Psychology
Northwest College
PSYC 2316 – Psychology of Personality
CRN 63596 - Semester
3-Hour Lecture/ 48 hours per semester/ Term (26 of weeks)
Instructor: Dr. Janice T. Greco
Instructor Contact Information:
Office:713-718-5537, Janice.Greco@hccs.edu
Office location and hours
Office hours: 8-30-9:30 on Tues and Thursday mornings
2-3PM on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons,
Appointments: Do call first to be sure I am in for visits.
Phone Call Messages: Messages can be left at 713-718-5537, but do leave you name
and number and a time when I might catch you in.
Course Description
PSYC 2316 covers personality theories that apply to both normal personality and
abnormal behavior. Some of the theories covered are psychoanalytic, cognitive,
learning, and socio-cultural. Current research on the biological foundations of mental
health and illness is covered in detail. These theories are related to mental disorders
such as major depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder
and schizophrenia. Case studies of individuals enhance comprehension of mental
disorders. Treatment by psychotherapy and drugs is discussed as well as ethical, legal
and social issues relating to the mentally ill.
Prerequisites
The minimum requirements for enrollment in PSYC 2316 are 1.)having completed and
passed PSYC 2301; and, since PSYC 2316 requires college-level reading and writing
skills, placement in college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and
placement in college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite). If you
have enrolled in this course without having satisfied these prerequisites, you are at
higher risk of failure or withdrawal than students who have done so, and you should
carefully read and consider the repeater policy notice that follows.
1
Course Goals
The goals of all psychology courses at Houston Community College are as follows:
Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to
1. Succeed in advanced psychology courses that include related content and are
required for an undergraduate major in psychology
2. Succeed in advanced psychology and psychology-related courses that include
related content and are required in non-psychology majors such as nursing and
education
3. Understand and evaluate psychological concepts that are covered in this course and
are featured in news reports, self-help materials, and as a part of the process of seeking
and engaging in psychotherapy
Student Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
1. Define and identify key concepts in multiple (5) areas of personality theory and
abnormal psychology including concepts, facts and theoretical perspectives.
2. Describe and differentiate among the three major contemporary theories of
abnormality, the four types of treatment and the relationship between stress and health.
Also describe and differentiate among the six major classes of psychological disorders.
3. Evaluate the methods used in the study of abnormal psychology the assessment
tools used in this field.
4. Apply the use of the DSM-IV in the process of diagnosis.
Learning objectives
OBJECTIVES FOR SLO #1: Define and identify key concepts in multiple (5) areas of
personality theory and abnormal psychology including concepts, facts and theoretical
perspectives.
CORE DOMAIN 1: THE BACKGROUND AND HISTORY OF THE STUDY OF
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
1. Define abnormality
2. What causes of abnormality have been described by the various schools of theory.
3. Who are the contributors to each school of theory?
CORE DOMAIN 2: THE MAJOR ASSESSMENT TOOLS USED IN THIS FIELD
1. Define and identify the methods of gathering information about symptoms and
history
2. Define and identify the methods of measuring physiological and neurophysiological
information about the client
3. Define and identify the use of clinical interviews
4. Define and identify the personality inventories such as the MMPI
5. Define and identify projective tests such as the Rorschach Inkblot Test
CORE DOMAIN 3: MAJOR IMAGING TECHNIQUES
1. Define and identify CT scan
2
2.
3.
Define and identify PET scan
Define and identify MRI and fMRI
OBJECTIVES FOR SLO#2: Describe and differentiate among the three major
contemporary theories of abnormality, the four types of treatment and the relationship
between stress and health. Also describe and differentiate among the six major classes
of psychological disorders.
CORE DOMAIN 1: BIOLOGICALTHEORIES OF ABNORMALITY
1. Describe and differentiate structural abnormalities in the brain
2. Describe and differentiate poor functioning of the brain neurotransmitter systems
3. Describe and differentiate genetic inheritance
CORE DOMAIN 2: PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES OF ABNORMALITY
1. Describe and differentiate between the original psychodynamic theories and the
modern psychodynamic theories.
