HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSY-102
Bergen Community College
Division of Business, Math and Social Sciences
Department of Social and Behavioral Science
Bergen Community College
Division of Business, Social Sciences & Public Services
Department of Social Sciences
Departmental Policy Syllabus
PSY-102 Abnormal Psychology
Basic Information about Course and Instructor
Semester:
Course Number: PSY-102-XXX
Meeting Times and Place:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Phone:
Department Secretary:
Office Hours:
Email Address:
Course Description
PSY-102 Abnormal Psychology is the examination of psychological adjustment and of the
prevention and treatment of psychological disorders. The course focuses on the framework
established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Topics of
discussion include community mental health problems, stress and coping mechanisms,
anxiety disorders, sexual variations and dysfunction, and the more severe disorders such as
schizophrenia.
3 lecture 3 credits
General Education Course
Social Science Elective
Student Learning Objectives/Means of Assessment
Objectives: Upon successful
completion, the student will be able to:
Measurements: This outcome will be
measured by one or more of the
following:
1. Explain the nature of
psychopathology.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
2. Explain how clinicians diagnose
mental disorders.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
3. Explain how both psychological
and medical treatments are used
to treat various mental disorders.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
4. Explain how individual
differences impact one's
susceptibility and resiliency to
mental disorders. Students will be
able to explain how psychological
variables can affect one's
physical well being (e./g.,
coronary heart disease, cancer,
etc.)
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
5. Describe how societal institutions
and cultural changes affect notions of
mental illness.
.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
6. Define the concepts and basic
terminology used to describe
psychopathology. Students will
be able to discuss how
psychological functioning exists
on a continuum of healthy versus
unhealthy moods, thoughts, and
behaviors. This knowledge will be
demonstrated in class exercises,
written assignments, and class
exams.
.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
7. Identify various psychological
disorder identified in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders IV-TR,
including: anxiety disorders,
mood disorders, disorders of
bodily preoccupation, sexual
variation and dysfunction,
schizophrenia, personality
disorders and substance
disorders. Students will be able to
pass written exams that test the
aforementioned.
.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
8. Demonstrate an understanding of
various types of psychotherapy
(e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive-
behavioral) used to treat different
disorders. Students will also be
able to explain how medication
and medical procedures also
interface with psychotherapy.
Students will be able to pass
written exams that test the
aforementioned.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
9. Describe risk factors and
preventative factors in various mental
disorders. They will also be able to cite
research findings that suggest how
psychological factors can contribute to
the occurrence and severity of mental
disorders. This knowledge will be
demonstrated in class exercises,
written assignments, and class exams..
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
10. Describe how the diagnosis and
treatment of mental disorders
have changed over time.
Students will be able to explain
how sociocultural factors (e.g.,
gender, ethnicity, race, religion,
etc.) have shaped what is
considered "abnormal" behavior.
Students will also be able to
discuss the stigma attached to
many mental disorders and how
this complicates both diagnosis
and treatment. This knowledge
will be demonstrated in a class
exercise and/or a reaction paper.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
Course Content:
Topic headings that are preceded by an asterisk ("*") are considered essential topics in this
course. The coverage of additional topics in this class are at the discretion of the individual
instructor.
