Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Revised 01/08/2015
Instructor: Dr. Chrystie Meziere
Northeast Campus Office: Room 2419
E-mail: cmeziere@tulsacc.edu
Office Hours by Phone (918-695-2075)
M-R
3:00pm – 5:30pm
Campus Office hours by appointment
On-line Course: Spring 2015
Course Dates: 01/12 to 05/10
Course ID:
PSYC 2423-290, 20280
PSYC 2423-291, 25739
Prerequisite: PSYC 1113
Introduction to Psych
Distance Learning Office
Phone: (918) 595-7282
Toll Free: 1 (888) 822-2973
Liberal Arts Division Office
Room NEC 1102
Phone: (918) 595-7089
TEXTBOOK AND OTHER MATERIALS:
 Required Text: Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology, 7th Edition, by Ronald J. Comer (Worth
Publishers, New York, NY)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4292-9563-5
 Note: An electronic version of our text is available through the TCC bookstore.
 Required Respondus Lockdown Web Browser: All online assessment for this course requires
this lockdown browser which can be downloaded to your desk top from this link:
http://www.respondus.com/lockdown/information.pl?ID=992533045
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Required word processing software: All TCC students can download and install a free copy of
Microsoft Office 2010 for Windows or Microsoft Office 2008 for Macintosh.
Very Important: Word Perfect and Microsoft Works are not compatible with this online course.
Please do not submit any documents in these formats.
Required: Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.12 (or later), Adobe Flash Player, and Adobe Shockwave.
All are free and available at: http://www.adobe.com
Video viewer: Microsoft Media Player, VLC or another video viewer
www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.aspx
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-windows.html
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html
LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND REVIEW ACTIVITIES
The learning objectives are excellent tools to help you focus on important points in the chapter. Use the
learning objectives, online practice quizzes, flashcards, and other review activities posted on our
Blackboard site and at the publisher web site to help check your learning progress prior to the test. The
direct address for the Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology 7th Edition Web Companion is:
http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/comerfund7e/
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A psychology class exploring the major categories of mental disorders, including their causes and
treatment. 3 credit hours.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1) Examine modern and historical contexts in which abnormal behaviors are defined and treated
2) Understand the use of the DSM-V classification system
3) Examine how major psychological, biological, and socio-cultural perspectives regard abnormal
behavior, assessment, and intervention
4) Identify symptoms, characteristics, behaviors, and treatments of major psychological disorders
5) Increase awareness of ethical and legal issues related to identification and treatment of individuals
with psychological disorders
6) Exercise written language, oral communication skills, and/or critical thinking skills utilizing case
studies and/or media representations of course principles and concepts.
7) Utilize technology to locate community resources and current events related to abnormal psychology
TEACHING METHODS:
Strategies for accessing information in this on-line course include reviewing chapter objectives and power
point slides, viewing videos/clips, reading assigned text material, participating in discussion board, and
completing practice tests, chapter tests, and video quizzes.
Reading Assignments and video selections: 12 to 13 chapters in the text are covered in part or whole.
The required reading and videos selected to support the reading will give you a strong overview of
the major categories of mental disorder, and relevant theoretical perspectives on their origin and
treatment.
Discussion Board and Applied Activities: Students will participate in two or three discussion boards
regarding a select topic related to abnormal psychology during the semester, complete an outline of
theoretical perspectives, and write about one or more self-assessments. These discussions and applied
activities are designed to complement the text material, facilitate class discussion between peers, and
help students understand the varied views of mental illness and treatment of the mentally ill.
Practice Tests: Each assigned chapter has a 25 question practice test. The practice tests are an excellent
tool to help you gauge if you are studying effectively. The practice tests are set up to give you
maximum flexibility and can be taken multiple times during the week assigned. Unlike our major
tests, you can start, save, and resume these quizzes. But, you must get at least 80% of the answers
correct (20 out of 25 questions) to get the 10 points for the practice test. A score of less than 80%
correct receives a ZERO. If you take the practice test more than once, Blackboard automatically
reports your highest practice test score. I suggest that you initially take the practice test as though it
were the real test to assess your current knowledge. All practice test questions provide realistic
examples of the kinds of questions you can expect on the actual test (not exact questions from test).
Videos: There are required and optional video clips. The optional video clips are clearly labeled
“optional” in the video title, and will not be included on the video quiz. All the video clips were
selected to: (a) help illustrate and reinforce text information; and, (b) to provide more personal insight
on living with various disabilities, their etiology and treatment.
