PSY 204, Fall 2014 1 PSY 204: Abnormal Psychology Fall 2014 Instructor: Jonathan Marin, Ph.D. Office: 331B Graff Main Hall Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Mon & Wed: 3:45 to 4:30 pm; Tue & Thu: 1 to 2 pm Phone: 608-785-6896 (and by appointment, scheduled via e-mail) Any changes to this syllabus will be announced in class. It is your responsibility to be aware of any changes. Class Time Monday and Wednesday: 2:15 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. in Graff Main Hall 247 Required Text Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2014). Abnormal psychology (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Supplementary Readings/Information Supplementary readings are intended to help students understand the material covered in lecture. These readings will be announced in class and posted through D2L. Any and all lectures may also contain additional supplemental information not covered in the text. Students are responsible for all information covered in both the textbook and lectures. Course Description This course is meant to provide a comprehensive overview of psychological disorders with a focus on outlining symptoms of disorders, causes of mental illness, and treatment approaches for these disorders. Additionally, special emphasis will be placed on mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders, and assessment and diagnosis. Prerequisites: PSY 100 (General Psychology) or PSY 212 (Life-Span Development), and sophomore standing (minimum 30 credits). Upon completion of this course, students shall be able to: 1) Identify the DSM-IV-TR/DSM-5 classification system and terminology relating to abnormal psychology. 2) Compare and contrast the essential features of the most prevalent disorders. 3) Recognize the contribution of environmental, biological, cognitive, and affective factors in the etiology of mental health disorders. 4) Identify the various types of assessment, diagnostic, and treatment procedures. 5) Describe in-depth at least one disorder in the field of abnormal psychology. 6) Demonstrate the ability to gather and conceptualize pertinent research and current events in the field of abnormal psychology. Additionally, students’ acquired knowledge shall meet the following American Psychological Association’s (APA) Learning Goals and Outcomes: Goal 1. Knowledge Base in Psychology Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems. Goal 2. Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking Students should learn basic skills and concepts in interpreting behavior, studying research, and applying research design principles to drawing conclusions about psychological phenomena. Goal 3. Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World Students should become familiar with the formal regulations that govern professional ethics in psychology and begin to embrace the values that will contribute to positive outcomes in work settings and in building a society responsive to multicultural and global concerns.PSY 204, Fall 2014 2 Course Requirements Exams (100 points each) There will be four exams worth 100 points each. Exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. Exams will cover lecture and textbook material. It is strongly recommended that you come to class on time for exams. If you come late and begin the exam, you must turn it in at the end of class time (regardless of whether you are finished or not). Students who arrive more than 30 minutes late to the exam will not be allowed to complete it. The only item(s) you are allowed to have access to during an exam is pencils. Please do not bring any other materials (e.g., backpack, notebook, textbook, cell phone) with you to an exam. If you are forced to bring anything extra, you will be required to place these items at the front of the classroom during the exam. Approved make-up exams will be offered during the final exam time (Wednesday, 12/17 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.). There will NOT be a formal cumulative final exam during the final exam time; the final exam time will be reserved for approved make-up exams. Writing Assignments Psychology is a “writing-in-the-major” program, but the department does not specify particular courses as "writing emphasis." Every psychology course includes informal and/or formal papers; however, the type of writing and extent to which writing style comprises a component of the grade varies by instructor and course content. By completing the Psychology major, students fulfill the “writing emphasis” component of the UW-L general education requirements. Strong communication skills in writing and oral presentation represent key hallmarks of a liberally educated person and comprise one of the American Psychological Associations' goals for the undergraduate major. In order to promote development of these skills, students receive feedback on formal writing and presentations based on three major components: ideas, organization and conventions. Visit http://www2.uwlax.edu/Psychology/Writing-in-the-major/ for more information on the components, rubrics for writing and presentation skills, and the APA style elements required by all psychology faculty who indicate that a paper must be in “APA style.” PSY 204: Abnormal Psychology Formal and Graded Informal Writing in the Major – Psychology Research Papers Application Papers Writing-to-learn activities (in-class writing activities) Approximate number of papers N/A 1 To be determined Approximate number of pages N/A 2-3 Article Reaction Paper (100 points) There will be one article reaction paper worth 100 points. Paper requirements and details will be distributed during class (see class schedule for details). See late paper policy below. In Class Activities (10 participation points) Throughout the semester will be some announced and some unannounced creative writing activities that will help apply the readings and lecture information. These activities allow for me to keep track of class attendance, as well as allowing for students to gain participation points. Ten of these activities will be randomly selected at the end of the semester for the purposes of participation points. Due to the nature of these in-class activities, no make-ups will be provided for in-class activities. Extra Credit Additional extra credit opportunities may be available throughout the semester