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Master Course Outline
PSYC& 220
Abnormal Psychology
Course Description: An introduction to the study of abnormal behavior utilizing lectures, group
exercises and case studies. This course will cover organic and environmental etiology of abnormal
behavior including various disorders related to stress, anxiety, substance abuse, sexuality and moods, as
well as personality dysfunction. Also, methods of therapy including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic
and experimental as they apply to individuals and groups will be discussed. 5 lecture hours. Satisfies
specified elective requirement for the AA degree.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: PSYC& 100
Recommended Preparation: ENGL& 101
Co-requisites: None
Learning Outcomes:
A. Develop an understanding of the impact of psychological disorders on individuals and society.
(Competency in Disciplinary Learning, Critical Thinking Literacy and Using Resources, Social and
Personal Responsibility)
B. Introduce the major diagnostic categories of abnormal behavior as outlined in the DSM-IV.
(Competency in Disciplinary Learning, Critical Thinking Literacy and Using Resources)
C. Help students become aware of the causative factors in the development of psychological
disorders including the behavioral, psychological, familial and biological aspects. (Competency in
Disciplinary Learning, Critical Thinking Literacy and Using Resources)
D. Increase student knowledge of the broad range of symptoms resulting from various disorders.
(Competency in Disciplinary Learning, Literacy and Using Resources)
E. Familiarize the student with current research in the area of abnormal psychology. (Competency
in Disciplinary Learning, Literacy and Using Resources)
F. Introduce students to a wide range of therapeutic approaches currently used in the treatment
of psychological disorders. (Competency in Disciplinary Learning, Critical Thinking Literacy and
Using Resources)
Course Resources/Textbooks/Website: Comer, J. (2011). Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology (6th
edition). Worth Publishing. New York.
Academic Integrity: All forms of cheating, falsification, and plagiarism are against the rules of this course
and of Grays Harbor College. Students who are unsure what constitutes academic dishonesty are
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responsible for asking the instructor for clarification. Instances of intentional academic dishonesty will
be dealt with severely.
Disabilities: Students who have documented disabilities that require accommodations in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Disability Support Services coordinator as
well as the instructor of the course in order to ensure that together we create an optimal environment
for educational achievement.
W Day, the final day to officially withdraw from a course, is the Thursday of the seventh week (Thursday
of the fourth week for summer quarter). Students who do not withdraw by that date will receive the
grades they have earned, regardless of whether they are attending the course or completing the work.
Students who are considering withdrawal are strongly advised to consult with the instructor, advisor and
financial aid prior to withdrawing. The only withdrawals allowed after W Day are complete withdrawals
from all courses.
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