PSY 2010 Abnormal Psychology Course

PSY 2010 Abnormal Psychology Course

PSY 2010 Abnormal Psychology Course

Course Description Explores the definition of abnormal behavior and causes, classifications, and assessments for psychological disorders.

Prerequisites PSY 1010: General Psychology or equivalent

Course Textbook Nevid, J. S., Rathus, S. A., & Green, B. (2011). Abnormal psychology in a changing world (8th ed.)

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Course Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Distinguish abnormal psychology and psychopathology from other areas of psychology. 2. Demonstrate how the DSM-IV-TR defines mental disorders. 3. Analyze the importance of recognizing cultural bias and using scientific research to establish the validity of approaches to understanding and treating psychopathology.

4. Compare the contributions of nature and nurture in the development of abnormal behavior.

5. Examine the history of institutional treatment of mental disorders as a context for current treatments.

6. Analyze current treatments for mental illness.

7. Assess the validity of the theories underlining the current treatments for mental illness.

8. Classify and compare the assessment techniques used in the diagnosis of mental illness.

9. Illustrate the process of diagnosis by use of the DSM-IV-TR and its rules and terms.

10. Examine the etiology, epistemology, symptoms, classifications and diagnosis, and treatment of the

various disorders.

11. Differentiate the etiology, epistemology, symptoms, classifications and diagnosis, and treatment of psychological strain and/or disorders related to stress and physical health from general treatment.

12. Compare the etiology, epistemology, symptoms, classifications and diagnosis, and treatment of

adjustment disorders and characteristics of life cycle transitions to disorders in general.

13. Summarize legal issues associated with mental health and assess the impact on care delivery.

Credits Upon completion of this course, the students will earn three (3) hours of college credit.

Course Structure

1. Unit Learning Objectives: Each unit contains learning objectives that specify the measurable skills and knowledge students should gain upon completion of the unit.

2. Written Lectures: Each unit contains a Written Lecture, which discusses lesson material.

PSY 2010, Abnormal Psychology Course Syllabus

PSY 2010, Abnormal Psychology 2

3. Reading Assignments: Each unit contains Reading Assignments from one or more chapters from the textbook. Supplemental Readings are provided in Unit IV to aid students in their course of study. CSU Online Library is suggested in Units I, III, V, VI, and VII as a Supplemental Resource.

4. Learning Activities (Non-Graded): These non-graded Learning Activities are provided in Units I, II, III, IV, and V to aid students in their course of study.

5. Key Terms: Key Terms are intended to guide students in their course of study. Students should pay particular attention to Key Terms as they represent important concepts within the unit material and reading.