This syllabus was used in the 2012 summer course. Although the dates regarding
the different tests and other assignments will change, the content of the syllabus for
the 2013 summer course will be very similar.
Abnormal Psychology
Course syllabus
Site:
Drew University Moodle
Course:
2012SU-PSYC-348-001: Abnormal Psychology
Book:
Syllabus Summer 2012 - Abnormal Psychology
Printed by: George-Harold Jennings
Date:
Table of Contents
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Cover Page and Learning Outcomes
Introduction and Course Description
Supplemental Site: PsychPortal
Course Requirements
o Regarding the Tests
th
o Test Date: July 5 -Test #1 of 4
th
o Test Date: July 12 -Test #2 of 4
th
o Test Date: July 19 -Test #3 of 4
th
o Test Date: July.28 - Test #4 of 4
o Oral Presentation Guidelines
o DSM-IV Handout
Grading
Daily Schedule (Subject to Change)
Attendance Policy
Make-up Tests Policy
Late or Missing Assignments
Office and Office Hours
Contact
Prof. Jennings' Website
Photo Credits
Throughout this Moodle site (including the syllabus which has a link below), in most cases,
any word that appears in green fonts is a link to another site, as are words that are
highlighted in gray. Click on any of those links for additional information. If a link is broken,
please let me know, and I will fix it.
Last important update: _____________
PSYC 348 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Professor: George-Harold Jennings, PhD
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS: Should you require academic accommodations, you must
file a request with the Office of Disability Services (BC 119B, extension 3962). It is your
responsibility to self-identify with the Office of Disability Services and to provide faculty with
the appropriate documentation from that office at least one week prior to any request for specific
course accommodations. There are no retroactive accommodations. The deadline to request
Letters of Accommodations (LOAs) for all students currently registered with the Office of
Disability Services is ________.
Learning Outcomes:
Change outcomes
1. Describe and understand the concept of abnormal psychology as used by
psychologists;
2. Explain the details of various concepts and terms used in the discipline of abnormal
psychology as demonstrated by scores on tests (the higher the scores the greater
the accuracy in explaining concepts and terms), and in research papers;
3. Conduct in-depth research on specific so-called psychopathologies, and identify and
report on related etiologies, treatments, and research findings germane to the
topics using one of the major reference and citation styles (e.g., APA or MLA).
Psychology majors should only use APA style;
4.
Partake in critical thinking based discussions with peers and instructor regarding the
challenge of gaining a comprehensive understanding of mental illness;
5. Gain a useful understanding of the DSM-IV/ IVtr through meaningful application of
the work;
6. Demonstrate effective oral presentation skills while presenting research using
Microsoft's PowerPoint with proper references and citations; and
7. Demonstrate the ability to effectively convey research findings using a set outline to
one's peers in a classroom setting.
Required Texts:
A hard copy or e-book version of
Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology (6th Edition)
Author: Ronald J. Comer
Publisher: Worth Publishers, 2011
Creating Mental Illness
Author: Allan V. Horwitz
Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 2002
Also required:
PsychPortal
Buy either as stand alone access or packaged with textbook.
FOR TECHNICAL HELP WITH PSYCHPORTAL
CALL 1-800-936-6899
Highly Recommended But Optional Educational Tools:
a) Student Workbook for Fundamentals of
Abnormal Psychology
b) A three hole binder or notebook with pockets that will
enable you to add paper and handouts
_____________________________________________________________

Throughout the Moodle site for this course, you can click on a gray
highlighted word for information about the term, concept or name
highlighted.

Usually you will see a definition or in the case of a person's name,
background information about him or her.

