Heartland Community College
Social and Business Sciences
Course Syllabus for Students Spring 2007
Course Prefix and Number: PSY 203-03
Course Title: Abnormal Psychology
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0
Days & times the course meets: Tuesday & Thursday – 11AM –12:15PM
PEC 210
Introduction:
As a follow-up course to General Psychology, the purpose of this course is to provide the student
with an opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of human behavior as it applies to the
commonly accepted disorders classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – Fourth
Edition (DSM-IV). Abnormal Psychology is among the most popular areas of study in
psychology. The problems it addresses are of immense personal and social importance, problems
that touch the lives of us all in one way or another. These include problems that are all too
pervasive such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and sexual dysfunction as well as
problems that are less common, but have a profound impact on all of us, such as schizophrenia
The study of human behavior is essential to understanding not only ourselves, but also the social
context in which we exist. The study of abnormal behavior is therefore essential to
understanding what happens when problems arise and what to do about them. As students
examine the topics contained in this study, they should challenge themselves to widen their
perspectives and apply their growing understanding of human behavior to the real world.
Catalog Description:
The examination of the major types of psychological disturbance; terminology in use today, the
diagnostic categories and criteria, as well as a general introduction to treatment methods.
Instructor Information:
Instructor name: Mark R. Martin, M.Div, MA, LCPC
Phone number to contact instructor: (217) 842-6777 (leave message with secretary)
Instructor e-mail address: Mark.Martin@heartland.edu
Location of instructor's office: ICB 2102 (Adjunct Office on main campus)
Hours and days of instructor's office hours: Tues & Thurs after class (other times
by appointment)
Textbook:
Required:
Recommended:
Nevid & Rathus. (2006) Abnormal Psychology in a Changing
World. 6th. Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ. Prentice Hall.
Nevis & Rathus. (2006) Abnormal Psychology In a Changing
World – Study Guide. Prentice Hall.
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer:
(Indicate if course is General Education/IAI)
This course fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Social Sciences required for the A.A. or
A.S. degree. This course should transfer as part of the General Education Core Curriculum
described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois colleges and universities
participating in the IAI. However, students should consult an academic advisor for transfer
information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page at www.itransfer.org for
more information.
Beliefs:
Academic Discipline:
Psychology as a science is relatively young, especially as compared to the other (hard) sciences.
However, that does not diminish in any way the importance of this field. Psychology is one of the
sources to which people look to understand and solve human problems such as crime, war,
mental disorders and abnormal behavior. It is through the study of psychology that we seek to
understand/explain both the causes (environment) and reasons (personal perspective) for
observed behavior. The challenge which the student will face is to combine both causes and
reasons and so construct a thorough and systematic body of thought that is both scientific in
scope and relevant to the lives we lead.
Student Learning:
As with anything in life, you will get as much out of your study of abnormal psychology as you
put into it. Learning is what you do; no one can do it for you. You must read and think and write
with a critical mind, and be prepared to alter or adjust your thinking (a.k.a. paradigm shift). You
must always try, because only with effort and an open mind you will finish the course with pride
in your endeavor and knowledge that will always be yours.
Instructor's Role:
I will be here to instruct you not only concerning the factual information of abnormal
psychology, but assist you in your journey through it. You will hear lectures, be questioned, told
stories, and be asked to respond to current events that take place during the semester. I will
encourage you, challenge you, offer assistance to you, and of course evaluate your performance
and understanding. I will be available to discuss psychology, to answer your questions, and to
point you in the direction of sources for you to use to find your own answers to your questions.
Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes):
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to accomplish the following objectives:
1. Misconceptions of abnormal behavior popularly held.
2. Major scientific methodologies involved in researching abnormal behavior.
3. Historical context for attitudes and beliefs concerning abnormal behavior.
4. Knowledge of basic tenets of biological, psychosocial and sociocultural viewpoints of
behavior.
5. The role of stress in maladaptive behavior - categories of stressors and coping strategies.
6. Knowledge of anxiety based disorders - as viewed from the psychodynamic, learning,
cognitive and biological perspectives.
7. Understanding of the relationship between psychological and biological factors in illness.
8. Recognition of personality disorders, which are socially maladaptive.
9. Awareness of affective disorders and conditions influencing mood.
10. Information regarding schizophrenic disorders.
11. Substance abuse and other addictive disorders.
12. Symptoms and problems associated with organic brain disorders and mental retardation.
13. Review of psychological disturbances of childhood and adolescence.
14. The clinical assessment and techniques used to determine the nature and severity of
maladaptive behavior.
15. Therapies utilized in the treatment of mental disorder.
16. An understanding of social measures for the prevention and amelioration of psychological
disorders.
Course/Lab Outline:
The following is a very brief outline of the most basic topics every instructor teaching the course
will include. There will of course be additional topics; each instructor may vary in these topics,
as well as how much time is spent on each topic.
