MT SAINT MARY COLLEGE
NEWBURGH, NEW YORK 12550
PSY 425
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
DR. PAUL SCHWARTZ
FALL 2008
REQUIRED TEXT:
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY. 6th ed., 2007 Comer R. Worth, New York.
Recommended references and required readings will be distributed
separately in class. (At least one (1) class session prior to their
discussion.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The student will be introduced to the science of abnormal psychology.
Disorders of mood, anxiety, mind and body, psychosis, life-span problems
will be examined as will the theories describing these disorders in
addition to current treatment modalities.
STUDENT OUTCOMES:
Given the mastery of the course lectures, discussions, both group and
individual assignments, field visits, reading and case analysis and
discussions the student will be able to:
1. Define and discuss the field of abnormal psychology as an
interdisciplinary, scientific and
applied field.
2. Understand that abnormal development is a “concept” determined by
personal, interpersonal,
and environmental variables.
3. Be familiar with the DSM IV-R manual as a classification system in the
field of clinical psychology.
4. Be able to differentiate the characteristics and symptoms of each
DSM IV category.
5. Be aware of both objective and subjective assessment instruments
used to determine clinical diagnosis
6. Understand the multifaceted modes of treatment available dependent
upon DSM IV-TR diagnosis
7. Understand contributions from biological, psychodynamic,
behavioral, cognitive, humanistic and ecological models regarding the
development assessment and treatment of DSM IV-TR diagnostic
categories.
8. Understand the role played by medical, psychological , educational
and community personnel in the treatment of DSM IV-R diagnostic
categories.
ATTENDANCE:
A responsible pattern of attendance is required of all students. All
information or assignments missed due to absence is the student=s
responsibility to acquire or make-up. Absence is no excuse for a missed
assignment or a lack of knowledge of a quiz.
Attendance is mandatory at all quizzes. There will be no “make-up”
quizzes, with the exception of documented medical, psychological, or
family emergencies.
SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
QUIZZES
There will be three (3) equally weighted objective-type quizzes. Each quiz
will reflect text assignments, case discussions, class lectures, and
outside reading assignments.
Chapters covered in quizzes:
¾
¾
¾
Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Quiz 3
Chapters 1-5
Chapters 6-11
Chapters 12-17
REACTION PAPERS
There will be two brief reaction papers assigned during the semester.
They will reflect how well the student understands the often controversial
nature of the issues presented in class regarding people with various
diagnoses of mental illness and the treatment for these disorders.
These brief assignments will be analytic, introspective and help students
put a human, familiar face on the disorders covered. Parameters will be
discussed further in class and the specific requirements of the papers will
be distributed separately 3 weeks before the assignment is due.
GROUP ASSIGNMENT
Students will form into small groups (3) and select a question or questions
to answer or a hypothesis to research and then present the results of their
question(s)/hypothesis/ research to the class. The specific requirements
and structure of this assignment will be discussed further during the first
class sessions.
FIELD VISIT:
There will be one, possibly two, field visits to the Mid Hudson Psychiatric
Center in Middletown and one to Hudson River Psychiatric Center in
Poughkeepsie. All students are expected to attend. Date will be
announced in class.
NOTE:
a. Active participation in class and group discussion expected and
reflected in your final grade.
b. All written work handed in for evaluation must be:
1. Typed - double spaced
2. Follow the APA style (Format in Library)
c. The student should exercise care regarding his/her correct use of the
English language. Papers returned with a grade of substandard
English@ will have to be resubmitted within the week, with a B as the
highest attainable letter grade.
d. Class participation: Participation means that you should be prepared
for each class session, complete the readings and be prepared to
respond to the questions included at the end of each reading, have
regular attendance, come to class on time, speak up appropriately in
class discussions and be ready to respond to questions, comments
and opinions. Class participation means that you demonstrate an
ACTIVE rather than a PASSIVE learning style. Keep in mind class
participation is a percentage of your final grade!
GRADING SYSTEM:
The college uses the following grading system (quality points are
indicated under the grade or to the right.)
A
4.00
A3.67
B+
3.33
B
3.00
B2.67
C+
2.33
C
2.00
C1.67
D+
1.33
D
1.00
EVALUATION:
Quiz #1
Quiz #2
Quiz #3
Class Assignments
Class Participation
15%
15%
15%
45%
10%
100%
At the end of each class students are assigned a chapter(s), or a journal
article to read and be prepared to discuss at the next class session. We
will cover approximately one chapter per week; students consistently
prepared for class and consistently involved in class discussion can
expect an enhancement in their grade average. The converse can also be
expected. Reread d. under course requirements. IF YOU MISS CLASS
GET THE ASSIGNMENT!!!!!
With regard to the enhancement of your mental health, it is assumed that
every student is an adult and therefore is in control of his/her destiny.
Should any problem arise, please do not hesitate to contact me for an
appointment. Please do not carry a burden that a simple conference may
alleviate.
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m..
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
By appointment
If you need to contact me at any time, Monday thru Friday between 9:00
a.m. and 4:00 p.m. call the divisional secretary (Kundi Clark) at (845) 5693157 in Whittaker Hall. My room number is 107 in Whittaker Hall;
telephone number is (845) 569-3161, e-mail schwartz@msmc.edu.
PSY 425 – ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
PROPOSED LECTURE SCHEDULE
August 26
August 28
September 2
September 4
September 9
September 11
September 16
September 18
September 23
September 25
Intro to Chapter 1, course objectives and requirements
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Chapter 2- Research
Chapter 3 - Models
Chapter 3 – Models
Chapter4–ClinicaAssessment,Diagnosis and Treatment
Chapter4-ClinicalAssessment,Diagnosis and Treatment
Chapter 5 – Anxiety Disorders
Chapter 5 – Anxiety Disorders
September 30
Quiz 1 – Chapter 1 – 5
October 2
October 7
October 9
October 14
Chapter 6 – Stress Disorders
Chapter 6 – Stress Disorders
Chapter 7 – Somatoform and Dissociation Disorders
Chapter 7 – Somatoform and Dissociation Disorders
MIDSEMESTER
October 16
October 21
October 23
October 28
October 30
Chapter 8 – Mood Disorders
Chapter 8 – Mood Disorders
Chapter 9 – Treatment for Mood Disorders
Chapter 10 - Suicide
Chapter 11 – Eating Disorders
November 4
Quiz 2 – Chapters 6 – 11
November 6
November 11
November 13
November 18
November 20
November 25
November 27
December 2
Chapter 12 – Substance Related Disorders
Chapter 13 – Sex and Genetic Disorders
Chapter 14 – Schizophrenia
Chapter 14 – Schizophrenia
Chapter 15 – Treatment for Schizophrenia
Chapter 16 – Personality Disorders
THANKSGIVING BREAK
Chapter 17 – Disorder of Childhood and Adolescence
December 4
Quiz 3 – Chapters 12 - 17
***Please note: this outline should be viewed as TENTATIVE. Depending
on how discussions go with various topics we may be a class ahead or
behind. It is imperative that if you miss a class you check with your
“buddy” to get the material and assignment for the next class