Click on words that appear in green fonts to activate links that lead to
external websites or other parts of this Moodle website.
Moodle: We will use Moodle in this course. If you have not been wait listed
for Psyc 108, then you have already been enrolled in Moodle. By using
Moodle, you will be able to download and upload important documents, and
monitor your grades at all times, among other things. You should login to
Moodle often to keep abreast of currently listed and newly added course
information, including course announcements, articles, and course updates.
Any changes or updates to the syllabus on Moodle will be announced
in class or indicated on Moodle.
Description:
(Note: Click on gray highlighted term(s) or name(s) for additional information. Click on terms or
names in green color fonts to visit websites.)
Psychology 348s is a careful analysis of the major theories and empirical studies of
psychopathology. We will discuss the nature, causes and treatment of the major forms of mental
illness and/or abnormality including schizophrenia, social deviance, mood disorders, organic
mental disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders from a variety of theoretical
perspectives.
In addition to lectures, there will be video tapes and class activities designed to facilitate your
understanding of the various theories and concepts.
Having access to PsychPortal is required. Click here as one way to go to the PsychPortal
website or follow the instructions that came with the PsychPortal supplement to the textbook.
(Note: Give the website a minute or so to load.)
Prerequisite: The Drew course, Psyc 101 Behavior and Experience: An Introduction to
Psychology, or an introductory course in psychology taken at another school, or the instructor's
permission; and sophomore standing or higher
Students will:
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
take four (50 items) multiple-choice tests The first test will be given on July 5th, the second test
will be given on July 12th, the third test will be given on July 21st, and the fourth test will be
given on July 28th (the last day of class).
give two oral presentations of at least 15 minutes (the required minimum time, although
extra time will be granted, if needed) on: 1) a childhood related disorder, and 2) another
disorder to be specified using Microsoft PowerPoint, Corel Presentations or the overhead
projector and transparencies. Although you will not write a paper, detailed notes should be
embedded in the notes section of the PowerPoint slides (especially, if you are using the latest
version of Word) or submitted to me on on separate paper the day you give your oral presentation.
If you end up submitting your detailed notes to me on separate paper, then make certain you label
each slide on the paper as well, and pair it with its detailed notes. The PowerPoint slides should
be uploaded to Moodle before 11:59 PM the day you give your oral presentations. A copy of the
slide show must be uploaded to Moodle on the day of your presentation. If you cannot access
Moodle on your computer, then you should send a copy of the slide show to me via e-mail the
day it is due by 11:59 PM. If you end-up submitting your detailed notes to me on separate paper,
then these are due in class the day of your presentation. Remember, all work is due the day of
your presentation.
You are required to take four tests which will account for about 50.00% of your grade. Each test
will be worth 100 points. The format will be multiple-choice. I will give you guidance in this
syllabus regarding what to read, and the time frames during which you should complete your
readings in preparation for the tests.
In class, and on Moodle, I will provide you with additional guidance regarding which concepts
and terms are important for you to know for any given test.
THE TEST DATES:

July 5, 2012: Test #1 of 4
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
July 12, 2012: Test #2 of 4
July 19, 2012: Test #3 of 4

July 26, 2012: Test #4 of 4
Test #1 of 4:
Chapter 1 Abnormal
Psychology
Test #1 of 4:
Test #1 of 4:
Chapter 2 - Models Chapter 3 Assessment &
Classification
Test #2 of 4:
Chapter 5 - Stress
Test #2 of 4:
Chapter 4 - Anxiety Disorders
Test #3 of 4:
Chapter 7 - Mood
Test #4 of 4:
Chapter 12 - Schizophrenia
Test #3 of 4:
Chapter 8 - Suicide
Test #4 of 4:
Chapter 13 - Personality
Disorders
THE TEST DATES:

July 5, 2012: Test #1 of 4
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July 12, 2012: Test #2 of 4
July 19, 2012:Test #3 of 4
July 26 2012: Test #4 of 4
Test #2 of 4:
Chapter 6 - Somatoform &
Dissociative Disorders
Test #3 of 4
Chapter 14 - Childhood
Test #1 of 4:
Chapter 1 - Abnormal
Psychology
Test #1 of 4:
Chapter 2 - Models
Test #2 of 4:
Test #2 of 4:
Chapter 4 - Anxiety Chapter 5 - Stress
Disorders
Test #3 of 4:
Chapter 7 - Mood
Test #4 of 4:
Chapter 12 - Schizophrenia
Test #3 of 4:
Chapter 8 - Suicide
Test #4 of 4:
Chapter 13 - Personality
Disorders
Test #1 of 4:
Chapter 3 - Assessment &
Classification
Test #2 of 4:
Chapter 6 Somatoform &
Dissociative
Disorders
Test #3 of 4
Chapter 14 - Childhood
THE TEST DATES:


July 5, 2012: Test #1 of 4
July 12, 2012: Test #2 of 4
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July 19, 2012: Test #3 of 4
July 26, 2012: Test #4 of 4
Test #1 of 4:
Chapter 1 - Abnormal
Psychology
Test #1 of 4:
Chapter 2 - Models
Test #1 of 4:
Chapter 3 - Assessment &
Classification
Test #2 of 4:
Chapter 4 - Anxiety Disorders
Test #2 of 4:
Chapter 5 - Stress
Test #2 of 4:
Chapter 6 - Somatoform &
Dissociative Disorders
Test #3 of 4:
Chapter 7 - Mood
Test #4 of 4:
Chapter 12 - Schizophrenia
Test #3 of 4:
Test #3 of 4
Chapter 8 - Suicide Chapter 14 Childhood
Test #4 of 4:
Chapter 13 - Personality
Disorders
THE TEST DATES:


July 5, 2012: Test #1 of 4
July 12, 2012: Test #2 of 4
July 19, 2012: Test #3 of 4

July 26, 2012: Test #4 of 4
Test #1 of 4:
Chapter 1 - Abnormal
Psychology
Test #1 of 4:
Chapter 2 - Models
Test #1 of 4:
Chapter 3 - Assessment &
Classification
Test #2 of 4:
Chapter 4 - Anxiety Disorders
Test #2 of 4:
Chapter 5 - Stress
Test #2 of 4:
Chapter 6 - Somatoform &
Dissociative Disorders
Test #3 of 4:
Chapter 8 - Suicide
Test #3 of 4
Chapter 13 - Childhood
Test #3 of 4:
Chapter 7 - Mood
Test #4 of 4:
Chapter 12 Schizophrenia
Test #4 of 4:
Chapter 13 Personality
Disorders
Oral Presentation Guidelines
GREETINGS EVERYONE, AND WELCOME BACK!
THE TWO ORAL PRESENTATION POWERPOINT SLIDES MUST BE POSTED
TO MOODLE BY 11:59 PM ON THE SAME DAY THE PROJECT IS DUE.
IF YOUR DETAILED, LONG NOTES ARE NOT EMBEDDED IN THE SLIDES
(ASK ME TO SHOW YOU HOW TO DO THIS, IF YOUR ARE UNCERTAIN),
THEN THE DETAILED, LONG NOTES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO ME ON
SEPARATE PAPER.
ALL WORK IS DUE THE DAY YOU GIVE YOUR ORAL PRESENTATION. ALL
SLIDES MUST BE POSTED TO MOODLE BY 11:59 PM THE DAY OF YOUR
PRESENTATIONS.
Write your detailed, long notes using complete sentences,
and in paragraph form in the "NOTES" section of the slides.
KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN MIND!
PRACTICE!, PRACTICE!, PRACTICE! and TIME YOURSELF!
GIVE YOUR TALK IN FRONT OF ONE OR MORE FRIENDS/FAMILY MEMBERS!
ASK FOR FEEDBACK!
YOU WILL HAVE A MINIMUM TALK TIME OF FIFTEEN MINUTES, BUT MORE
MINUTES WILL BE ALLOWED WITHIN A REASONABLE EXTENDED TIME PERIOD,
IF REQUIRED.
The oral presentation will include information regarding what you considered to be the salient
and most interesting aspects of your research with respect to each of the sub-headings below.
Your slides must include the sub-sectioned headings indicated below, e.g.,
"Definitions," "History/Etiology," etc. You should be prepared to answer questions.
The oral presentation is a talk.
It is NOT an opportunity to read to the class. Only a small amount of reading is allowed. Several
days prior to the beginning of the first round of the oral presentations, I will give you a handout
on the demonstrated skills, and types of information you will be graded on.
Include the key talking points on the slides, brief
commentary and citations, but include the bulk of the
explanatory information (using proper citations) in the notes
section of the PowerPoint slides or on separate paper.
In Microsoft Word, the notes section of the slide is the part of
the slide that is located at the bottom of the slide that you will be
able to see when you present, but others viewing the slide cannot
see. Of course, I will be able to see it when I grade your work.
Make this section coherent and clear, as I may need to rely on it
to better understand the talking points on your slides when I
review your PowerPoint slides after your presentation.
What does the notes section look like in Microsoft Word.? Well,
before adding content to this section of the slide, it reads "Click
to add notes."
DO NOT PUT A LOT OF WRITTEN INFORMATION ON
THE SLIDES THAT'S VIEWABLE BY THE AUDIENCE.
PICTURES ARE ALLOWED ON THE SLIDES but you
must include appropriate citations when used.
You may use a video clip, but limit it to no more than five
minutes.
The sub-headings below are your talking points for the slides.
****List the headings on the slides and follow
the exact order below.
I. Topic: Identify your topic by name or the various leading names by which it has been known
