Summer 2000
UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD
Psychology Department
Course Outline
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COURSE NO:
PSYC 3331-01
COURSE TITLE: Abnormal Psychology
FACULTY:
John M. Velasquez, Ph.D.
TIME:
Monday & Wednesday 1:00-4:00 PM
ROOM:
NB 217
OFFICE:
NB 110
OFFICE PHONE: 829-3960
OFFICE HOURS: TTh 10-11:30 AM (other hours by appointment)
E-MAIL:
velasque@universe.uiwtx.edu
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C O U R S E O B J E C T I V E S and O U T C O M E S:
Course Description: This course examines the psychology of normality and variations,
including character disorders, substance abuse, sexual deviations, neuroses,
psychoses, techniques, and theories. (1999-2001 Undergraduate Bulletin, p. 230)
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To understand the etiology of major mental disorders.
To develop a working knowledge of the DSM-IV and specific descriptors of major
mental disorders.
To learn the multiple pathways and causes of deviant behavior.
To learn the various techniques for the treatment of mental disorders.
To understand the impact of culture and sociopolitical issues on mental illness.
R E Q U I R E D T E X T:
Durand, V.M., & Barlow, D.H. (2000). Abnormal psychology: An introduction.
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada: Thomson Learning.
C O U R S E R E Q U I R E M E N T S:
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EXAMS (50%): Students will take two multiple-choice exams. Each exam will be
60 items and will cover two chapters and any lectures related to the content of
those chapters. Exams will be taken in the first 45 minutes of the class session.
See the course outline for content and dates.
QUIZZES (30%): 10-item quizzes will be given on a regular basis and will cover
a single chapter and any lecture notes related to the content of that chapter. The
quizzes will be given in the first 10 minutes of the class session. See the course
outline for content and dates.
PSYC 3331
Abnormal Psychology
2
Course Requirements (cont.)
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COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM (20%): Students will take a final exam on the
last day of classes. The exam will be 100 multiple-choice items. The exam will
cover content covered during the entire course (textbook and lectures).
Extra Credit: Students can earn extra credit by evaluating media reports related to
abnormal psychology. The type of media reports can be found in newspapers, popular
magazines, or internet sites. For each evaluation completed, the student can add one
point to his/her final course average (maximum 5 points). In order to receive this credit,
all evaluations must be completed by June 16th. See the professor for a structure to
complete “media evaluations.”
G R A D I N G S C A L E:
The grading scale for the computation of the final course grade will be as follows:
90 - 100
80 - 89
70 - 79
60 - 69
0 - 59
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A
B
C
D
F
Attendance: Attendance is strongly encouraged and highly recommended. Summer
sessions move very quickly, and each session covers large amounts of content. For
this course, it means that if you miss more than two (2) sessions you will likely not pass
the course. It would also be considered inappropriate to expect a fellow class member
to provide three hours of notes in your absence. You have both the office telephone
number and e-mail address to communicate with the professor
NOTE: If there are extenuating circumstances for which you believe you deserve an
exception to this attendance policy, communicate with your professor. You must
communicate these circumstances to the professor prior to missing each class session.
It will serve your best interests if you communicate with the professor on a regular basis
regarding your attendance or any other matter related to completion of the course.
Academic Honesty: Cheating, plagiarism, and other acts of dishonorable conduct can
result in the student receiving a sanction for the assignment and also may result in a
referral to the deans office, VP for Academic Affairs and Student Life, and/or the Honor
Board. Refer to the student handbook for specifics of this policy.
PSYC 3331
Abnormal Psychology
3
TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
(Professor reserves the right to alter the schedule at any time*)
DATES
TOPIC and ASSIGNMENT(S)
READINGS
May 22
Introduction to Course
Assessment, Diagnosis, and Methods
May 24
Assessment, Diagnosis, and Methods
May 29
NO CLASS (Memorial Day)
May 31
Quiz #1 (Ch. 3)
---------------------------------------------------- -----------------------Anxiety Disorders
Ch. 4
June 5
EXAM #1 (Chs. 3 & 4)
---------------------------------------------------- -----------------------Anxiety Disorders
Ch. 6
June 7
Physical Disorders & Health
Psychology
June 12
EXAM #2 (Chs. 6 & 7)
June 14
Substance-Related Disorders
June 19
Quiz #2 (Ch. 10)
---------------------------------------------------- -----------------------Personality Disorders
Ch. 11
Ch. 3
Ch. 7
Ch. 10
PSYC 3331
Abnormal Psychology
4
June 21
Quiz #3 (Ch. 11)
---------------------------------------------------- -----------------------Schizophrenia
Ch. 12
June 26
Quiz #4 (Ch. 12)
---------------------------------------------------- -----------------------Developmental & Cognitive Disorders Ch. 13
June 28
FINAL EXAM (comprehensive)
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Note: This schedule is tentative. The student is responsible for any changes announced in class.
Disability Statement:
The University provides support services for students with disabilities.
Any student who anticipates the need for assistance, support services, or
reasonable accommodations related to a disability should contact the
Coordinator of Student Disability Support Services (146 AD).
5/22/00