SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Spring 2015 Abnormal Psychology
Title: Abnormal Psychology
Catalog Number: PSYC 200 D1
online
January 12 through May 9
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Marshall E. Abbott, M.Ed
Office Hours: By appointment
Email: mabbott@smccME.edu
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the psychological theory and research regarding
abnormal and maladaptive human behavior. It provides a comprehensive overview of the
major categories of abnormal behavioral disorders with an emphasis on theory and
research (e.g., schizophrenia, affective disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, etc.)
Special attention will be given to the study of major concepts, theoretical perspectives,
empirical findings and historical trends as they pertain to psychological problems: as well
as exposure to issues in diagnostics and treatment techniques. This course is writing
intensive and will use a variety of types of writing.
Prerequisites: ENGL-100, PSYC 100
Course Objectives: After successfully completing this course, the student will be able to:
1. Understand the issues involved in defining normal and abnormal behavior.
2. Describe the definitions, symptoms, classifications, etiology and treatment of abnormal
behavior.
3. Formulate an understanding of psychopathology, which includes an integration of
biology, psychology and social context.
4. Recognize how culture and social context affect our understanding of psychopathology.
5. Use critical thinking, skeptical inquiry and the scientific approach to evaluate how
psychopathology relates to the field of psychology and the everyday world.
6. Write thoughtfully about the material covered in the class. Writing improvement will be
a central goal throughout the semester.
Learning Outcome Competencies
Critical Thinking: Upon completion of this course students will have:
1-C. Read and demonstrated an understanding of complex ideas by identifying key
concepts in the field of psychology.
2-C Applied theory to practice using problem solving techniques and data analysis.
3-C Have analyzed and evaluated research data to produce a well-reasoned argument or
position on an issue.
4-C Synthesized data from multiple sources to create and support a solution.
Global Citizenship: Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
1-G Explain how social interactions are influenced by local, regional, national and/or
global cultures.
2-G Recognize cultural and individual differences that underlie the complexities of
human behavior and social interaction.
Course Overview:
A warm welcome to Abnormal Psychology. My desire for you this semester is that the
learning experience will be informative and thought provoking. In addition to the course objectives
for the book and each chapter, it is my hope that you will learn to view your own life and experiences
so far, through the lens of psychology. The more that we learn about ourselves and the influences that
have made us who we are, the richer our own lives will be. My contact information is listed above.
You will need to file assignments and participate in class every week. If you miss assignments for
two consecutive weeks, you will be dropped from the class.
Required Text: Abnormal Psychology in a Changing World 9th Edition by Jeffrey S. Nevid,
Spencer A. Rathus and Beverly A. Green: Pearson Prentice Hall
Course Requirements: Filing weekly writing assignments, taking weekly tests, participating in the
discussion threads, and three cumulative tests over the chapter contents.
Contents of the class:
Chapter 1: Due Date January 16
Introduction and Methods of Research
Chapter 2: Due Date January 23
Contemporary Perspectives on Abnormal Behavior and Methods of Treatment
Chapter 3: Due Date January 30
Classification and Assessment of Abnormal Behavior
Chapter 4: Due Date February 6
Stress-Related Disorders
Chapter 5: Due Date February 13
Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
Chapter 6: Due Date February 20 (complete exam #1)
Dissociative Disorders, Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders, and Psychological Factors
Affecting Your Health
Chapter 7: Due Date February 27
Mood Disorders and Suicide
Chapters 8 and 9: Due Date March 6
Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders and
Easting Disorders and Sleep-Wake Disorders
Chapter 10: Due Date March 20
Disorders Involving Gender and Sexuality
Chapter 11: Due Date March 27 (complete exam #2)
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Chapter 12: Due Date April 3
Personality Disorders and Impulse-Control Disorders
Chapter 13: Due Date April 10
Abnormal Behavior in Childhood and Adolescence
Chapter 14: Due Date April 17
Neurocognitive Disorders and Disorders Related to Aging
Chapter 15: Due Date April 24
Abnormal Psychology and the Law
May 1: Complete Exam #3 and End of Course Evaluation
CLASS ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Attendance is required. If you miss the first two weeks of class, you will be reported as a NO SHOW
to the administration and dropped from the class. Missing two weeks of deadlines consecutively
without notifying me will result in you being dropped from the class and receiving an AF for the
course grade. Missing a total of two weeks will result in a lower grade, and missing over two weeks
of class will result in class failure.
Grading: All assignments must be completed in order to pass the course. No work will be accepted
after the last class.
The maximum number of points is 500. Grades will be assigned as follows:
465-500 points=A
450-464 points=A435-449 points=B+
415-434 points=B
400-414 points=B385-399 points=C+
365-384 points=C
350-364 points=C335-349 points=D+
313-334 points=D
0-312 Points=F