YALE UNIVERSITY
Department of Psychology
2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
S180: Abnormal Psychology
Instructor:
Location:
Day/Time:
Phone:
Email:
David Klemanski
Kirtland Hall, Room 207
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. – 4.15 p.m.
203.432.3047
david.klemanski@yale.edu
Course Description
Abnormal Psychology is designed to introduce students to various clinical presentations of
psychopathology that may occur throughout human development. The course will provide an overview
of specific psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, mood, psychotic disorders, etc.) as well as disorder
specific etiological considerations, associated clinical features, defining characteristics, and diagnostic
criteria. Current empirically based psychotherapeutic interventions will also be reviewed.
Goals & Objectives
The purpose of Abnormal Psychology is to introduce students to fundamental concepts and scientific
principles underlying abnormal human behavior. The course will be structured to facilitate learning
about psychopathological behavior, which will be explored from various theoretical frameworks,
including psychological, biological, and sociocultural perspectives. Psychiatric disorders will be
discussed according to DSM-IV diagnostic nosology with special attention paid to etiological
considerations, disorder-specific descriptions, and theories underlying classification. Specific disorders
to be reviewed include mood, anxiety, substance use, eating, sexual, psychotic, and child spectrum
disorders (e.g. attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, etc.). Current empirically based
treatments for mental disorders will also be reviewed. Course objectives include:
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Comprehensively review psychological, biological, and sociocultural theoretical perspectives of
abnormal behavior.
Examine multiple probable causes and correlates of behavior
Learn etiological considerations, descriptions, and theories underlying diagnostic nosology of
psychiatric disorders.
Review current research findings and trends relative to the development and description of
maladaptive behavior, as well as gender and demographic influences on the prevalence of
psychiatric illness.
Learn and understand benefits, critiques, limitations, and implications of diagnosis and
classification.
Provide an overview of current empirically supported psychotherapeutic treatments.
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Lectures & Discussions
Information will be presented during class and via assigned readings. Classes will be structured to
accommodate individual and group participation, creative discussions, experiential activities, and
lectures. At any time during class meetings, students are encouraged to ask relevant questions to
promote educational growth and encourage collegial participation. A commitment to the coursework is
critical to the overall value of learning clinically appropriate therapeutic techniques to promote
competent professional development.
Texts
Required
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Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2011). Abnormal psychology, 5 edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.**
(http://www.coursesmart.com/0077349164?__professorview=false&__instructor=2840097)
Reading List
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Behrman, A. (2003). Electroboy: A memoir of mania. New York: Random House, Inc.
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Bottoms, G. (2000). Angelhead: My brother’s decent into madness. New York: Three Rivers
Press.
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Hornbacher, M. (1999) Wasted. New York: Harper Collins.
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Jamison, K. R. (1996). An unquiet mind: A memoir of moods and madness. New York:
Random House, Inc.
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Kaysen, S. (1993). Girl Interrupted. New York: Random House, Inc.
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Lukas, C. (2008). Blue genes: A memoir of loss and survival. New York: Random House, Inc.
Optional
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American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders (Revised 4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Journal articles and other readings will be available electronically (via https://classesv2.yale.edu/portal/).
Course Requirements
Students are expected to attend and be punctual to class, read required assignments prior to class, and fully
participate in class discussions. If a student is unable to attend class, the instructor should be notified in
advance. Assignments will not be accepted past their due date.
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Participation (20%): Participation will be determined by attendance and participation in class
discussions. Aspects of participation include listening skills, verbal reasoning skills (including
ability to support verbal statements with evidence and/or examples), knowledge of course
material, creativity of expressed ideas, and ability to provide supportive or constructive
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feedback to colleagues. Attendance is required for every class meeting and students may not
arrive late or leave early.
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Book Review (15%): Students will be required to select a book from the course reading list for
scholarly review. Book reviews should include a brief synopsis, comprehensive evaluation of the
material, professional critical analysis (incorporating external sources including course materials,
texts, journal articles, etc.), and the impact, if any, the book has on the area of clinical psychology.
The review should be approximately 4-5 pages (no less or more) in length and written according to
APA style. Due via email on or before Sunday, June 19, 2011.
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Diagnostic and Conceptualization Paper (15%): Students will be required to write a wellreasoned and appropriately supported diagnostic and conceptualization paper. The paper will
be based on a clinical vignette describing an individual’s history, psychiatric symptoms,
psychosocial problems, difficulties with functioning, and other relevant information. Students
will be expected to provide a formal multiaxial diagnostic formulation with appropriate rational
for each diagnosis and a conceptualization of the individual’s disorders. Additional details about
this assignment will be discussed during the first class meeting. The paper should be approximately
5-6 pages in length and written according to APA style. Due via email and hard copy on June 23,
2011.
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Midterm and Final Examinations (25% each; 50% total): The midterm (administered on June 16,
2011) and final (administered on June 30, 2011) examinations will consist of multiple choice, shortanswer, and essay questions on relevant course material (including class discussions, lectures, and
assigned readings). The final exam will be cumulative.
Grading & Evaluation
In an effort to maximize each student’s learning and professional development, qualitative feedback will
be provided for all completed assignments. Each assignment will receive a letter grade, which will be
converted to a weighted score based on the value of individual assignments (as indicated below). Each
student’s overall course grade will be based on the following:
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Participation (20%)
Book Review (15%)
Diagnostic and Conceptualization Paper (15%)
Midterm and Final Examinations (25% each)
Final course grades will be awarded in accordance with Yale College standards and based on each
student’s academic performance.
Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
Academic integrity is a core institutional value at Yale and the strength of the University community
depends on academic and personal integrity. Academic honesty includes fairness in scholarship and
research, respect for each other, and responsibility for personal conduct. Scholarship must rest on
honest originality, including truth in presentation, diligence and precision in writing (citing works and
ideas), and acknowledging collaborations with others.
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Plagiarism is the use of another person’s work, words, or ideas without permission and/or
acknowledgment. The deepest consequence to plagiarizing is a detriment to personal intellectual and
moral development; students who plagiarize do not learn and personal ethics are compromised. Giving
credit where it is due and adding scholarly reflection will allow students to be far more successful than
simply taking credit for someone else’s work. In this course, students must be honest and truthful in all
aspects of their academic work.
Personal Use of Technology in the Classroom
Classroom meetings are an important opportunity for students to extend learning beyond assigned
readings or assignments. Accordingly, students should consistently be prepared to engage with ideas
presented during class. Personal technology, including mobile phones and laptop or tablet (e.g., iPad)
computers, may be distracting to individuals or the class group. To minimize these distractions, use of
mobile phones is not permitted during class. Phones should be turned off or silenced (no vibration
setting) in preparation for class. Laptops and tablet computers may be permitted only to the extent they
are used in pedagogically purposeful ways (i.e., note taking); this policy may be amended if students are
found using personal technology in ways that are not productive or relevant to the course.
Course Schedule
The course schedule, including topics and readings, is subject to change. Additional readings and videos
may be assigned throughout the course. Readings and assignments should be completed in advance of
the class date (e.g., Chapters 3 and 4 of Abnormal Psychology should be read prior to June 02, 2011).
June 05 (01)
Course Overview
Review of Syllabus
Understanding Abnormal Psychology: Theories and Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 1: Looking at Abnormality.
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Rosenhan, D. K. (1973). On being sane in insane places. Science, 179(70), 250 – 258.
June 07 (02)
Research Methods
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 4: The Research Endeavor.
Assessment and Diagnosis
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 2: Theories and Treatment of Abnormality.
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 3: Assessing and Diagnosing Abnormality.
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Academic Writing Workshop
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Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism (see:
http://www.yale.edu/bass/writing/sources/plagiarism/index.html)
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Additional reading to be determined.
June 12 (03)
Mood Disorders and Suicide
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 7: Mood Disorders and Suicide.
Film: Boy Interrupted
June 14 (04)
Anxiety Disorders
Guest Lecturer: Elena Wright, Department of Psychology
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 5: Anxiety Disorders.
June 19 (05)
Personality Disorders
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 9: Personality Disorders
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Chapter 17: Personality Disorders (Ansell, E. B. & Grilo, C.M.) in M. Hersen, S.M.
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Turner, & D. C Beidel (Eds.) (2007) Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis, 5
Edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley
June 21 (06)
Midterm Examination
Childhood Disorders
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 10: Childhood Disorders
June 23 (Sunday)
Book Review due via email on or before June 19, 2011.
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June 26 (07)
Childhood Disorders (continued) - Video
Substance Related Disorders
Impulse-Control Disorders
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 14: Substance-Related and Impulse-Control
Disorders
June 28 (08)
Eating Disorders
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 12: Eating Disorders
Psychotic Disorders and Schizophrenia
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 08: Schizophrenia and Related Psychotic
Disorders
Class Discussion – Book Reviews
July 03 (09)
Stress and Health Psychology
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 15: Health Psychology
Cognitive Disorders
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 11: Cognitive Disorders and Life-Span Issues
Sexual Disorders
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 13: Sexual Disorders
July 05 (10)
Final Examination (9.00 – 10.45 a.m.)
Legal Aspects of Mental Health
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Nolen-Hoeksema (2011). Chapter 16: Mental Health and the Law
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Careers in Clinical Psychology
Transitioning to a New Classification System
Diagnostic and Conceptualization Paper Due (paper copy and via email)
**If you are using the Abnormal Psychology 4th edition text, please note below class dates and
corresponding chapter assignments:
June 05 (01)
June 07 (02)
June 12 (03)
June 14 (04)
June 19 (05)
June 21 (06)
June 26 (07)
June 28 (08)
July 03 (09)
July 05 (10)
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Nolen-Hoeksema (2007).
Chapter 1: Looking at Abnormality.
Chapter 2: Contemporary Theories of Abnormality.
Chapter 3: The Research Endeavor.
Chapter 4: Assessing and Diagnosing Abnormality.
Chapter 5: Treatments for Abnormality.
Chapter 9: Mood Disorders.
Chapter 10: Suicide
Chapter 7: Anxiety Disorders.
Chapter 6: Stress Disorders and Health Psychology
Chapter 12: Personality Disorders
Chapter 13: Childhood Disorders
Chapter 17: Substance Related Disorders
Chapter 15: Eating Disorders
Chapter 11: Schizophrenia
Chapter 8: Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders
Chapter 14: Cognitive Disorders and Life-Span Issues
Chapter 16: Sexual Disorders
Chapter 18: Mental Health and the Law
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*Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2007). Abnormal psychology, 5 edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.