Psychology 14: Abnormal Psychology
Fall 2013
Instructor: Dr. Steve Kudler
Phone: (818) 710-2525 Office: BEH 1306D
Hours: M 3:10-3:45 pm, F 8:25-9:00am and by appt.
e-mail: kudlers@piercecollege.edu
Class Section 3367
Web page: http://faculty.piercecollege.edu/kudlers/
Time: Monday 3:45-6:55 PM
Location: BEH 1302
Required Textbook: Abnormal Psychology in a Changing World, 8/E Authors: Nevid, Rathus, Spence
ISBN-10: 0205773400 ISBN-13: 9780205773404
Supplies: Scantron 882 and #2 pencil.
Catalog Description: Acquaints the student with dynamics of personality, adjustment mechanisms, mental
mechanisms, types of emotional disorders, various theories of their origin and development, and various
therapeutic approaches. Provider approved by the California Board of Nursing. The course awards 45 contact
hours of continuing education for nurses.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course. Recommended Preparation: Psychology 1 or 6
Course Credits: 3 Course Transfer Status: UC: CSU
This course was identified as a “Path" course leading to an OPTIONAL minor in Civic Engagement at CSUN.
There are five paths a student may take (Aesthetics and Culture, Health and Wellness, Global Studies, Social
Justice, and Sustainability) and this course fulfills the Health and Wellness Path. Please inquire with your
instructor if you are interested in additional courses offered at Pierce to fulfill this Path.
Student Learning Outcomes: The student is expected to;
1) Students will be able to recognize and analyze various symptoms and diagnosis various major abnormal
behaviors.
2) Students will be able to apply either the biological, learning, psychosocial and developmental influences of the
major psychiatric disorders.
3) Students will be able to apply the diagnostic criteria in the assessment and diagnosis of the major psychiatric
disorders.
Methods of Presentation: Lecture and discussions by students facilitated by the instructor, individual and group
class activities and problem solving exercises, written assignments, media presentations, group discussion, and
quizzes.
Computer and Information Competency: Students are expected to use a computer to access the textbook Online
Learning Center and encouraged to use the supplemental study materials, such as chapter outlines, glossaries,
quizzes, and weblinks. Students should use a computer to access databases to find journal articles for the written
assignment. You should check your student email on a regular basis and/or have the emails forwarded to your
personal email account. There will be communication to your student email regarding changes to the class
schedule, assignments and extra credit.
Psychology 14: Abnormal Psychology - page 2
Academic approach: Please understand that I view every class as important and the motives for the instructional
plan may not have been revealed to you. Please be patient as they are in fact consistent with course objectives.
My goal is to help and guide you, but you are ultimately responsible for learning the course content. My objectives
include helping you better understand what is presented in class and how the subject matter is connected to your
life in the community. I am dedicated to your success in this class and at Pierce College. Please feel free to stop
by my office during office hours to discuss any matters and for assistance with the course work.
Although there are no prerequisites for this course, student's are expected to have developed appropriate written
and verbal skills characteristic of a high school graduate. This course will build upon your prior education.
Deficient written and verbal skills may require students to first take remedial courses. Participation in a general
education curriculum requires adequate preparation. As this course is applicable for CSU/UC transfer, one of the
goals is to improve the student's ability to think by requiring analysis, criticism, and synthesis in both the written
and verbal areas. During general education, students should acquire an understanding of the modes of inquiry that
characterize the different areas of human thought: the nature of questions that can be addressed, the way questions
are formulated, the way analysis is conducted, and the validity and implications of the answers obtained.
This course is designed to be intellectually challenging and stimulating. It is presented from a theoretical point of
view which focuses on core concepts and methods. As an instructor, I have a responsibility to students, Pierce
College and the community to prepare students for entry into the upper division of a four-year institution and/or for
participation in life. I hope you can strengthen personal qualities such as written skills and oral speaking by having
an opportunity to be creative and applying your ideas to real life situations.
I believe the best educational strategy of obtaining knowledge is student-centered. The goal is for you to become
active participants in the discovery of knowledge. While there will be times that I lecture, I do not see myself as
the source of knowledge. Rather, I see myself as a facilitator who guides you through the learning process.
Practically, this means that discussions will play a major role in the course. This learning style makes it imperative
that you do the readings before class and come in prepared to discuss what you have read. I feel knowledge is
obtained in an open environment where the guiding principle is "controversy with civility". This involves an
interactive process of discussion and reflection. As part of this course, we will be discussing issues that are
controversial. You will be presented with a variety of thoughts about these topics and it is up to you to decide
where you stand on the various issues. I want you to know that there is no ideology that you must follow.
However, what I do require is that you support your idea with your viewpoints and experience.