1. Introduction and Methods of Research
a. Defining Abnormal Behavior
b. Historical Views of Abnormal Behavior
c. Research Methods in Abnormal Psychology
2. Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives
a. Psychodynamic Perspectives
b. Cognitive Perspectives
c. Humanistic and Sociocultural Perspectives
d. Biological Perspectives
3. Classification and Assessment of Abnormal Behavior
a. DSM
b. Assessment Testing
c. Reliability and Validity
4. Therapy and Treatment
a. Psychodynamic Therapies
b. Humanistic Therapies
c. Cognitive Therapies
d. Behavioral Therapies
e. Biological Therapies
d. Group and Family Therapies
5. Stress and Coping
a. Stress and Health
b. Biological and Psychological Factors
6. Anxiety disorders
a. Panic Disorder
b. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
c. Phobias
7. Dissociative and Somatoform disorders
a. Dissociative Amnesia
b. Dissociative Fugue
c. Depersonalization Disorder
d. Dissociative Identity Disorder
e. Conversion Disorder
f. Somatoform Disorders
8. Mood disorders and Suicide
a. Major Depressive Disorder
b. Bipolar Disorder
c. Suicide
9. Personality disorders
a. Antisocial Personality Disorder
b. Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders
c. Histrionic and Narcissistic Personality Disorders
10. Substance-related disorders
a. Abuse and Dependence
b. Alcoholism
c. Other Drug Addictions
11. Eating Disorders, Obesity, and Sleep Disorders
a. Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa
b. Causes of Obesity
c. Dyssomnias and Parasomnias
12. Sexual and Gender Identity disorders
a. Gender Identity Disorder
b. Paraphilias
13. Schizophrenic and Psychotic disorders
a. Schizophrenia
b. Other Forms of Psychosis
14. Abnormal Behavior in Childhood and Adolescence
a. Risk Factors
b. Attention Deficit Disorder
c. Conduct Disorder
d. Mental Retardation
15. Cognitive Disorders
a. Alzheimer’s Disease
b. Other Medical Conditions
16. Violence and Abuse
a. Rape
b. Child Abuse
17. Contemporary and Legal Issues
a. Patient’s Rights
b. The Insanity Defense
c. Predicting and Preventing Psychological Disorders
Methods of Instruction: Our journey into the world of psychology will involve lectures,
discussions, readings, videos and writing of a paper. Your role as students is to learn: to read,
come to class prepared to discuss the topic of the day, to question, and to complete class
assignments. But, it is more important that you think, and so develop personal ideas about
abnormal human behavior and how it affects you generally and personally. You will be asked to
communicate your knowledge and understanding from the readings, lectures, and discussions
into written form for the exams, and paper. Your academic skills will be challenged, but you will
be better prepared for further academic work.
Course Policies:
Method of Evaluation (Tests/Exams, Grading System): The standard grading scale
(90/80/70/60) will be used.
4 unit exams - 400 points (Exam #4 will be the Final Exam)
16 Chapter Quizzes - 20 points each (320 points)
Instructions for Quizzes:
1. Read the individual textbook chapter (at least once)
2. Go to Web Site: http://www.accd.edu/sac/psychol/2371.080/leclistab.html
3. Click on appropriate Chapter heading and read the information there.
4. At the bottom of the page click on “Click here”
5. Click on Study Guide (left side) and then Chapter Exam
6. Take the exam and submit Answers for grading (please take only once)
7. Print page (upper right corner)
8. Turn in this page at the next class period – the start of the next chapter lecture
1 research paper (8-10 pages in length) - 100 points (See last page of syllabus for details)
Note: assignments may be modified at any point during the semester.
Participation and Attendance): You are expected to attend each and every class session
(Attendance will be taken). You are expected to come to class prepared. You are expected to
contribute to class discussion regularly. You will be allowed two (2) unexcused absences during
the semester. After that 0.5 points will be deducted from your final grade for each unexcused
absence.
Incompletes: An incomplete may be granted to any student who, by the withdrawal date can be
reasonably expected to pass the course. Incompletes may be granted only when justified by
extreme circumstances. Incompletes are not granted for failure to be a responsible student. If an
incomplete is granted, an agreement outlining the requirements to be met must be signed by the
student and the instructor, and be completed by no later than the end of the following semester.
By the agreed upon date a grade will be assigned or the incomplete will be changed to an "F" if
the requirements are not completed. (See Catalog, page 38, for details).
Extra Credit: Extra credit may be offered at the instructor's discretion.
Make-up of Tests and Assignments: It is understood that sometimes there are circumstances
that may inhibit completion of an assignment or exam. However, it is also understood that these
are extreme situations. In this class you will be allowed one make-up for any one exam. Any
further requests will be evaluated on the individual merits of the case. Funerals and
hospitalization are generally acceptable; sniffles and car trouble generally are not. Make-up tests
will be arranged between you and your instructor. The student and instructor will agree upon
make-up of other assignments. (See next section).
Deadlines: Deadlines are to be observed. As a college student you are expected to be responsible
and organized so as to be able to meet deadlines. If there are special circumstances encountered
during the semester that will interfere with the adherence to the deadline you must discuss the
matter with me. Do not miss class the day and assignment is due. Show up and turn it in…or
show up and say that you have not finished it and hope that it will be accepted late. Show a
willingness to stand up and accept responsibility and you will earn the respect of your instructor.
