis and cognitive factors Schizophrenia Theories explaining schizophrenia Treatment Life-span problems Personality disorders Problems posed by the DSM categories l> Disorders of childhood and adolescence Childhood anxiety disorders Childhood depression Autism/mental retardation Disorders of aging and cognition Old age and stress Depression in later life Disorders of cognition Issues affecting the mental health of the elderly Law, society and the mental health profession Clinician influence on the criminal justice system Judicial system influence on mental health care Ethical principles guiding mental health professionals Mental health, business and economics
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
- Directed/Independent Study (40)
- Video one-way (ITV, video) (63)
Instructional Techniques
The instructor will utilize a variety of instructional techniques such as lecture format augmented by PowerPoint slides, computer-animated demonstrations, classroom demonstrations, and video programs. Learning strategies will include small group activities, case studies, individual student projects, guest speakers, web activities, and discussion board activities. Student evaluation methods will include taking quizzes and tests and writing reports, doing independent reading and studying, and taking midterm and final examinations.
Reading Assignments
Students will read the assigned textbook. Additional articles and sites from the Internet and/or a reader will be provided.
Writing Assignments
Written Assignments: Students will submit at least two written assignments, at least one midterm essay, and responses to discussion topics.
Out-of-class Assignments
Quizzes: In-class and/or take-home quizzes will be given regularly that will cover the textbook, lecture material, and classroom discussion. Exams: Students will prepare for a Midterm and a Final Examination; these will be objective multiple-choice, fill-in, and/or matching exams as well as an essay.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Given a discussion topic, essay topic, or other written assignment, students will compare and contrast behavior within a context that is driven by psychological, biological, or social factors.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Students will be assigned weekly written assignments in the form of either discussion reaction, essay, journal, or other written assignments. At least two larger written reports will also be required during the class. Students will respond to objective and essay questions demonstrating critical thinking. Participation in small-group, in-class discussions and evaluation of ideas that evolve from the group discussions. Use of critical thinking skills in written assignments and/or reaction papers in class.
Eligible Disciplines
Psychology: Masters degree in psychology OR bachelors degree in psychology AND masters degree in counseling, sociology, statistics, neuroscience, or social work OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Comer, Ronald J. Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology, latest edition ed. Worth Publishers, 2019 2. Required Sue, D., Sue, D.W., Sue, S.; Sue, D. M. Understanding Abnormal Behavior, latest edition ed. Cengage, 2022 3. Required Durand, V. M.; Barlow, D. H. Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, latest edition ed. Cengage Learning, 2019
Other Resources
1. Coastline Library 2. Popular press books may be added as readers or supplements so students can apply textbook learning to real life experiences.