I am not a neutral observer; I do have a values-based approach to education. I value a compassionate and caring
society, one that is anti-racist and justice-loving. When a student raises a point that differs from my own values,
my role as an instructor is to have students intellectually critique this position. Yet, I will also defend the person's
right to make such a claim (and provide support and/or opposition for it), because in a college, all ideas should be
held up to examination. Therefore, we should examine whatever is brought up, analyze it, and determine for
ourselves what parts are valid and what parts are not valid. It should also be said that you will never be graded for
what opinion you have, only how well you present and support it. It is important to present controversial views or
topics in an appropriate manner. Classroom discussions should directly relate to the course and our goal is to keep
the discussions focused on the subject matter.
Psychology 14: Abnormal Psychology - page 3
August 26
September 2
September 9
September 16
September 23
September 30
October 7
October 14
October 21
October 28
November 4
November 11
November 18
November 25
December 2
December 9
Class Schedule
Chapter 1: Introduction and Methods of Research
Holiday - College Closed
Chapter 2: Contemporary Perspectives on Abnormal Behavior
Chapter 3: Classification and Assessment of Abnormal Behavior
Chapter 4: Methods of Treatment
Chapter 5: Stress, Psychological Factors, and Health
Exam 1 (Chapters 1-5)
Chapter 6: Anxiety Disorders
Chapter 7: Dissociative and Somatoform Disorders
Chapter 8: Mood Disorders and Suicide
Chapter 9: Substance Abuse and Dependence
Chapter 10: Eating Disorders and Sleep Disorders
Exam 2 (Chapters 6-10)
Chapter 11: Disorders Involving Gender and Sexuality
Holiday - College Closed
Chapter 12: Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Chapter 13: Personality Disorders and Impulse Control Disorders
Term Paper Due NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED!
Chapter 14: Abnormal Behavior in Childhood and Adolescence
Chapter 15: Cognitive Disorders and Disorders Related to Aging
Chapter 16: Abnormal Psychology and the Law
FINAL EXAM 4:30 pm (Chapters 11-16)
Grading
300 pts.
Exam 1, Exam 2, Final Exam 100 points each
100 pts.
Term Paper – page 7
100 pts.
Class film written assignments
100 pts.
Class participation / attendance
0-200 pts. Other assignments at instructors discretion
The written paper, essays and other writings are evaluated on higher order thinking and critical thinking skills
along with the quality, accuracy and content of the student's writing. Exams, quizzes and assignments can cover
any material presented in class or in the textbook. All papers prepared outside of class must be typed. Extra credit
will be given at the instructor's discretion. You cannot make-up missed assignments.
Final grades:
A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, F<60%
Assignments, methods of evaluation, and related information
Exams
The exams will consist of multiple choice, true/false, fill in and/or essay questions. You will be allowed 50
minutes to complete an exam. If the instructor has notified the class in advance that notes are allowed to be used,
they must be handwritten and not photocopied. Do not write on the exams. Any writing on the exam will result in
a 10 point grade deduction. Students arriving 10 or more minutes late to class will not be allowed to take an exam
if one is scheduled. In exceptional, unforeseeable or emergency circumstances only, one exam will be allowed to
be made up at the discretion of the instructor. If you will be unable to take an exam, you must call my office in
advance of the exam. Making up an exam will consist of taking a makeup within one week of the missed exam.
Psychology 14: Abnormal Psychology - page 4
Incompletes: If you fail to take the final exam for unforeseeable, emergency, and justifiable reasons (Board Rule
6702, Chapter VI - Article VII), you may request an incomplete. An incomplete will ONLY be recorded if (1) you
request an incomplete from the instructor prior to the final exam, (2) exams and all other papers and assignments
have been completed and (3) you are passing the course. If you do not make-up the final exam within one year
after it was originally scheduled in class, the incomplete automatically becomes a "F" one year from the end of the
semester.
Term Paper
Students will prepare a formal written paper including book and/or literature reviews. The written paper
will only be accepted in class and must not be sent via email. The due date is the last day the paper
can be turned in. Late papers will NOT be accepted. It is recommended that you prepare and turn
your paper in early to avoid any last minute problems.
The goal of this research paper is to gain skill in summarizing the findings of a published psychological
research study. To adequately complete this assignment you need to understand what you read and decide
what the most important aspects of the research paper are. By critiquing a study, you will identify
information that is pertinent to the conclusions that are drawn from it.
Class presentations and written assignments: Students will write reactions to DVD presentations. To
accommodate an unexpected absence, one lowest film written assignment will be dropped. This class may
utilize video presentations on controversial topics with offensive language, and graphic scenes of violence,
sex, racism, etc. You are not required to watch any film or presentation that your believe is offensive, or
feel is offensive while viewing it in class. If you wish to be excused from a presentation, you need to
notify the instructor prior to leaving the class. An alternative assignment will be made available for both the
missed class time and in place of any written paper. Most presentations have been viewed by previous
classes and have been determined by written questionnaires and student consensus to have an educational
value in providing instruction to students.
