PSYC 203 Abnormal Psychology

Through this introduction to the field of Abnormal Psychology, students will be able to describe both historical and current issues involved with defining and recognizing psychological disorders, to describe causes, compare and contrast the major treatments, and to describe some prevention strategies. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply research skills and critically analyze issues relating to abnormal psychology.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

PSYC 101

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. Describe and discuss the difficulties in defining and diagnosing psychological disorders and the cultural representations and ramifications of these issues.
2. Identify, compare, and contrast causes of and treatments for various psychological disorders using medical and psychological perspectives, and the challenge of providing adequate treatment for those in need.
3. Analyze critically and evaluate the relationships among law, society, and the mental health professions, including how they are represented in the mass media.
4. Apply introductory research skills that psychologists use to gather and interpret information on prevention strategies for mental illness.
5. Apply research skills to explore a topic within abnormal psychology employing specific abnormal psychological concepts, methods, and/or theories to understand behavior, institutions, and/or change over time.
6. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theses through writing that demonstrates an understanding of abnormal psychological thinking.

Course Objectives

1. Describe and discuss the difficulties in defining and diagnosing psychological disorders and the cultural representations and ramifications of these issues.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Exam essay question

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Exam rubric
2. Identify, compare, and contrast causes of and treatments for various psychological disorders using medical and psychological perspectives, and the challenge of providing adequate treatment for those in need.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments
   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Exam questions and/or written assignment

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Exam or Assignment rubric
3. Analyze critically and evaluate the relationships among law, society, and the mental health professions, including how they are represented in the mass media.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Assignment rubric
4. Apply introductory research skills that psychologists use to gather and interpret information on prevention strategies for mental illness.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments
   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Exam question and/or written assignment

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Social Science rubric

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Social Sciences - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   1. Employ social science concepts, methods, and/or theories to understand behavior, institutions, and/or change over time.

5. Apply research skills to explore a topic within abnormal psychology employing specific abnormal psychological concepts, methods, and/or theories to understand behavior, institutions, and/or change over time.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments
   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Research project or written assignment

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Social Science rubric

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Social Sciences - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   2. Apply introductory research skills that social scientists use to gather and interpret information.

6. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theses through writing that demonstrates an understanding of abnormal psychological thinking.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Research project

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Paper rubric