Psychology 470

 

                                                                       Abnormal Psychology

 

                                                          Section 70, Wednesdays, 6:00p – 8:50p

                                                                            Killian Room 320

 

Instructor:                    Dr. David McCord

Office:                         301 Killian

Phone:             (828) 227-7361

Fax:                             (828) 227-7005

Email:                          mccord@email.wcu.edu

 

Catalog Description 

Theories of psychopathology; etiology, dynamics, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment.  Prerequisite:  PSY 150 or permission of instructor.

 

Textbook 

Comer, R. J. (2004). Abnormal Psychology (5th ed.). Worth.

 

(Study Guide, optional, available in bookstore.)

 

Psy 470 Class Resource Page

 

http://paws.wcu.edu/mccord/psy470main.htm

 

Course Objectives 

This course is an overview of the basic theories and principles of abnormal psychology.  It will cover a variety of topics, including:

 

   -        basic characteristics of normality and abnormality;

 

   -        diagnosis, classification, and labeling systems;

 

   -        major mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders;

 

   -        major methods of treatment and intervention.

 

Course Organization 

Material will be presented through a variety of techniques, including lecture, videotapes, and written assignments that will be done outside of class.

 

Tests

There will be four tests during the semester and a comprehensive final exam that will be given during the final exam week.  You may drop your lowest grade of the four tests given during the semester, but you cannot drop the final exam grade.  Each of the four remaining test grades will be worth 20% of your final course grade.  NOTE:  No make-up tests will be given; if you must miss an exam, that will be the grade you drop.

 

 

Assignments and Attendance

You will be given regular outside reading and writing assignments, and you can expect to spend about six hours per week for this course.  You should be prepared for each period by reading assigned material. This course will meet only 15 times; thus, it is essential to attend every class. Consistent with WCU attendance policy, your final grade will be reduced by 5 points for each unexcused absence.

 

Grade

Your grade will be determined as follows:

Tests - 80% (20% for each of four)

Homework - 20%

 

After computing your percentage points from tests and homework, points will be deducted for unexcused absences. The final number of points will be converted to a letter grade as follows:

 

A    94% and higher

A-   90.00% through 93.99%

B+   87.00% through 89.99%

B    84.00% through 86.99%

B-   80.00% through 83.99%

C+   77.00% through 79.99%

C    74.00% through 76.99%

C-   70.00% through 73.99%

D+   67.00% through 69.99%

D    64.00% through 66.99%

D-   60.00% through 63.99%

 

NOTE:  Due to the size of the class, tests will be multiple-choice format.  Homework assignments will consist of 10 essays, of approximately 2-3 pages in length, addressing a specific discussion question relevant to the course topic at that time.

 

Extra Credit

 

In this course, I have found that participation in one of the groups offered by the WCU Counseling Center is very relevant and beneficial for students. Thus, you can earn 4 points added to your final grade by full participation in one of these groups. Details will be provided in class. There are occasionally guest speakers on campus with topics relevant to this course. I may offer a point added to your grade for attendance. We’ll discuss this as we go.

 

NOTE:  Attendance is essential.  I am lenient with regard to excusing one absence, but I very rarely agree to excuse more than one absence during a semester. Credit for homework assignments will be reduced by 10 points for each day they are late. This policy will be strictly followed, regardless of reason for lateness, as there are many options for getting the assignment in (email, fax, etc.)

 

Reading Schedule

 

Date

Topic

Reading

Stuff Due

Jan 12

Introductions, outline, historical concepts

 

 

Jan 19

History, research methods

Chpt. 1-2

Hmwrk #1

Jan 26

Paradigms, assessment & diagnosis

Chpt. 3-4

Hmwrk #2

Feb 2

Exam #1

 

 

Feb 9

Anxiety Disorders

Chpt. 5

Hmwrk #3

Feb 16

Somatoform & Dissociative Disorders

Chpt. 7

Hmwrk #4

Feb 23

Exam #2

 

 

Mar 9

Mood Disorders

Chpt. 8-9

Hmwrk #5

Mar 16

Schizophrenia

Chpt. 14-15

Hmwrk #6

Mar 23

Exam #3

 

 

Mar 30

Substance-related Disorders

Chpt. 12

Hmwork #7

Apr 6

Personality Disorders

Chpt. 16

Hmwork #8

Apr 13

Exam #4

 

 

Apr 20

Child and Adolescent Disorders

Chpt. 17

Hmwork #9

Apr 27

Child and Adolescent Disorders

Chpt. 17

Hmwork #10

May 4

FINAL EXAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: The final exam will cover the final class periods, chapter 17, and will also be cumulative, including questions from the entire course. The final exam will be on Wednesday, May 4th, 6:00p – 8:50p, in Killian 320.