Unit 1
*I. Abnormal Behavior: The Problem of Maladaption
A. Definitions and Stigmas
B. Adaptive and Maladaptive Behavior
C. Stress and Vulnerability
D. Society, the community and Clinical Research
*II. Historical Background of Abnormal Psychology
A. Views of Abnormal Behavior Throughout History
B. Contemporary Viewpoints
C. Clinical Psychology
D. Contemporary Role of Abnormal Psychology
*III. The Role of Theory in Abnormal Psychology
A. The Biological Perspective
B. The Psychodynamic Perspective
C. The Learning and Humanistic-Existential Perspective
D. The Community and International Perspe ctive
*IV. Classification and Assessment
A. classification, Stress and Vulnerability
B. DSMIV
C. Research on Classification
D. Assessment
E. The Axis Concept
V. Stress and Coping Maladaptive Reactions
A. Stress Arousal
B. Clinical Reactions to Stress
Unit 2
*VI. Anxiety Disorders
A. Types of Anxiety Disorders
B. Interpretation and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
C. Psychotherapy and Anxiety
*VII. Psychological Factors and Physical Symptoms
A. Concepts of Psychological, Social and Bodily Interactions
B. Psychophysiological Disorders
C. Somatoform Disorders
D. Factitious Disorders and Malingering
VIII. Changing Concepts of Human Sexuality
A. Kinsey and Hite Reports
B. Master's and Johnson's Observational Studies
C. Sexual Dysfunction
D. Homosexuality and Gender Identity
*IX. Personality Disorders
A. DSM IV and Personality Disorders
B. The Three Overall Categories of Personality Disorders
*X. Affective Disorders
A. Affective Disorders Defined
B. Theories of Depressive and Bipolar Disorders
C. Suicide and Parasuicide
Unit 3
*XI. Schizophrenic Disorders
A. Facts about Schizophrenia
B. Characteristics and Diagnostic Criteria for Schizophrenia
C. Types of Schizophrenia
D. Outcome Prospects
XII. Theories, Research and Therapies in Schizophrenia
A. Biologically Based Approaches
B. Learning and Psychodynamic Perspectives
C. Cognitive Community and Humanistic Perspectives
D. The Interactional Approach
XIII. Brain Disorders
A. Assessment, Causes and Vulnerability
B. Causes of Brain Disorders
C. Changes Relating to Aging
*XIV Substance Use Disorders
A. Abuse and Substance Dependence
B. Alcohol
C. Other Drugs
Unit 4
XV. Maladaptive Behavior in Childhood
A. Problems and Kinds of Disorders
B. Therapy and Children
C. Disorders of Development
D. Disorder of Emotion and Physical Symptoms
XVI. Mental Retardation
A. Classifying Mental Retardation
B. Causes of Mental Retardation
C. Intelligence, Training and Education
D. Future Prospects and Improving Capabilities
XVII. Therapy and Its Evaluation
A. Psychotherapy
B. Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
C. Group Therapy
D. Hospitalization
XVIII. Prevention and Societal Responses to Maladaptive Behavior
A. Types of Prevention
B. Sites of Prevention
C. Legal Aspects of Treatment and Prevention
Course Text
The required text for this course is Abnormal Psychology: The Problem of Maladaptive
Behavior (11th Edition) by Irwin G. Sarason & Barbara R. Sarason, Pearson/Prentice Hall,
2005. ISBN: 0-13-118111-4. Also available but not required: Companion Study Guide for
Abnormal Psychology: The Problem of Maladaptive Behavior (11th Edition ) ISBN: 0-13-
118113-0. Companion website: www.prenhall.com/sarason (useful study tools, flash cards,
quizzes providing immediate scoring and feedback, and links to related websites are
provided).
Research, Writing and/or Examination Requirement
As a General Education course, PSY-102 has a significant writing requirement integrated into
the content of the course, including the preparation of out -of-class writing assignments and/or
essays. Exams may consist of a mix of essays, short answer and/or objective style
questions.
Writing Activity: All students in Abnormal Psychology will be expected to engage
in some form of written assignment. The assignment may be in the form of essays, a
term paper, a behavioral observation report, and/or other writing assignments.
Critical Thinking: Students should be encouraged to analyze and synthesize the
various psychological concepts developed in this course. Memorization of key
concepts and their integration into the overall subject material is essential.
Student Evaluation: In determining a student semester grade, a minimum of three,
and preferably more, grading mechanisms will be employed. Multiple choice,
matching, fill-in and essay questions are appropriate; true-false questions are not.
Term projects and research reports are optional, but essays or other writing
assignments based on outside readings should be necessary.
Grading Policy
The final grade in the course will be determined by a student’s overall mastery of the subject
matter as evidenced on exams, out-of-class writing assignments and class participation. All
factors considered, class participation should not account for more than 15% of the final
grade in the course.
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ATTENDANCE POLICY
All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in
which they are registered. Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be
determined by the instructor for each section of each course. These will be established in
writing on the individual course outline. Attendance will be kept by the instructor for
administrative and counseling purposes.
ATTENDANCE POLICY IN THIS COURSE
Students are expected to attend every scheduled class and to arrive punctually. Attendance
will be taken at each class session. It is expected that class will be conducted in such a
manner that students will benefit from both the lectures and class discussions. Each student
is held responsible for all material presented. While there is no automatic penalty for being
absent from class, attendance is generally reflected in the student’s overall performance.