Required Writing and Reading: This course requires a large amount of reading, some Internet
work, and an amount of writing sufficient to show your ability to think in a critical manner. You
are advised to plan out your completion of this work so as to not fall behind and affect your
performance/grade.
Student Conduct: At all times endeavor to conduct yourself in such a manner that others
(including your instructor) will consider you to be an example of maturity and honesty. Humor is
useful, within bounds, and your instructor and (perhaps) fellow students will appreciate it. Most
important, though, is respect for yourself, for others, and for the task to which you have set
yourself by enrolling in this class. You are engaged in a process that is more than a thousand
years old. You are a college student, a seeker of knowledge (and one who appreciates
amusement), one who must conduct himself or herself as a representative of a community of
scholars and a participant in this ancient tradition.
Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland
Community College and is essential to the credibility of the College's educational programs.
Moreover, because grading may be competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work
violate the right of their fellow students. The College, therefore, views any act of academic
dishonest as a serious offense requiring disciplinary measures, including course failure,
suspension, and even expulsion from the College. In addition, an act of academic dishonesty may
have unforeseen effects far beyond any officially imposed penalties. Violations of academic
integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning cheating or other acts of
academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification of academic records or
documents and unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative records or
systems. Definitions of these violations may be found in the college catalog.
Specifications for written materials: All papers other than essays and journal articles will
follow the format outlined in the APA Handbook (available in the HCC library). Handouts
regarding this format are also available at the Tutoring Center or online at www.google.com or
www.hcc.cc.il.us (connect to the library).
Syllabus disclaimer: Any changes to this syllabus will be made as the need arises. You will be
informed at the earliest convenience if a change is to be made. Any change will be at the
discretion of the instructor or to meet changes necessary to effective instruction.
Spring 2007 Course Calendar
January 16
18
23
25
30
February 1
6
8
13
- Course Introduction and Housekeeping
- Introduction and Methods of Research (Nevid Chapter 1)
- Contemporary Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology (Nevid Chapter 2)
- Contemporary Perspectives (continued)
- Classification and Assessment of Abnormal Behavior (Nevid Chapter 3)
- Classification (continued)
- Methods of Treatment (Nevid Chapter 4)
- Review for Exam #1 (Chapters 1 – 4)
- Exam #1
15
20
22
27
March 1
6
8
- Stress, Psychological Factors, and Health (Nevid Chapter 5)
- Stress (continued)
- Anxiety Disorders (Nevid Chapter 6)
- Anxiety (continued)
- Dissociative and Somatoform Disorders (Nevid Chapter 7)
- Review for Exam #2 (Chapters 5 – 7)
- Exam #2
April
May
12 – 17
Spring Break
20
- Mood Disorders and Suicide (Nevid Chapter 8)
22
- Substance Abuse and Dependence (Nevid Chapter 9)
27
- Eating Disorders, Obesity, and Sleep Disorders (Nevid Chapter 10)
29
- Disorders Involving Gender and sexuality (Nevid Chapter 11)
3
- Review for Exam #3 (Chapters 8 – 11)
5
- Exam #3
10
12
17
19
24
26
1
3
8
- Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders (Nevid Chapter 12)
- Schizophrenia (continued)
- Personality Disorders (Nevid Chapter 13)
- Personality Disorders (continued)
- Abnormal Behavior in Children and Adolescence (Nevid Chapter 14)
- Abnormal Behavior in Children (continued)
- Cognitive Disorders and Disorder Related to Aging (Nevid Chapter 15)
- Abnormal Psychology and the Law (Nevid Chapter 16)
- Review for Exam #4
15
- Exam #4 - Final Exam – 10:00 – 11:50am
Adapted by the Curriculum and Academic Standards Committee June 1998
Adapted 6/98
Updated 7/06/01
PSYCHOLOGY 203 - ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
PAPER REQUIREMENTS
1. The paper must be 8 - 10 pages in length. This does not include the title page or
bibliography.
2. You are to select a psychological disorder from the DSM-IV. If it is not listed there it is not
a valid disorder (in other words it does not exist). See the inside front cover of your
textbook for a complete listing. Please do not use your General Psychology paper.
3. Have your selection approved by your instructor. No more than two papers per disorder
will be allowed. (I like variety.) Therefore make your selection early.
4. The paper must follow APA style. This includes the title page. Sorry, no individuality
allowed.
5. Describe the disorder in detail. (Don't be afraid to use the DSM-IV. There's a lot of good
stuff in there.) Examine causation of the disorder on the basis of two contemporary
perspectives and discuss what therapies seem to work best to alleviate the symptoms of
this disorder and or cure the disorder.
6. In addition to your textbook you must have five (5) other sources used (i.e. quoted) in the
body of your paper.
7. Papers are due Thursday April 26th. Late papers will be accepted only under extenuating
circumstances. Get started NOW.