in the psychological/psychiatric literature.
II. Definition(s): What is/are the definition(s) of the
condition you have been asked to study? Are there competing definitions? If so, in the interest of
time only focus on the most important/salient one.
III. History/Etiology: Briefly discuss the salient history and the etiology of the condition. If you
only have time to talk about one of these things, then talk about the etiology of the condition.
IV. Subjects/Targeted Groups: Describe the group (e.g., males, e.g., children, e.g., athletes)
most likely to be affected by the condition. Are there gender, racial, or ethnic differences?
V. Myth(s) and/or Controversies : What, if any, are some popular myths that are held
regarding the condition? In the interest of time limit your talk to identifying only a few of the
myths or controversies.
VI. Case
studies.
study and Research (empirical) Study: Discuss both of your
VII. Treatment(s): Describe the leading form(s) of treatment for the condition. (NOTE: You
may not have time to discuss all relevant forms of treatment for the condition.)
VIII. Surprising or Most Interesting Finding to You: State what it is, and state why, assuming
there were any.
IX. Psychopathology: Is the condition a psychopathology? Which information or argument
weighed most heavily in determining your answer; for example, information found in the Comer
textbook, the book by Horwitz, or information gathered from elsewhere, i.e., other books or
material presented in class. Explain why you choose the informational source, i.e., what aspect(s)
of the information made it compelling and valuable to you.
X. References: Identify your best sources and state why you recommend others view or use it.
But, also, you must list all of your references used in your talk.
Citations and References: The PowerPoint slides must include
appropriate citations on the actual slides throughout the slide show. All content, including
images, that you do not own or have the creative rights for must be given the appropriate
citations. You must have a reference page or a bibliography. MLA style requires a bibliography.
Take note: APA style requires the use of a reference page. Declared Psychology majors must use
APA style. Other majors may use APA style or MLA style. If you wish to use another style, you
must get pre-approval from me.
On the first slide of your PowerPoint slide show include the
following information:
Project’s Title
Your Name
Course/ Course Section or Course Meeting Time
The Official Name of the Documentation Style You Used in the
PowerPoint Slide Show and the Research Paper (it should be the
same for both, e.g.,
APA or MLA, etc.)
The Source of the Documentation Style Information, e.g., The
Longman Writer’s Companion
Print a copy of the DSM-IV handout. A copy of the DSM-IV handout can be downloaded from
Moodle. Download a copy for your notebook, and bring the copy to class for the in-class
application of the DSM that is scheduled to occur as early as September 16, 2010.
Your final grade will be based on four tests (each test will be worth 100 points), and two oral
presentations each worth 200 points. Your final grade will be based on the following point
accumulation.
(Note: You will be able to monitor your scores via Moodle. Below is the number of points you
will need to earn a specific grade.)
A = 751
A- = 719
B+ = 695
B = 671
B- = 639
C+ = 616
C = 591
C- = 559
D+ = 535
D = 511
D- = 479
F = below 479
Date
The dates for
summer 2013 will be
added accordingly.
Topic
Readings
Introductions,
Syllabus, Moodle, and
Related
Administrative
Activity;
Assignment of the
Semester Research
Projects
Understanding
In Comer: Chapter 1
Assignments
Abnormal
Psychology: The
cases of Margaret
and/or Suzanne
Begin reading
Horwitz's Creating
Mental Illness, and
complete the book by
the time you give your
oral presentation.
Defining Mental
illness
Library class;
Video: Historical
Treatments of the
Mentally Ill
In Comer: Chapter 2
Models that help us in
our understanding of
Abnormality;
Assessment, and
Diagnosis
Classification