Class participation: This is to encourage and reward students who prepare for, attend class, and engage in
discussion reflecting one's critical thinking. Additionally, student’s conduct will be taken into
consideration in the grading. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate for the
College environment. Do not carry on private conversations or make it difficult for your classmates to
follow the instruction. Please place cell phones and pagers on silent mode or turn them off. I will not allow
people to be disrespectful of other people's ideas. Respectful behavior given by students to each other and to
their instructors is expected. It is also given by instructors to their students. Offensive comments are
entirely unnecessary. You may be evaluated on the extent and quality of your participation in class based on
the following;
(A) Excellence requires that you play a leadership role in discussion, demonstrate that you carefully read
and thoughtfully consider the text; discuss points articulately; listen sensitively and respond intelligently to
other's views; do not interrupt, obstruct or dominate discussion; ask insightful, carefully-constructed
questions; and take responsibility for the overall quality of the discussion.
(B) Above average requires that you participate actively in discussion, demonstrate good knowledge of the
text, work to achieve understanding, listen to other viewpoints, and ask sound questions.
(C) Average requires that you follow the discussion, make occasional comments, have a basic knowledge
of the text, and sometimes ask questions.
(D) Below average requires that you occasionally show signs of life.
(F) Failure requires that you show little signs of life.
Psychology 14: Abnormal Psychology - page 5
Homework: This course requires a minimum of 6 hours of reading and writing per week. Students are
expected to meet this state standard by reading the assigned chapters in advance of class. It is strongly
recommended you spend at least 1 hour per day reading and studying notes during the week and another 1
hour per week researching and preparing the written paper. Planning your workload to accommodate the
exams, quizzes, assignments and papers for this class with your other courses is your responsibility. You
should have time before each exam to spend on reviewing the material.
Attendance: All students should be familiar with the Attendance Regulations printed in both the College
Catalog and the Schedule of Classes. Any student who has unexcused absences equaling one week's worth
of class time prior to census date (end of second week) may be excluded. Do not call the college or my
office to report absences. If you need to leave class early, please notify the instructor in advance.
As this class meets once weekly, regular attendance and punctuality is imperative. There is a strong
relationship between regular attendance and the understanding needed for doing well in this class. Students
are expected to be in class on time and to remain for the entire class period. This class will have
assignments which makes attendance important. Medical appointments, work, job interviews, child care
responsibilities, etc. should be arranged so as not to occur during class time. It is recommended you leave
yourself enough time for traffic congestion and parking problems. You are responsible for any material and
assignments you miss when absent. If you must miss a class, you should borrow the notes from a classmate. You
may desire to exchange phone numbers with your classmates and call them when you are absent. It is the
responsibility of each student to be prepared by coming to class and having read the required assignments.
Students arriving 10 or more minutes late to class or leaving early will be counted as absent.
Any student absent from two or more class sessions is subject to being dropped by the Instructor. If you will be
missing a second class session, please email the instructor on or before the date of the absence. A grade of "W"
will appear on your record if the date you are dropped is after the last day to drop without receiving a grade of
"W". If you stop attending class, you should drop the class. Do not rely on the instructor to drop you from class.
If you stop attending class and do not officially drop, you may receive a final grade of "F" in the course.
Holiday absences: By the last day to add the class, students are responsible to inform the instructor of any
anticipated absences due to observance of major religious holidays so that alternative arrangements may be made.
Failure to do so may result in an inability to make other arrangements or a lower grade.
Dropping the class: The last day to drop;
a) without receiving a grade of "W" and without incurring fees is September 8, 2013.
b) and receive a grade of "W" is November 17, 2013. On-line only.
The No Penalty Drop Date is now the day before Census (end of the second week for full-term classes). You must
drop by that date or you will be assigned a "W" for the class. W’s count against your total attempts. You can only
attempt a class three times. That includes withdrawals, incompletes and substandard grades.
Academic Integrity: The faculty and administration of Pierce College are committed to the belief that honesty
and integrity are integral components of the academic process. The College expects students to be honest and
ethical at all times in their pursuit of academic goals. Students who violate the code of academic conduct by which
the College maintains its academic integrity will be dealt with in a manner reflecting the seriousness of these
violations.
