Transcript title

Abnormal Psychology

Credits

4

Grading mode

Standard letter grades

Total contact hours

40

Lecture hours

40

Recommended preparation

WR 060 (or higher) or minimum placement Wr/Comm Level 5.

Course Description

Introductory survey of the variety of emotional, mental and behavioral disorders experienced by humans. History, theoretical perspectives, diagnostic criteria and issues, etiology and treatment strategies are covered for the major forms of psychopathology.

Course learning outcomes

1. Articulate the historical and philosophical bases for the major approaches to psychological inquiry as they relate to the scientific study of abnormal behavior.
2. Label and explain the steps of the scientific method, including control conditions, quantifiable dependent measures, identification of independent variables with operational definitions, sampling techniques, subject selection and assignment, and basic procedures.
3. Synthesize and critically evaluate information from various sources, including text, lecture, visual media, original research articles and review articles as they apply to the study of abnormal behavior.
4. Analyze the interactions of genetics, cytoplasmic processes, prenatal conditions, perinatal events, parenting styles, societal practices and cultural approaches as they influence an individual's behavior, for both negative and positive outcomes.
5. Examine the historical models for determining and categorizing abnormal behaviors.
6. Identify the major categories of psychological disorders relating to anxiety, panic, obsessions and compulsions, their symptoms, diagnoses, and hypothesized etiology.
7. Identify the major categories of psychological disorders relating to mood, their symptoms, diagnoses, and hypothesized etiology.
8. Identify the major categories of psychological disorders relating to psychosocial and physical disorders, their symptoms, diagnoses, and hypothesized etiology.
9. Identify the major categories of psychological disorders relating to eating and control issues, their symptoms, diagnoses, and hypothesized etiology.
10. Identify the major categories of psychological disorders relating to sexual behavior and gender identity, their symptoms, diagnoses, and hypothesized etiology.
11. Identify the major categories of psychological disorders relating to schizophrenia and other cognitive processes, including identity, their symptoms, diagnoses, and hypothesized etiology.
12. Identify the major categories of personality disorders, their symptoms, diagnoses, and hypothesized etiology.
13. Identify the major categories of developmental disorders and those relating to the aging process, their symptoms, diagnoses, and hypothesized etiology.
14. Summarize the research regarding the social, cultural and political topics surrounding the legal aspects of abnormal behavior.

General education/Related instruction lists

• Social Science
• Cultural Literacy