ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
50:830:340
FALL 2014
Instructor: Dr. Courtenay Cavanaugh
Office Hours: Tuesdays 1:30-3:00 p.m. or by appointment
Office Location and Phone: 307 Armitage Hall, 856-225-6120
Email Address: cocavana@camden.rutgers.edu
Class Meetings & Location: T & TH 11:00-12:20; PEN-401
COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES: This course will focus primarily on
describing different types of psychological disorders, as defined by the primary
diagnostic system used by clinicians and researchers. To a lesser extent, this course will
describe different causes of these disorders and the treatments for them. The course
objectives are to enhance students understanding of (1) mental disorders including their
nature, classification, assessment, and treatment, and (2) clinical research and practice.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Students who successfully complete this course should be
able to do the following:
• Identify the symptoms and causes of the mental disorders classified in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-V and describe the
treatments for them
• Discuss the difference between clinical psychologists and psychiatrists
• Demonstrate knowledge of how clinicians assess mental disorders, develop case
formulations, and develop treatment plans
• Describe research methods used for understanding the nature and treatment of
mental disorders
• Explain controversies associated with the DSM and challenges for clinical
research and practice
• Identify risk and protective factors for mental disorders
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT: Students learning will be assessed with random inclass quizzes, scheduled exams, and an applied action plan assignment. The quizzes and
exams will cover material from required reading and/or class. The action plan will
involve applying material learned on protective factors for mental health.
REQUIRED BOOK: Whitbourne, S.K. & Halgin, R. P. (2014). Abnormal Psychology:
Clinical Perspectives on Psychological Disorders. Seventh Edition with DSM-5 Update.
New York, NY: McGraw Hill. ISBN: 978-1-259-13338-1
REQUIRED READING: Chapters in the textbook are required reading. Students are
responsible for reading the assigned reading before the class date on the same horizontal
line in the table below on page 4. For example, chapter 1 of Whitbourne & Halgin
textbook is to be read before class on 9/4/2014.
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GRADING: Your course grade will be based upon your performance on three exams
(each worth 50 points), ten quizzes (each worth 5 points), and an action plan assignment
(worth 50 points total). See the table below with the course activities, related points, and
percent of your total grade.
Activity
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Eleven quizzes (lowest quiz will be dropped)
Promoting mental health action plan
Total
Points
50
50
50
50
50
250
Percent Total Grade
20
20
20
20
20
--
GRADING SCALE: Final grades will be based upon a grading system not more
stringent than the one below. Note for pass/no credit you must earn a C to pass the
course.
A
B+
B
C+
C
D
F
224-250 points, 90%
214-223 points, 86%-89%
199-213 points, 80%-85%
189-198 points, 76%-79%
174-188 points, 70%-75%
149-173 points, 60-69%
0-148 points, 0-59%
COURSE ACTIVITIES
Exams (50 points each and 150 points of total grade): The three exams will be based
upon the required readings and material covered in class. The three exams will take place
during class time. Each exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions. Make-up
exams will only be given for what I think are truly exceptional circumstances. In these
cases, contact me within 24 hours of the exam and explain the situation. You will also
need to provide evidence of this exceptional circumstance.
Quizzes (5 points each and 50 points of total grade):There will be eleven random
quizzes throughout the course and each quiz will consist of 5 multiple choice questions
and be worth a total of 5 points. These quizzes are intended to ensure you come to class
and keep up on the reading. You must come to class in order to do well in this class as
20% of your grade will be based on these quizzes. Quizzes will be based upon required
reading and previous class discussions or activities. Your lowest score for the eleven
quizzes will be dropped. There will be no make-up quizzes.
Promoting mental health action plan (50 points of total grade): For this assignment,
you will need to do the following: (1) identify one activity at the beginning of the
semester that has been identified as a protective factor for mental health and that you can
do to better promote your mental health (e.g., exercise more, stop smoking, increase your
social support network, implement a healthy stress reduction activity, improve your diet),
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2) make an effort to do that activity and monitor your progress weekly throughout the
course of the semester, and 3) write a 5 page, double spaced, 12-font paper describing the
activity you chose and why, your progress in implementing that activity, and the impact
that activity had on your mental health. You will also need to cite one peer-reviewed
journal article that indicates that the activity you chose to do has a positive impact on
mental health.
CLASSROOM CONDUCT
In order to promote a positive environment for learning, I expect students to adhere to the
following classroom rules:
• No electronic devices (cell phones, computers, etc.) will be allowed in this class
unless you provide evidence of a disability that warrants the use of such
technology. In this case, you need to provide me with a note from the disability
coordinator (http://learn.camden.rutgers.edu/disability-services). So make sure
you turn off cell phones before class and keep all electronic devices put away.
• You are expected to communicate with me and other students in a respectful
manner. Some of the material presented in class as well as opinions of other
students may not be the same as yours and it is fine to have a different opinion,
but it is essential that you express it in a respectful manner.
• No cheating, plagiarizing, or other academic misconduct will be tolerated. It is
your responsibility to know these rules and their consequences. More information
about plagiarism and consequences of it can be found at the following websites
http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/academic-integrity-at-rutgers
http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/files/documents/AI_Policy_2013.pdf . If you
have questions about this matter after reviewing the above websites, ask me.
• You are expected to arrive to class on time and not leave early.
• Finally, I expect you to pay attention and not engage in side conversations with
other students.
• I reserve the right to lower your grade on exams and possibly your overall grade
further if you violate these rules.
• Also, please use the restroom before class in order to avoid distractions.
OTHER COURSE INFORMATION: I will use Sakai to communicate with you about
this class and may contact you through your Rutgers email addresses so you need to
check that email account and use Sakai in order to stay informed.
This syllabus is a working document and may be revised throughout the course.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES: If you are interested in receiving psychological
services, please see the following link that describes the psychological services available
to Rutgers University students:
http://healthservices.camden.rutgers.edu/psychinfo
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DATE
Week: 1, T, 9/2
Week: 1, TH, 9/4
Week: 2, T, 9/9
Week: 2, TH, 9/11
Week: 3, T, 9/16
Week: 3, TH, 9/18
Week: 4, T, 9/23
Week: 4, TH, 9/25
Week: 5, T, 9/30
Week: 5, TH, 10/2
Week: 6, T, 10/7
Week: 6, TH, 10/9
Week: 7, T, 10/14
Week: 7, TH, 10/16
Week: 8, T, 10/21
Week: 8, TH, 10/23
Week: 9, T, 10/28
Week: 9, TH, 10/30
Week 10: T, 11/4
Week: 10, TH, 11/6
Week: 11, T, 11/11
Week: 11, TH, 11/13
Week: 12, T, 11/18
Week: 12, TH, 11/20
Week: 13, T, 11/25
Week: 13, TH, 11/27
Week: 14, T, 12/2
Week: 14, TH, 12/4
Week: 15, T, 12/9
TOPIC
Introduction & Course Overview
Understanding Abnormality
Continued Discussion
Diagnosis & Treatment
Continued Discussion
Assessment
Theoretical Perspectives
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Continued Discussion
Exam 1 (chapters 1-5)
Psychotic Disorders
Mood Disorders
Continued Discussion
Anxiety Disorders
Continued Discussion
Dissociative & Somatic Disorders
Other Disorders
Continued Discussion
Exam 2 (chapters 6-10)
Sexual Disorders
Continued Discussion
Substance-Related & Addictive Disorders
Continued Discussion
Neurocognitive Disorders
Personality Disorders/Action Plan due
Thanksgiving/No Class
Ethical & Legal Issues
Continued Discussion
Last day of class/Exam 3 (chapters 11-15)
READING
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
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