Those who arrive late or leave early disrupt class. If you find that it is absolutely necessary
for you to leave the class early, please consult with the instructor before the beginning of the
class, and take a seat close to the door so as not to disturb others when you leave. Make -
ups for examinations will be allowed if, in the instructor’s judgment, the student has presented
a good excuse for missing the work.
OTHER COLLEGE, DIVISIONAL, AND OR DEPARTMENTAL POLICY STATEMENTS
Statement on Plagiarism and/or Academic Dishonesty - Academic Integrity
The Bergen Community College Statement on academic integrity as found in the
college catalog on page 43 is the following;
In cases when students are charged with academic irregularities, such as cheating during an
examination or plagiarism in the preparation of an essay, laboratory report, or oral
presentation, the instructor has the authority to:
1. Give the student a failing grade for the assignment if, within the course’s total
requirements, non-completion of that assignment would not constitute sufficient
ground for failing the course; or,
2. Give the student a failing grade for the course if, within the course’s total requirements,
non-completion of that assignment would preclude the student’s passing course.
The instructor must make a written report to the Vice President of Student Services of
whatever action he or she has taken and its justification. In turn the Vice President of
Student Services must send a copy of the instructor’s report to the student. Within ten days
of receipt of such notification, the student may appeal the decision in writing to the Vice
President of Student Services. The Vice President of Student Services shall be responsible
for maintaining a cumulative file of all infractions of academic dishonesty.
Two such offenses shall be sufficient grounds to suspend a student from the College. Thus,
should it be verified that a student has committed a second such offense, the Vice President
of Student Services, will report the matter to the Committee on Academic Standing and
recommend an appropriate action.
Academic Integrity Policy in this Course
The integrity of any academic discipline is essential and requires that those who engage the
subject matter do so in an honest and forthright manner. In this environment cheating of any
sort is unacceptable, and if uncovered, will be sanctioned. The policy used in this cou rse is
akin to that of the College. If a student is found cheating or plagiarizes on written
assignments he/she will receive an F for that assignment. A written description of the
incident will be forwarded to the Vice President of Student Services to be placed on file. If a
second incident occurs the student will fail the course and a second written description
concerning the event will be forwarded to the Vice President of Student Services. Any
subsequent actions will be pursued by the Vice President and the Committee on Academic
Standing.
The implementation of this policy requires that during quizzes or examinations the desk be
completely clear of all books, papers, notes, computers and cell phones. All of these items
should be placed on the floor under the seat and out of sight. The only item on your desk
should be your quiz or exam and a pen or pencil. Students who need to use hand held
computers for foreign language translation purposes, or who have to use such items because
of special needs should first clear their use with the instructor.
Statement on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Bergen Community College has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for
prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by federal
regulations implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Section 504 and ADA state, in part, that “no
qualified individual with a disability, by reason of su ch disability, be excluded from
participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public
entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.”
Complaints should be addressed to the Manager of Training and Compliance, Office of the
Executive Vice President, Room A-330, (201)612-5331, who has been designated to
coordinate 504/ADA compliance efforts. (BCC Student Handbook, 2003, Page 42).
Sexual Harassment Statement
Bergen Community College is committed to providing its students and employees with an
academic and work environment free from sexual harassment or discrimination. Sexual
harassment in any form constitutes prohibited, unprofessional and unacceptable conduct,
and is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1990, as amended, Title IX
of the Education Amendments of 1972, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination,
established case law and State policies. The policy applies to all persons. Administrators,
faculty, staff, and students are all covered. (BCC Catalog, 2007-8, pages 59-60). See
catalog for complete details.
Acceptable Use of BCC Technology Resources
Bergen Community College reserves the right to monitor its information technology resources
and telecommunications network to protect the integrity of its computing systems,
workstations, and lab facilities, and to ensure compliance with all acceptable use and related
policies and procedures. To this end, the College reserves the right to inspect any and all
computer systems or data that reside on its telecommunications network for violations of any
acceptable use and related policies and procedures. (BCC Catalog 2007 -8, pages 45-47).
