Abnormal Psychology Psyc 315 Spring 2007 T/Th 10:30am-12:35pm; DDH 103K

Instructor: Melissa S. Dulcich TA: Tasha Lackey Office: DDH D113 Office: DDH D113*only during office hr. Email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Phone: 654-2372 Phone: 654-2372*only during office hr.

Web Address: www.csub.edu/~mdulcich Office Hour: Monday 11am-12pm

Office Hours: T/Th: 9:30-10:30am; MW: 9:30-11am Also by appointment.

Required Text: Comer, R.J. (2007). Abnormal Psychology, 6th ed. New York: Worth Publishers.

Course Description: The field of Abnormal Psychology explores defined abnormal behavior as classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, possible etiology of such behavior, as well as, researched therapeutic application to change abnormal behavior within a group of individual.

Course Objectives: By the end of this quarter you should have an understanding of what constitutes a scientific definition of abnormal behavior, thinking, and/or emotions. You will be aware of the cultural and societal limitations and applications of such a definition. This course will cover the different traditional and contemporary models utilized by those in the mental health field today (biological, behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic, etc.), and you will be able to apply such models in explaining the different phenomena occurring in the different disorders. You will also be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of evidence and arguments supporting specific psychological theories or models. You will have a knowledge of some of the distinct (and sometimes not-so-distinct!) disorders, and the symptoms that cluster together to indicate a specific disorder. Throughout the course you will be made aware of the importance and methods of research by utilizing library and electronic resources to research relevant topics and having an understanding of psychological research peer-reviewed journal articles. Finally, you will be able to understand how psychological knowledge can be used to understand social issues and improve individual’s lives. (*Note: This course covers the following areas of goal/objectives for the Department of Psychology: 1c, 2a, 2d, 3e, 3f, 4a, 4b).

Assessment Weighting: In Class Part. 05% Paper Outline 04% Paper 25% Exam 1 19% Exam 2 22% Final Exam 25% 100% Course Grades: 93-100.= A 80-82.5= B- 67-69.5= D+ 90-92.5= A- 77-79.5= C+ 63-66.5= D 87-89.5= B+ 73-76.5= C 60-62.5= D- 83-86.5= B 70-72.5= C- 00-59.5= F Class Courtesy: Please turn all cell phones and beepers off or onto a quiet setting during class. If there is a dire reason that you need to be available to someone at all times, please have the courtesy to let the instructor know, and keep the sound down to a minimum. CSUB Policies: All campus rules for plagiarism, cheating, and incomplete grades will be strictly enforced. Definitions and consequences may be found in the 2005-2007 CSUB catalog (plagiarism and cheating, pp. 80-81; incomplete grades and withdrawals, pp. 71-72). Please familiarize yourself with these policies as you will be expected to abide by them.

The last day to withdraw from class without a "W" being recorded is April 16, 2007. The last day to withdraw from class for a serious and compelling reason is May 14, 2007. ("Serious and compelling" is not your call. The catalog explains that you must receive approval from the instructor and department chairman or school dean).

Students with disabilities should work with Disability Services (654-3360) and the instructor to arrange appropriate support.

In Class Participation: During class, there will occasionally be group discussions and participation activities that will count toward your final grade. These will be credit/no credit. No make-up opportunities will be available. Exception: If you know you will be missing class, and you contact me prior to class, AND you have a valid explanation (instructor decides validity), you might be able to do the assignment out of class.

Exams: Three exams will be administered throughout the quarter: 2 midterms and 1 final. Exam formats will include multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Blue books will be needed for all exams and are the student's responsibility to acquire (blue books may be purchased at the campus book store). There will be no make-up exams, except in cases of valid explanations (e.g., athletic tournaments, hospitalization). Documentation of some form will be expected for confirmation. If you must miss an exam, you must contact the instructor (in person or by phone or email) before the exam. The make-up date must be set immediately. Only one make-up opportunity is allowed. Exams start at the beginning of class.

Paper Outline: This assignment contains two parts: 1) A paper topic (worth 1%) which will be due Thursday, 4/5; this typewritten OR handwritten sheet will contain your paper topic idea (i.e. Let’s say you’ve always wondered why children diagnosed with ADHD take medications; you might choose this topic, “Medication and Children with ADHD.” This is a nice broad topic to start from). 2) Paper Outline (worth 3%): this second part is much more in-depth. This typewritten only sheet will include a stated thesis and a detailed outline with at least 3 of your 6 required sources cited on the page (an example outline is provided on my web page; yours should follow this format). This will be due Thursday, 4/19. Paper: An 8-10 page paper will be due Tuesday, 5/29 no later than 1pm. Late papers will be docked 10% each day starting after the abovementioned time. This paper must follow the APA guidelines covered in class and must be based off of your paper outline. Six sources from a peer-reviewed journal are required and must be properly cited within text as well as on the reference page. The paper will be graded on the following items: (a) a well-laid introductory section defining relevant terms, laying the foundation for the paper, and stating a clear thesis; (b) three distinct subtopics relevant to the thesis, each covering an adequate review of the literature pertaining to that subtopic as well as intelligent discussion regarding points made within each topic; (c) a conclusion section which sums up the points of the paper with discussion about the overall thesis; (d) adequately following instructions on the style and format of the paper; (e) spelling and grammar.

Attendance: Attendance and punctuality are highly recommended for those who wish to do well in the class. If you must miss a class, it is recommended that you make arrangements with another student to get notes for the day. Students who miss a great deal of classes, typically do poorly in the course.

Course Schedule: (please note this is subject to change) Tentative Schedule

Class Dates Tuesday Thursday 3/27, 3/29 Ch.1: Introduction Ch. 2: Research 4/3, 4/5 Ch 3: Models of Abnormality Ch 3: Models of Abnormality (con) Paper Topics due 4/10, 4/12 Ch 4: Classification, Assessment Required APA format for & Treatment paper; Ch 6: Stress Disorders 4/17, 4/19 Exam 1 (chs. 1-4, & 6) Ch 5: Anxiety Disorders Paper Outlines Due (beginning of class) 4/24, 4/26 Ch 5: Anxiety Disorders (con) Ch 7: Somatoform & Dissociative Disorders 5/1, 5/3 Ch 8: Mood Disorders; Ch 9: Mood Disorders (Treatment)

5/8, 5/10 Ch 10: Suicide Ch. 11: Eating Disorders

5/15, 5/17 Exam 2 (chs. 5, 7-11) Ch. 12: Substance-Related Disorders 5/22, 5/24 Ch.14: Schizophrenia Ch 15: Schizophrenia Treatments 5/29, 5/31 Ch. 17: Disorders of Childhood Ch. 18: Cognitive Disorders & Papers due by 1pm Disorders Related to Aging 6/5 Final Exam (cumulative): 11am-1:30pm