2. Describe and differentiate between the theories based on classical conditioning and
those based on operant conditioning.
3. Describe the cognitive theories of abnormality
4. Describe and differentiate between the humanistic and existential theories of
abnormality
CORE DOMAIN 3: SOCIAL AND INTERPERSONAL THEORIES
1. Describe and differentiate family systems theory
2. Describe and differentiate social structural theory
CORE DOMAIN 4: BIOLOGICAL TREATMENTS
1. Describe medications
2. Describe herbal medicines
3. Describe new types of therapy
CORE DOMAIN 5: PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIES
1.psychodynamic
2.humanistic
3. Behavior
4.Cognitive
CORE DOMAIN 6: INTERPERSONAL AND SOCIAL APPROACHES
1. Family systems therapy
2. Prevention programs
3. Cultural specific therapies
CORE DOMAIN 7: PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO STRESS
1.Sleep and health
2. Personality and health
3. Interventions to improve health
CORE DOMAIN 8: ANXIETY DISORDERS
1. Panic disorder
2. Phobias
3. Generalized Anxiety disorder
4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
CORE DOMAIN 9: SOMATOFORM AND DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS
3
1. Conversion disorder
2. Somatization disorder
3. Hypochondriasis
CORE DOMAIN 10: MOOD DISORDERS
1. Major depression
2. Bipolar disorder
3. The theories
4. The treatments
CORE DOMAIN 11: TYPES OF PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
1. Schizophrenia
2. Other psychotic disorders
3. The theories
4. The treatments
CORE DOMAIN 12: TYPES OF PERSONALY DISORDERS
1. Odd-eccentric disorders
2. Dramatic-emotional disorders
3. Anxious-fearful disorders
4. The theories
5. The treatments
CORE DOMAIN 13: TYPES OF CHILDHOOD DISORDERS
1. Behavior disorders
2. Separation anxiety disorder
3. Mental retardation
4. Pervasive developmental disorders
5. Special issues with children
OBJECTIVE FOR SLO#3: Evaluate the methods used in the study of abnormal
psychology the assessment tools used in this field.
CORE DOMAIN 1: CASE STUDIES
1. Evaluate the advantages of case studies in abnormal psychology
2. Evaluate the disadvantages of case studies, especially the lack of generalizability
and objectivity.
CORE DOMAIN 2: CORRELATIONAL STUDIES
1. Evaluate the necessity of using correlation in the study of abnormality
2. Evaluate the use of cross-sectional and longitudinal research in this area
3. Evaluate the importance of statistical significance
4. Evaluate the difference between correlation and causation
5. Evaluate the importance of representativeness
6. Evaluate the need for good external validity
CORE DOMAIN 3: EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES
1. Evaluate the limitations of human laboratory study
2. Evaluate the limitations of human laboratory study
3. Evaluate the importance of random assignment
4. Evaluate the limitations of generalizability
5. Evaluate the special ethical issues with this type of research, especially in therapy
4
outcome studies
OBJECTIVES FOR SLO#4: Apply the use of the DSM-IV in the process of diagnosis.
CORE DOMAIN 1: Apply the use of the DSM-IV in the process of diagnosis
Students will apply
1. What type of information is used in the diagnostic process?
2. How does the psychologist use the Five Axes?
3. How do psychologists use the information in each of the disorder chapters and the
DSM-IV to create a diagnostic report?
CALENDAR
[Insert your calendar here]
Instructional Methods: in this online class:
There are notes provided for each chapter of the text.
Frequent contact with this instructor is encouraged by course email.
The course content on the homepage lists the topics covered on each test.
[Describe your methods here]
Student Assignments:
There is a case study to be done this semester with eight sections
demonstrated in an example provided on the homepage.
There will be extra credit discussions, one before each test.
[Describe your assignments here]
Assessments:
There are four tests. The 1st, 3rd and 4th are online.
