PSY 309 Abnormal Psychology
Spring 2008
Instructor: Jane Tyler Ward, Ph.D.
121 Curtis Hall Ext. 3632
Email: jane@cedarcrest.edu
Mon. 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Course Goals and Description:
Abnormal psychology (PSY-309) is an introduction to the study of psychopathology as it exists today, and
as it is categorized and described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth
Edition (DSM-IV-TR).
We will investigate psychological expressions and clinical criteria needed for diagnosis of the principal
clinical categories, and seek to utilize a multi-dimensional approach to integrate biological, social,
cognitive, and developmental perspectives for diagnostic purposes. Although this course is introductory, it
is intended for more advanced psychology students who are willing to work individually outside class and
make attendance in class a priority.
The goal of the course is for students to become knowledgeable about the history and present perspectives
on how psychiatrists and psychologists have defined "abnormality," and to understand the diagnosis of
disorders as defined by the DSM-IV-TR.
Class Schedule
Topic
Reading
1/14
Introduction - psychological disorders
history ; multidimensional approach to diagnosis and evaluation
Ch. 1
1/21
Integrative approach to diagnosis and evaluation;
clinical assessment
Ch. 2 & 3
1/28
Clinical assessment: using testing instruments
Research methods - video
Test #1 (take home, open book Ch. 1-3)
Ch. 3 & 4
2/04
Anxiety disorders
Ch. 5
2/11
Somatoform and dissociative disorders
Videos: Body Dysmorphic Disorder; DID The dissociative spectrum
2/18
Test #2 (in class, Ch. 4-6)
2/25
Mood Disorders
Video: A Portrait of Bipolar Disorder
3/03
Spring Break
3/10
Eating & Sleeping Disorders
Video: Anorexia Nervosa
Video: OCD
Ch. 6
Ch. 7
Ch. 8
3/17
Personality Disorders
Video: Antisocial Personality Disorder
Exam #3 Take Home
Ch. 12
3/24
Break
3/31
Video and video reaction paper
“Girl Interrupted”
4/07
Schizophrenia & other psychotic Disorders
Video: Schizophrenia
Video reaction paper due
Ch. 13
4/14
Developmental Disorders
Ch. 14
Handout
4/21
Cognitive Disorders
Ch. 15
4/28
Final Exam (primarily last 3 chapters & clinical diagnoses)
Requirements
1. Attendance and video reaction paper:
15%
2. The Psychology Department is committed to the principle that regular and punctual class attendance is
essential to the students’ optimum learning and successful academic achievement. Regular class
attendance is a student obligation, and students are responsible for all the work, tests and written
assignments. Therefore, students are expected to be present for all class sessions.
Attendance Policy: Formal attendance will be taken during all class sessions, and this course will
adhere to the Psychology Department Attendance Policy. This class meets once a week. You may miss
2 classes without penalty. If you miss 3 classes, your grade will be lowered by one full letter grade. If
you miss 4 classes, you will receive a failing grade for the course. There are no exceptions.
Participation is required. If you have problems asking or answering questions in class, please see me
and we can discuss how you can demonstrate participation in this class. The video reaction paper is
included in the participation grade.
2. Four exams: 2 in class and 2 take home (open book): 85%
All exams include a case-study portion. The final exam has an interactive case study.
3. This is an eCompanion course, and as such you will need to access slides on the eCompanion site for
this class. Detailed instructions for using eCompanion are posted on the Current Students link of the
Cedar Crest College website. If you have never used eCompanion before, you are strongly encouraged
to read and follow these instructions. If you are unable to access these instructions, please ask me and I
will make them available for you.
Honor Code and Classroom Protocol
You will be expected to abide by the College Honor Code in all papers and examinations. Confirmed
violations of the Code are incompatible with the goals of the Psychology Department, and therefore, will
result in a failing grade for the course.
Equally important are the standards for classroom behavior, stated in the Classroom Protocol. Such
behavior respects the right of students and faculty to a courteous, respectful classroom environment that
promotes learning. Late arrivals, early departures, disruptive conversations and note-passing are
examples of distractions that might compromise students' access to the best possible learning environment.
Please note that the guiding principle is mutual respect and common acknowledgement of the fact that
students in this course are engaged in a serious academic endeavor.
Grading:
A
AB+
B
BC+
93.0-100%
90.0-92.9%
86.7-89.9%
83.4-86.6%
80.0-83.3%
76.7-79.9%
C
CD+
D
F
73.0-76.6%
70.0-72.9%
67.0-69.9%
66.9-60%
below 60%
Required Text:
Barlow, D. and Durand, V. (2005). Abnormal Psychology. (4th Ed.) New York: Thompson-Wadsworth
Course Objectives:
The student will:
1. Understand the abnormal psychology nosology and apply knowledge of abnormal psychology to
everyday life.
2. Understand and apply the diagnostic categories of the DSM-IV-TR.
Student Assessment:
1. To assess #1 above, there will be four multiple choice tests.
2. To assess #2 above, the student will analyze case studies, two characters from a film and one
interactive role play.