High standards of honesty and ethical behavior are required. Papers submitted in class must be the student's own
work. All work in this class is individual. There are no group projects, assignments, or tests. The term exam used
Psychology 14: Abnormal Psychology - page 6
herein refers to any examination, paper, quiz, assignment, etc. Cheating includes, but is not limited to the use of a
textbook, study guide, printed pages, handwritten notes (unless specifically allowed in writing by the Instructor)
during exams; copying or allowing another student to copy from one's paper or answer sheet during an exam;
allowing another individual to assume one's identity for the purpose of taking an exam or taking an exam for
another student; falsifying or attempting to falsify attendance records and/or grade rosters; changing answers on a
previously scored test, assignment or experiment with the intent to defraud; inventing data for the purpose of
completing a case study analysis with the intent to defraud; giving to another and/or taking information from
another during an examination by any means such as verbally, written, sign language, hand signals or secret codes;
using dictionaries, PDA's, cameras, cellular telephones, recording equipment while taking an exam; obtaining
copies of exam questions by any means other than distribution from the instructor; copying and/or removing exam
questions from the classroom for any purpose, and accepting information from another student regarding an exam.
Students must acknowledge clearly when they are drawing on the ideas or phrasings of others. This involves
learning the conventions for citing documents and acknowledging sources. Plagiarism includes copying a paper
and/or materials from a source text without proper acknowledgment, supplying proper documentation, but leaving
out quotation marks, and paraphrasing materials from a source text without appropriate documentation. Students
are not guilty of plagiarism when they try in good faith to acknowledge others’ work but fail to do so accurately or
fully due to the failure in prior teaching and learning. Any student who is found cheating or plagiarizing will be
failed on the exam, and may be failed in the class and/or referred to the Dean of Students. Tape and/or video
recorders are not allowed to be used in class.
Confidentiality: Information obtained in class of a personal nature about another should be treated as privileged
and confidential.
Nondiscrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy: Classes are conducted in a manner which is free of
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, marital status,
sexual orientation, age, disability, medical condition (cancer) or veteran status. This environment is also free from
unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communications
constituting sexual harassment.
Special Services for Disabled Students: The instructor will make "reasonable adjustments" to ensure that
students with hearing, visual, motor, learning and other disabilities can participate as fully as possible and that the
academic requirements of the course are administered in a non-discriminatory manner. Please contact the
instructor at the beginning of the term to work out the details of the accommodation. This information will be kept
confidential.
You can contact Special Services at (818) 719-6430. Special Services is located in the Student Services Building,
Room 48175. Services are provided for the following disabilities: Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Low Vision, Blind,
Psychological, Mobility, AIDS/HIV, Neurological, Developmentally Delayed, Speech, Learning Disabled,
Substance Abuse, Other Health and ADD/ADHD.
Health Center: The Health Center is designed to assist you in achieving and maintaining optimum levels of health
and wellness through a growing network of health care, education, information, and referral. Personal counseling
is offered (under supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist). Hours are available each week, by appointment.
The Health Center is located in Student Services Building, Second Floor and can be contacted at (818) 710-4270.
Website: http://piercecollege.edu/offices/health_center
Pierce College offers students various services including The Learning Center, Computer Lab and Writing Lab.
The instructor reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the schedule, Exams, quizzes, assignments, etc.
The student is expected to be familiar with the Schedule of Courses and the General Catalog.
Psychology 14: Abnormal Psychology - page 7
Term Paper
This paper requires research on your topic including a literature review and at least one reference in addition to
your textbook. Use MLA or APA style. Label each section in your paper (1a, 1b, etc.) in the left side margin
using a black pen.
Please visit my web page http://www.faculty.piercecollege.edu/kudlers/ for a link to “Writing Term Papers, Essays
and Research Reports”. Detailed requirements including style and format are listed on this webpage.
TURN YOUR PAPER IN EARLY TO AVOID LAST MINUTE DIFFICULTIES!
LATE PAPERS ARE NOT ACCEPTED!
Title Page
Section 1 (Introduction)
a) Identify a non-fictional person or a character from a movie with an Axis I disorder.
b) Provide detailed background information on the individual and a history of their mental illness
including the specific abnormal behaviors evidenced by the individual.
Section 2
a) Explain why the behavior and actions displayed by the individual are abnormal.
b) Summarize one or more sources of information, preferably a journal article on the Axis I disorder.
c) Complete a multi-axial diagnoses
Axis I: Clinical Disorders - one or more Axis I DSM-IV diagnoses. Additional v codes are optional.
Axis II: Personality and Developmental Disorders.
Axis III: General Medical Conditions.
Axis IV: Psychosocial and Environmental Problems.
Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning.
d) Use the DSM-IV to define the diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis pertaining to the individual.
e) Identify differential diagnoses and discuss why they may or may not apply. For example, if you are using
a Psychotic Disorder, discuss Psychotic and Mood Disorder exclusions referenced in the DSM-IV and indicate
why you have ruled out each disorder.
Section 3 (Conclusion)
Relate your past experiences (education, information learned from the textbook or media, experiences with
friends and relatives, etc) to the Axis I mental disorder and reflect on how these experiences have led to
your underlying philosophies and beliefs about the issue being presented.
References