Colorado Mesa University
PSYC 340 Abnormal Psychology Syllabus
Professor: Dr. Jacob Jones, Ph.D.
Office Hours: H-224A/ MW: 11-12, T-TH: 11-12 or by appointment Office Phone: 248-1254
E-Mail: jacjones@coloradomesa.edu
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS:
The following learning objectives are desired outcomes when you finish your degree in
Psychology as specified by the Psychology Faculty. This course will assess one or more of these
objectives.
1. Graduates will know the historical trends in psychology.
2. Graduates will apply basic research methodology in psychology, including research
design, data analysis, and interpretation.
3. Graduates will communicate clearly in written and oral presentations in standard
American Psychological Association format.
4. Graduates will apply statistical concepts to decision making and problem solving in areas
of psychological application.
5. Graduates will think critically to solve problems in psychological areas of analysis using
academic sources of information.
MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:
1. Compare and contrast major theoretical perspectives of psychological disorders.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical evolution of abnormal psychology.
3. Analyze various factors that can lead to psychological disorders.
4. Define and discuss major categories of psychological disorders and treatment.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of specific psychological disorders and associated symptoms.
6. Analyze the purposes and uses of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V (DSM-V).
7. Apply current research findings to the understanding and treatment of psychological
disorders.
COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include –
Historical Perspectives
Etiology and research
Legal, ethical, and sociocultural issues
Psychological assessment and classification
Definition and treatment of the following classes of disorders:
Anxiety
Dissociative & Somatoform
Mood
Substance use
Schizophrenia
Sexual and gender dysphoria
Personality
Developmental & Cognitive
Stress
Childhood & Adolescence
TEXT:
Sue, D., Sue, D.W., & Sue, S. (2012). Understanding Abnormal Behavior (10th ed.). Boston,
MA: Houghton Mifflin.
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COURSE METHODOLOGY
This course will utilize a lecture/activity/discussion/online format with an emphasis on
application of theory and important concepts. Each student is expected to participate in
discussions; therefore the assigned material should be read prior to class. The course is
interactive, and some class time will be devoted to discussion/activities involving relevant issues.
Consequently, all text material will not be covered in class. However, students are responsible
for all material in the text, videos, reading assignments, and handouts. In addition, this is a
hybrid course and email is a main method of communication. Thus, you are expected to check
your CMU email DAILY for course updates and information.
EVALUATION
1. Four tests (each worth 100)
2. Ten Online assignments (each worth 30)
3. Four case study reaction papers (each worth 50)
4. Class participation/attendance
400
300
200
100
Total: 1000
GRADING SCALE
Grading will be based on the following:
900 --1000
A
800 – 899
B
700 – 799
C
600 – 699
D
599 or less
F
TESTS – Important: All 4 tests will be taken in D2L. The tests will be timed and you will
receive approximately one minute for each question. You will have one attempt at each test.
Test material will mainly consist of multiple choice questions derived from your textbook
reading and a few short answer from lecture and book material. The professor will hold a test
review in the class period before each test.
MISSED TEST POLICY
It is required that you take tests in the time period it is given, unless you make approved
arrangements with me before the test is given. If you miss a test you will only be allowed to
make-up a test if you have an acceptable excuse (e.g. illness).
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
All written assignments must be turned in on indicated due dates in D2L. 10% will be deducted
for each day that the assignment is late. After the assignment is more than 5 days late it will not
be accepted. All assignments must be formatted in APA style. All written assignments should
be in Microsoft Word format and turned in using the D2L drop box. Plagiarism will result in a
0 for the assignment and further repercussions (in reference to the student handbook) could be
imposed.
REACTION PAPERS TO CASE STUDIES
Over the course of this class, students will read case studies related to specific areas of abnormal
behavior. After each case study, all students will be required to write a 2-4 page
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impression/reaction paper. Each paper should include a description of what you learned as well
as your subjective emotional experience as you read the case study. A description of the
relationship between course content and observed issues, conditions, symptoms, treatment, etc…
should also be included in each paper. A detailed outline of what is to be included in the reaction
papers can be found in the D2L dropbox.
ONLINE ASSIGNMENTS
There will be ten online assignments that will be available on the Fridays marked on the course
schedule (at the end of the syllabus). The assignments will consist of a mix of online discussions,
tutorials, video responses, quizzes, and group projects. You should assume that there is an
assignment due every Sunday night.
PARTICIPATION/ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is expected throughout the duration of the course. It is the student’s
responsibility to sign the attendance sheet. Failure to do so will result in an absence for that day.
Due to the interactive nature of this course you are afforded 3 absences, which can be excused or
not excused. After you have missed 3 classes your participation/attendance grade will be
affected, whether or not the absence is excused. This rule is in place because participating in
the in-class activities is vital to the learning process of the course. In addition, NO extra credit
opportunities will be given if you miss more than 3 classes.
