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PSY 208 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Instructor: Dr. Diane Finley
Office: Marlboro 2049
Phone: 301-322-0869
email: dfinley@pgcc.edu  (Put PSY208ONLINE in the subject line if you want a response)
Office Hours: To Be Announced
webpage: http://academic.pgcc.edu/~dfinley

Course Description:

Study of human behaviors and mental experience that are unusual,  unreasonable, and distinct from cultural norms. Changing views of mental disorders are discussed. Prerequisite: PSY 101.

Course Objectives:

At the end of the course the student who has fully participated in the course should be able to: (included here are the departmental core objectives for PSY 2080).

1. Summarize the criteria for defining abnormality.
2. List and define the four modern perspectives on mental illness.
3. Identify gender and cultural issues related to maladaptive behavior.
4. Describe the basic tenets and proponents of the major contemporary theories of abnormality:
biological, sociocultural, psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic/existential and cognitive.
5.Identify the components of a research study. Discuss ethical issues particular to the study of abnormality.
6. Discuss challenges inherent in research on abnormal behavior.
7. List tools commonly used in assessing mental health. Evaluate each in terms of its usefulness.
8. Identify the common components of successful therapy
9. Describe the techniques used in the following approaches to therapy: psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, biological, client-centered
10. List the symptoms and etiology for each of the following disorders:
 PTSD, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, differential Identity disorder, hypochondriasis, conversion disorder, antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, gender identity disorder, anorexia, bulimia, substance abuse
11.Identify the major mental disorders of childhood and list the symptoms of each: conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD
12. Match the appropriate treatment with each of the disorders in #10,11. Evaluate each treatment.
13. Discuss issues related to treating children for mental health issues.
14. Classify the three models for how psychological factors affect physical disease.
15. Describe the General Adaptation Syndrome.
16. Differentiate between Type A and Type B personalities.
17. Differentiate between delirium and dementia.
18. List the major causes of dementia.
19. Discuss the criteria used for the legal insanity defense.
20. Explain the importance of  the following for the issue of legal insanity: M'Naughten Rule, irresistible impulse, Durham Rule, ALI Rule, Barret v. the United States, Guilty by Mentally Ill Rule
21. Identify the criteria for civil commitment and apply them to specific cases.

Grading:

An online course includes components not found in traditional classroom courses. By enrolling in an online course, you are making a commitment to your classmates in the course. This commitment involves active participation in weekly discussion boards and working in groups on assignments as designated by the instructor.

Final Grading:

A 90%
B 80%
C 70%
D 60%
F 59% and below

All Written Assignments  
Written assignments are designed to enhance your learning of course materials. ALL projects must be typed or done on a word processor. You must double-space your work. Your paper must have a cover sheet with your name and section number on it. Pay attention to your writing skills as these figure into the final grade. Reference pages must follow the American Psychological Association Style Manual. The Manual is available in the library. There is also information on how to cite and reference APA Style on my homepage. (http://academic.pgcc.edu/~dfinley. Go to the Title 3 Supersite).

Here are some websites that may help you with writing APA Style.

http://www.psychwww.com/resource/apacrib.htm

http://www.uwm.edu/people/pcsmith/usergide.htm

http://www.ldl.net/~bill/aparev.htm

http://methods.fullerton.edu/appa.html

College Policies:
All college policies regarding student conduct, academic integrity and disability referrals apply. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of such policies. For copies check the Student Handbook or contact the Office of Academic Advising.  Students are also responsible for knowing and following all College policies regarding registration, withdrawal, etc.

Classroom Conduct
Students are expected to observe the College code of conduct found in the PGCC Student Handbook. Smoking and eating are not permitted in the classroom. Disruptive students will not be tolerated and are subject to dismissal procedures as outlined in the Handbook. Cheating is obviously unacceptable behavior and is grounds for failing the class. If you cheat on any test or assignment, you will receive a 0 for that assignment/test. You will not be allowed to make-up any such item. In addition, your behavior will be reported to the Dean.

Students with Disabilities

Any student with a documented disability, including learning disabilities, that the student feels may affect classroom performance should discuss the matter privately with their instructor at the beginning of the semester so that reasonable accommodations can be made.  It is also recommended that students contact the Disability Support Services Office (M-1042) or call 301-322-0838 (voice) or 301-322-0122 (TTY) for additional assistance with classes and campus activities. Students must provide documentation of disability when requesting academic accommodations and copies of their enrollment confirmation (bill) with paid receipt. If you need accommodations, I must be notified by the start of the second week of class.