The College’s entire Acceptable Use policy, administrative guidelines, and procedures may
be found at http://www.bergen.edu/acceptable use.
Faculty Office Hours: The Purpose and Value
All full-time instructors will reserve a minimum of three (3) hours per week for the sole
purpose of meeting with students. The exact hours are to be determined by each individual
instructor and posted in the department and if possible next to the instructor’s office. The
purpose of this is to assist students who have questions pertaining to class assignments or
who are in need of clarification of material or concepts discussed in class. All students are
welcome to visit the instructor during the posted hours but if this is not possible due to
scheduling conflicts the instructor at the students request will arrange for a time to meet
which is mutually convenient. The faculty office hours are valuable because they provide a
setting for the instructor and student to interact on a one-to-one basis where they can focus
on specific individualized concerns.
STUDENT AND FACULTY SUPPORT SERVICES
Services for Students with Disabilities
A wide variety of services are available to students with documented disabilities through the
Office of Special Services (OSS) [Room S-131; (201) 612-5270]. OSS is dedicated to
serving students with physical, visual, learning, hearing, and emotional disabilities. If a
student has been classified in high school or had a 504 plan, it is highly recommended that
the student contact OSS during the college application process. A more detailed explanation
can be found on the College web site www.bergen.edu Personal information is kept
confidential.
Examples of the types of accommodations and services include:
Extended test taking time
Organizational strategies
Tutoring
Career counseling
Adaptive equipment computer labs
Note takers
Sign language interpreters
The Sidney Silverman Library
The Sidney Silverman Library is an integral part of the College’s educational programs. To
support the curriculum, the library acquires, organizes, and provides access to a variety of
print, media, and electronic resources for individual and classroom use.
The library is located on the second and third floors in the L area of the megastructure . It is
open whenever classes are in session and on a reduced schedule when classes are not in
session. The library is open to all students, faculty, and the general public. (BCC Catalog
2007-8, page 62).
The Library’s Web page, http://www.bergen.edu/library, is available for up-to-date information
regarding library collections and services.
Other Student and Faculty Services
Academic Advising Center [Main Building, Room A-101; (201) 612-5480]
Cooperative Education and Career Development Center [Main Building, Room C-100, (201)
447-7171]
Child Development Center [East Hall]
Counseling Center [Main Building, Room A-118; (201) 447-7211]
Dental Hygiene Clinic [Main Building, Room S-327; (201) 447-7180]
The Distance Learning Office {Main Building, Room C-334; (201)612-5581]
English Language Resource Center [East Hall, Room E -126]
Health Services [Main Building, HS-100; (201) 447-9257]
Math Lab [Main Building, Room C-110]
Multimedia Lab [Main Building, Room S-250]
Online Writing Lab (OWL) http://www.bergen.edu/owl
Office of Testing Services (Main Building, Room S-127; (201)447-7203)
Public Safety [Main Building; Room L-154; (201)447-7116]
Tutoring Center, a.k.a. Learning Assistance Center [Main Building, Room L-125; (201) 447-
7489].
Sample Course Outline and Calendar
Note to Students: This Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to change,
depending upon the progress of the class.
WEEK TOPIC TEXTBOOK STUDENT
READINGS LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
1 Introduction Ch. 1 1 – 10
2 & 3 Theoretical Perspectives on
Maladaptive Behavior Ch. 2 1 – 10
4 Classification and Assessment Ch. 4 1 – 10
5 Stress, Coping and
Maladaptive Behavior Ch. 5 1 – 10
6 Anxiety Disorders Ch. 8 1 – 10
7 Sexual Variations & Disorders Ch. 9 1 – 10
8 & 9 Personality Disorders Ch. 10 1 – 10
10 & 11 Schizophrenia and other
Psychotic Disorders Ch. 12 1 – 10
12 Bodily Dysfunction: Eating
& Sleeping Problems &
Psychophysiological Disorders Ch. 6 1 -10
13 Mood Disorders and Suicide Ch. 11 1 – 10
14 Disorders of Bodily
Preoccupation Ch. 7 1 – 10
15 Review and Summary 1 – 10
Dates for Exams: to be scheduled by individual instructors
Due Dates for Written Assignments: to be scheduled by individual instructors