Video Quizzes: There will be a quiz over the required videos posted at the same time as the major
chapter exams. The major chapter exams for this course and the video quizzes are timed and may be
taken only one time during a four day assessment period. Therefore, adequate study and preparation
is important to your success. You are encouraged to make notes while viewing the required videos to
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facilitate preparation for quizzes. You do not have to take the Video quiz and the test on the same day
but must complete both by the end of the four day assessment period. For those who prefer a
research/writing task to the video quiz see the “Optional Research Exercises”.
OPTIONAL Research Exercises to Replace Video Quizzes: For students who would rather have a
writing component as part of their grade rather than video quizzes, they may do Research Exercise(s)
from a list of topics on Discussion Board. These involve (a) reading one or more articles (b) providing
detailed answers to questions about the article, and (c) seeking out additional information on the topic
from additional resources. Research exercises may be completed for video quizzes until we run out of
them. They are due at the same time as the video quiz.
Exams: There are 7 major chapter exams. Each exam will cover 2 chapters and will follow an objective
format (multiple choice, T/F, matching) unless otherwise noted by the instructor.
Important: To do well on the test, you need to be thoroughly familiar with the information in the
assigned chapters. Setting up a daily reading schedule of assigned text chapters is critical to your
success in this class. In addition, there are many optional review materials (powerpoint, flashcards,
practice quizzes etc.) posted each week to facilitate your studies and available on the publisher
website http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/comerfund7e/
EVALUATION PROCEDURES:
Exams and Video Quiz Set-up: The major chapter exams for this course and the video quizzes are
timed and may be taken only one time during a four day assessment period. Each exam and video
quiz is password protected.
The password will be sent to your TCC e-mail account and posted to our blackboard announcements when the
assessment period begins.
Exams are taken using the Respondus Lockdown Browser for exam security. If technical problems
occur during testing you must contact the instructor by phone within 5 minutes of the difficulty
(contact number will appear in test directions).
Exam Procedures – On-Line: This course is 100% on-line, therefore, all assessments for this class can
be taken on-line and are timed. You may take each exam only once during a four day period.
Exam Procedures – On-Campus (option for those who do not wish to take tests on-line):
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For those with a disability or
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For ANYONE who wishes to test without time limits…
you may arrange to take the exam in the Northeast Campus Assessment Office during their hours of
operation. You will need picture ID. If you prefer this assessment option you simply show-up in
the NEC assessment center.
If you live outside the Tulsa area, you can arrange to take the tests at another proctored location.
Please send an e-mail well in advance of the assessment to make appropriate arrangements.
Optional Final: The Optional Final will cover the 2 chapters you did NOT select for Exam 7. Any
student may take the optional final to:
(1) replace their lowest test score on any of the Chapter Exams; or,
(2) substitute for a missed test on any of the Chapter Exams.
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Bonus Points: There are bonus points on all chapter exams and there will be THREE bonus point
opportunities beyond these. ONE bonus opportunity will require ATTENDANCE at an event. TWO
bonus opportunities can be completed online. In fairness to all students in this course, every bonus
opportunity is available to each student and additional opportunities for bonus points will not be
manufactured for individual students at the end of the semester to “bump” a letter grade. Study well and
take advantage of each grade opportunity offered throughout the course.
No Make-up Test Policy and Late assignment Policy: Students are expected to meet assessment and
assignment due dates. Because you have multiple days to take each test and quiz, there are no make-ups
in this class.
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If you know you have a schedule conflict, you can always take a quiz or a test early. Call or send
an e-mail to me and the necessary arrangements will be made.
If you miss one of the major chapter exams, you can elect to take the optional final.
Please do not wait until the last minute on the last day to take tests or quizzes. If the unexpected
occurs and you have technical difficulties, cannot access a computer, or cannot get to the
assessment office you will miss the testing window and there is no make- up option.
Late assignments are accepted but will be reduced an additional 3 points for each day late.
Late entries on discussion board are accepted UNTIL grading for discussion board starts.
Any extra credit or bonus points available for the regularly scheduled exam may not be earned or
applied to the optional final.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Email: All TCC students have a TCC email address (ex: jane.doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All communications
to you about TCC and course assignments will be sent to your TCC email address; and you must use this
email to send email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course.
For information about the TCC e-mail system for students, please visit
http://www.tulsacc.edu/office365/students
E-mailing Your Instructor: cmeziere@tulsacc.edu
Use above e-mail address when communicating with me and follow this format in subject line:
Your FIRST & LAST NAME: COURSE: Brief statement of issue
An example: John Nash: Abnormal Psy: I hear voices while testing
Response Time: You can expect a response to your e-mails within 24 hours.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance in this on-line course is considered to be regular participation in the discussion boards and
timely submission of assignments and tests.
ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL, INCOMPLETES, and GRADE DISPUTES:
I may elect to “administratively withdraw” any student who has not actively participated in the first or
second week of activities. Beyond this, an AW or Incomplete will not be given out at all without
legitimate documentation of extenuating circumstances and a current “passing” status in this course.
