SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS
PSYC 204
FALL 2009
CREDIT COURSE
Abnormal Psychology
INSTRUCTOR:
Stacey Burnard
OFFICE HOURS:
OFFICE LOCATION:
By appointment
TBA
TELEPHONE/E-MAIL:
FAX:
335-1717, s_burnard@yahoo.com
668-8805, School of Liberal Arts
COURSE OFFERINGS
DAYS & TIMES:
Classes:
Time:
Room:
Monday
7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
A2603
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course presents a broad introduction to the area of abnormal psychology. Topics include:
the definition of abnormal behavior; the diagnostic features, etiology, prevalence and treatment
of various disorders; and abnormal psychology and societal issues.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Demonstrate an understanding of various disorders, their causes and treatments, and the
limitations to defining “abnormality”.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of abnormal psychology terminology and explain important
features of abnormal psychological concepts and theories.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of controversial issues in abnormal psychology.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking skills as they apply to aspects of abnormal psychology.
5. Demonstrate research and writing skills.
6. Evaluate his/her own attitudes (against a political and societal backdrop of labeling and
treatment), within a psychological context, towards aspects of abnormal psychology covered
in the course.
Revised August 2009
Psychology 204; Fall 2009
Page 1
Changes may be made prior to the start of classes.
DELIVERY METHODS/FORMAT (3-0-0)
The class format will consist of lectures and class discussions.
EQUIVALENCY/TRANSFERABILITY
UBC Psyc 2nd yr. (3)
UVIC Psyc 200L (1.5)
UAS Psyc S340 (3)
UNBC Psyc 303 (3)
SFU Psyc 241 (3)
UAF Psyc Elec. (3)
UR
Pysc 333 (3)
For more information about transferability contact the School of Liberal Arts.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Psychology 100 and Psychology 101.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS/EVALUATION:
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Attendance will be taken at every class. Your participation is essential to the development of
class unity and the learning process for everyone including yourself. Group discussion offers you
a forum in which to articulate your own ideas and to be educated through the ideas of others.
We will create together a respectful environment where everyone will feel safe and welcome to
speak.
A student may be withdrawn from a course if more than 10% of the scheduled contact hours are
missed in any one course. Withdrawal from a course may result in loss of full-time status and
loss of sponsorship funding. Examinations include lecture material therefore attendance is
encouraged.
TESTS & ASSIGNMENTS
CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE: 10%
Students will be given one critical thinking exercise at the beginning of the course to help refine
critical thinking skills.
RESEARCH AND POSITION PAPER: 35%
There will be one research and position paper assignment that will allow students to research a
controversial topic in child psychology that is meaningful to them. Marks will be allotted for form
as well as content. Marks will be given for communication skills including grammar, sentence
and paragraph structure, spelling and organization. Proper referencing (APA) is required.
Suggested topics will be provided to students during the first week of classes. Students may
choose their own topic provided they get approval from course instructor beforehand.
Late papers : 5% lost for each day late
Revised August 2009
Psychology 204; Fall 2009
Page 2
Changes may be made prior to the start of classes.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious academic offence. Students who plagiarize material for assignments will
receive a mark of zero (F) on the assignment and may fail the course. Plagiarism may also result
in dismissal from a program of study or the college.
Plagiarism involves presenting the words of someone else as your own. Plagiarism can be the
deliberate use of a whole piece of another person’s writing, but more frequently it occurs when
students fail to acknowledge and to document sources from which they have taken material.
Whenever the words, research, or ideas of others are directly quoted or paraphrased, they must
be documented according to standard procedures (APA or MLA). As well, re-submitting a paper
for which you have previously received credit is also an academic offence.
EXAMINATIONS
There are two exams in this course, a mid-term (20%) and a final exam (35%). Examinations
will cover lecture material and assigned readings. The questions may include multiple choice,
short answers, and essay- type questions. The final exam is scheduled during exam week. It
should be noted that alternate arrangements to write an exam would only be considered under
exceptional circumstances (i.e., bereavement, illness). If there is a circumstance you know about
before the exam date, please consult me in advance and we will discuss what arrangements are
possible.
EVALUATION
Critical Thinking – 10%
Position Paper – 30%
Mid-term – 30%
Final Exam – 30%
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS/MATERIALS:
Required text: Comer, R.J. (2010). Abnormal psychology, (7th ed.). Worth Publishers, New
York.
OPTIONAL TEXTS
American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
American Psychological Association (2001). Publication Manual (5th ed.). Washington, DC:
Author.
Revised August 2009
Psychology 204; Fall 2009
Page 3
Changes may be made prior to the start of classes.
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY 204
Week of
Topic
Readings
Sept. 8
What is Abnormal Psychology/Abnormal Behaviour?
Research Methods
Chapter 1&2
Sept. 15
Theoretical Perspectives
Critical thinking Assignment Due
Chapters 3
Sept. 22
Classification & Assessment
Chapter 4
Sept 29
Stress and Anxiety disorders
Chapter 5 & 6
Oct. 6
Somatoform and
Dissociative Disorders and Mood Disorders
Chapter 7, 8 & 9
Oct. 13
Thanksgiving
Oct. 20
Schizophrenia & Psychosis
Oct. 27
MID-TERM
Nov. 3
Personality Disorders
Nov. 10
Disorders of Childhood & Eating Disorders
Annotated Bibliography & Research Paper Due
Chapter 17 & 11
Nov. 17
Substance Abuse & Dependence & Addictions
Chapter 12
Nov. 24
Sexual Disorders and Paraphilia
Dec. 1
Other Related Disorders and Exam Review
Dec. 7
Final Examination to be scheduled
Revised August 2009
Chapter 16
Chapter 13
Psychology 204; Fall 2009
Page 4
Changes may be made prior to the start of classes.
Chapter 14 &15