A deeper look at the
DSM;
Anxiety Disorders,
Pt.I
Test #1 of 4
1- Abnormal
Psychology,
2- Models
3- Assessment
Anxiety Disorders and
Stress Disorders,
con’t;
In Comer: Chapte 3
Bring a copy of the
DSM-IV Handout to
class
In Comer Ch. 4
1st of four 50 item
multiple-choice tests
In Comer Ch. 4
Anxiety Disorders,
and Stress Disorders,
con't;
In Comer Ch. 4 and
Ch. 5
Somatoform
Disorders; and case
studies, con't
Dissociative
Disorders
Test #2 of 4
In Comer Ch. 6
In Comer: Chapter 6
In Comer: Chapter 4,
5 and 6
4 - Anxiety
Disorders
5 - Stress Disorders
6- Somatoform and
Dissociative
Disorders
Begin: Mood
Disorders
Mood Disorders, con't
In Comer Ch. 7
In Comer: Ch. 7
Suicidal thoughts,
Behavior and
Treatment (g)
Five 15+ minutes
Student Presentations
on Childhood
Disorders
In Comer Ch. 8
In Comer: Chapter 14
2nd of four 50 item
multiple-choice tests
1) Conduct
Disorder;
Begin: Schizophrenia
2) Oppositional
Defiant
Disorder;
In Comer Ch. 12
3) Autistic
Disorder;
4) Asperger
Disorder;
and,
5) Rett
Disorder/Rhett
Syndrome
1) Pica;
2) Enuresis;
3) AD/HD;
4) Separation
Anxiety
Disorder in
Children;
5) Childhood
Depression
Test #3 of 4
7- Mood,
8- Suicide, and
14- Childhood
Schizophrenia, con't
In Comer Ch. 12
Personality disorders
In Comer Ch. 13
3rd of four 50 item
multiple-choice tests
Five 15+ minutes
Student
Presentations on a
sexual disorders
In Comer: Chapter 11 1) Transexualism in
(You will not be
Adults;
tested on this chapter.)
2) Transvestic
Fetishism in
Research Project must
Adults;
be posted to Moodle
3) Pedophilia;
by 11:59 PM today.
4) Voyeurism;
In Comer: Chapter 13
Personality
disorders, con't
Test #4 of 4
(The last class)
12- Schizophrenia,
13-Personality
Disorders
____________
Following the test:
Psychiatric hospitals
and legal issues
5) Sexual
Masochism in
Adults
4th of four 50 item
multiple-choice Tests
.
Attendance Policy
You are encouraged to attend all of the classes. There is no additional aspect to the attendance
policy; however, as required by the Registrar, I will take attendance the first days of class, and
periodically note your attendance throughout the course. You are responsible for being aware of
all material covered in class and on Moodle. Try not to miss a day when there will be a test or
when you are scheduled to give an oral presentation. If you miss a test, or oral presentation, view
the make-up test and missing assignments sections of this syllabus (go to the Table of Contents)
for information on penalties, etc.
Make-up Test Policy
See me as soon as possible, if you miss a test. Make-up tests, if allowed, will be penalized,
unless documentation is given to the Dean of Campus Life and Student Affairs or Dean of
Educational Services and an agreement is made between one of the Deans and me. If you are
absent from class, please check on any announcements and obtain copies of any materials
handed out.
Late or Missing Assignments
Submission of Work via Moodle and the Late Submission of Work Policy:
The oral presentation slides must be uploaded to Moodle by 11:59 PM the day they are due.
The penalty for late or missing assignments is up to minus four points for each 24
hour period the assignment is late. Please post all assignments to Moodle, and only send a copy
of the assignment to me via e-mail in an emergency under the condition in which Moodle is
unavailable.
My office is located in Sycamore Cottage on the first floor. My office hours begin immediately
after class in the classroom, and may continue in my office in Sycamore Cottage between 12:00
PM – 12:30 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and by appointment. My phone number is 973 408
3392 (or x3392 for those using a campus phone).
E-mail: gjenning@drew.edu.
Phone: x3392 (or 973-408-3392 when calling from off campus)
Dr. George-Harold Jennings
Introduction:
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Course Description: http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-11678128-phobia-concept.php
Course Requirements: http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-5514174-dictionary-seriespsychology-psychiatry.php