Appeals for an AW, I, or altered grade requires that you submit your justification to me in writing for
consideration along with documentation to support the request. Upon receipt, I will review your
justification and documentation, and decide whether or not the request has merit. Verbal requests or
disputes over these issues will not be entertained.
YOUR NEXT PSYCHOLOGY CLASS
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Introduction to Psychology is the basic survey class designed to familiarize students with the overall
field of psychology, and serves as the prerequisite to most undergraduate psychology classes. You
should have already completed this course and may enroll in any other Psychology course offered at
TCC. Consult with your academic advisor about any other psychology classes you might need to
take to complete your major. Beyond that, if you have electives available, other psychology classes
that you would probably find interesting include:
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PSYC 1313 – Human Relations
PSYC 2023 – Developmental Psychology
PSYC 2523 – Child Psychology
PSYC 2533 – Adolescent Psychology
SYLLABUS CHANGES
Although it is very unlikely, changes to the syllabus or the class requirements may be necessary due
to instructor error, extenuating circumstances, or to maintain course continuity. Students will be
notified in writing of any changes to the syllabus via your TCC e-mail account and on the class
Blackboard site.
BELOW ARE THE REQUIRED TCC SYLLABUS STATEMENTS
COURSE WITHDRAWAL POLICY: Last day to w/d: Friday, April 10th, 2015
The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration of any class. Check the TCC
Academic Calendar for deadlines. Begin the process with a discussion with the faculty member assigned
to the course. Contact the Advisement Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course
('W' grade) or to change from Credit to Audit. Withdrawal and/or change to an audit from a course after
the drop/add period can alter the financial aid award for the current and future semesters. Students may
receive an outstanding bill from TCC if the recalculation leaves a balance due to TCC. Students who stop
participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a course grade of “F,” which may have
financial aid consequences for the student.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions, beliefs,
and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange of ideas that is
essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other. Please refrain from use of
profanity in your discussion posts.
DISABILITY RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community college to create inclusive
learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To request
accommodations, contact the Education Access Center (EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call (918) 595-7115
(Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of others
about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not
condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. Tulsa Community
College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary action to the faculty. Such
disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not limited to, the dismissal of disrespectful
or disorderly students from classes. In the case of academic dishonesty a faculty member may:
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Require student to redo task, or require the student to complete a substitute assignment/test;
Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;
Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively
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withdraw the student from the class;
Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester.
Faculty may request that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by
submitting such a request to the Dean of Student Services.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information
contained in the TCC Catalog, TCC Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook, and
semester information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC website:
www.tulsacc.edu
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates gain
skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education and a
backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical Thinking,
Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.
INCLEMENT WEATHER COMMUNICATIONS: TCC rarely closes and Blackboard is always
available except for a brief maintenance period every Wednesday morning around midnight. If
extreme weather conditions or emergency situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to
radio and television stations. This information is also posted on the TCC website
(www.tulsacc.edu).
TOBACCO FREE COLLEGE: TCC is a tobacco Free college in accordance with the Governor’s
Executive Order 2012-01 and Title 63 of the Oklahoma States, section 1-1523 which prohibits
smoking or the use of any tobacco products in all public places, in any indoor workplace, and all
vehicles owned by the State of Oklahoma and all of its agencies and instrumentalities. This Order
includes property leased, rented, or owned by TCC including, but not limited to, all grounds,
buildings, facilities, and parking lots. TCC’s policy includes a tobacco free environment on all
campus and off-campus locations conducting TCC credit or non-credit classes. The TCC Campus
Police is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Tobacco-Free Environment Policy. Violations
of the policy may be addressed through issuance of campus or state citations.
TRANSFERABILITY: Please visit with a TCC Counselor or visit the Counseling Center at the
college or university to which you plan to transfer to determine transferability status of this course.
IMPORTANT NOTE about BLACKBOARD AVAILABILITY and TESTING: Blackboard is
available 24/7 except for maintenance every Wednesday morning from approximately 12:00am to
4:00am. Plan ahead and use time wisely!
GRADING SYSTEM
There will be a total of 1000 points possible from the required activities and tests for this course. At the
end of the semester, letter grades will be assigned according to the following cumulative point totals:
A ........................... 900 to 1000 Points .................................. 90% to 100% of total points
B ........................... 800 to 899 Points .................................. 80% to 89% of total points
C ........................... 700 to 799 Points .................................. 70% to 79% of total points
D .......................... 600 to 699 Points .................................. 60% to 69% of total points
F ........................... 599 Points & below .............................. Below 60% of total points
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