The mid term is taken in person with dates, times and locations described
on the course homepage.
The written assignment is a case study demonstrated on the course
homepage.
[Describe your assessments here]
Instructional Materials:
The text, the notes provided and opportunities to discuss topics.
Text
HCC Policy Statement - ADA
Services to Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning,
psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable
accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the
respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized
5
to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support
Services Office.
(District ADA Coordinator – Donna Price – 713.718.5165
Central ADA Counselors – Jaime Torres - 713.718.6164
Martha Scribner – 713.718.6164
Northeast ADA Counselor- Kim Ingram – 713.718.8420
Northwest ADA Counselor – Mahnaz Kolaini – 713.718.5422
Southeast ADA Counselor – Jette Lott - 713.718.7218
Southwest ADA Counselor – Dr. Becky Hauri – 713.718.7910
Coleman ADA Counselor – Dr. Raj Gupta – 713.718.7631)
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the
coursework has been learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available
to other students. The instructor is responsible for measuring each student's individual
achievements and also for ensuring that all students compete on a level playing field.
Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You
are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in
the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance
of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with
honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary
proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student accused of
scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating
on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:





Copying from another students’ test paper;
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or
part the contents of a test that has not been administered;
Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged
incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written
work offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a
grade of 0 or F in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or
recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. (See the Student
Handbook)
HCC Policy Statements
6
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! In the case of an online
class, that means check in at least twice a week. The computer does record the
number of times you check in. Attending class regularly is the best way to succeed in
this class. Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success
is attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly increases your ability to succeed. You
are expected to attend all lecture and labs regularly. You are responsible for materials
covered during your absences. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your
responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to
drop you for excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information
that is discussed in class is important for your career, students may be dropped from a
course after accumulating absences in excess of 12.5% hours of instruction. The six
hours of class time would include any total classes missed or for excessive tardiness or
leaving class early.
You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making the
decision not to attend, you do not have to notify the instructor prior to missing a class.
However, if this happens too many times, you may suddenly find that you have “lost” the
class.
Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class,
including the first week, you are responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to
find a friend or a buddy in class who would be willing to share class notes or discussion
or be able to hand in paper if you unavoidably miss a class.
Class attendance equals class success.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the
course prior to the final date of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course;
please take the time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to
do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable
you to complete the course. Your success is very important. Beginning in fall 2007, the
Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX
total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate
and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an
Early Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that
you might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic
performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn
about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring,
child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your
academic performance.
7
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you may withdraw yourself online (except for
flex entry classes) OR contact a HCC counselor or your professor to withdraw you and
this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript.
(**Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length,
please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any
HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal
deadlines.) Remember to allow sufficient time (at least 24-hour response time)
when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or
counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a
day before the deadline. Some professors may not be willing to process the
withdrawal requests or have specific timelines for processing withdrawal
requests, please consult with your individual professor for details. If you do not
withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class
as your final grade.
Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat
failed classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course
more than twice, are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is
to encourage students to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC
will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or subsequent time for a
course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing
grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study
habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course
participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
International Students
Receiving a W in a course may affect the status of your student Visa. Once a W is
given for the course (after you have submitted withdrawal form formally), it will not be
changed to an F because of the visa consideration. Please contact the International
Student Office at 713-718-8520, if you have any questions about your visa status and
other transfer issues.
Online Behavior
Do not use the discussion board for personal information and private chats.
Never criticize another students comments online. Use the private email provided
within the course for personal questions such as those about your grades or
concerns about items on the test.
Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
8






Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student
grades are to be derived
Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions,
and lectures
Description of any special projects or assignments
Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make
up
Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of
any special projects or assignments
Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
 Read and comprehend the textbook
 Complete the required assignments and exams:
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all
assignments
Grading
Test I – 10%
Test II( Mid Term) = 40%
Test III=10%Course
Case Study
+ Test IV(Final)=10%
HCCS Grading Scale
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
Below 60 = F