STUDY TIME
An undergraduate student should expect to spend on this course a minimum of two hours outside
the classroom for every hour in the classroom. The outside hours may vary depending on the
number of credit hours or type of course. More details are available from the faculty member or
department office and in CMU’s Curriculum Policies and Procedures Manual.
GENERAL CLASS CONDUCT
ALL CELL PHONES OFF WHEN YOU ENTER THE CLASSROOM
Students are expected to approach the class as mature adults and to conduct themselves
accordingly. While questions and interaction with the professor are encouraged during the
lecture, disruptive remarks, behavior and unnecessary personal conversations between students
will not be tolerated. The use of cell phones, surfing the internet on your laptop, and other
distracting behavior during class are direct indicators of your participation in the class. Thus,
your participation grade will be influenced if you choose to engage in these behaviors.
TUTORIAL LEARNING CENTER=TLC IN HH 113
The TLC is a FREE academic service for all Colorado Mesa University students. Tutors are
available on a walk-in basis for many courses. Do you have a quick question? Do you need
homework clarification or feedback on a paper? Are you reviewing for a test? Help is available
at the TLC!
At the main campus, come to Houston Hall 113 to meet with one of our friendly peer tutors. We
are open on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am-6pm; Tuesdays from 8am-7pm, and
Fridays from 8am-5pm. We are also open Sundays from 1pm-6pm! Tutoring at branch campuses
Colorado Mesa University
and distance tutoring is also available. Check out the website for schedules and locations at
www.coloradomesa.edu/tutoring or call 248-1392 with any questions.
EAS STATEMENT
In coordination with Educational Access Services, reasonable accommodations will be provided
for qualified students with disabilities. Please meet with the professor the first week of class to
make arrangements. Nancy Conklin, the Coordinator of Educational Access Services, can be
contacted at 248-1826, or in person in Houston Hall, Suite 108.
COURSE CALENDAR – PSYC 340 – ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY – 16 WEEKS
Readings are to be completed before each class.
Date
Reading/Assignment
Week 1
Aug. 18
Syllabus
Aug. 20
Chapter 1: Abnormal Behavior
Aug. 22
Online Quiz #1 on Chapter 1
Week 2
Aug. 25
Chapter 2: Models of Abnormal Behavior
Aug. 27
Aug. 29
Online Quiz #2 on Chapters 2 & 3
Week 3
Sep. 1
Chapter 3: Assessment/Classification
Sep. 3
Sep. 5
Anxiety Disorders Online Assignment
Week 4
Sep. 8
Chapter 5: Anxiety Disorders
Sep. 10
Sep. 12
TEST #1: CHAPTERS 1 – 2 – 3 – 5
Week 5
Sep. 15
Chapter 7: Somatic Symptom & Dissociative Disorders
Sep. 17
Sep. 19
DID Case Study Due, PTSD Online Discussion
Assignment
Week 6
Sep. 22
Chapter 6: Stress Disorders
Sep. 24
Sep. 26
Personality Psychopathology Group Assignment
Week 7
Sep. 29
Chapter 15: Personality Psychopathology
Oct. 1
Oct. 3
“Intervention” Case Study Due
Week 8
Oct. 6
Chapter 11: Substance Related Disorders
Oct. 8
Oct. 10
TEST #2: CHAPTERS 6 – 7 – 11– 15, FALL BREAK
Week 9
Oct. 13
Chapter 8: Mood Disorders
Oct. 15
Oct. 17
Depression Treatment Online Discussion Assignment
Bipolar Case Study Due
Week 10
Oct. 20
Chapter 14: Sexual Disorders & Gender Dysphoria
Oct. 22
Oct. 24
GD Online Discussion Assignment
Week 11
Oct. 27
Chapter 13: Neurocognitive Disorders
Oct. 29
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Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Final
Oct. 31
Nov. 3
Nov. 5
Nov.7
Nov. 10
Nov. 12
Nov. 14
Nov. 17
Nov. 19
Nov. 21
Nov. 24 -28
Dec. 1
Dec. 3
Dec. 5
Dec. 8 -11
TEST #3: CHAPTERS 8 – 13 – 14
Chapter 10: Eating Disorders
Eating Disorder Case Study Due, Disorders of Childhood
& Adolescence Group Assignment
Chapter 16: Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence
Online Quiz #3 on Schizophrenia
Chapter 12: Schizophrenia
Mental Health and Society Discussion
NO CLASS THANKSGIVING
Guest Speakers: NAMI IOOV, NAMI on Campus
Guest Speaker
Final: CHAPTERS 10 - 12 – 16
ALL TEST DATES AND READING ASSIGNMENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE