|
NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
|
|
|
Course Title:
|
Abnormal Psychology
|
|
Course Prefix & Number:
|
PSYC 2320
|
Section Number:
|
400
|
Semester/Year:
|
Spring 2021
|
|
Semester Credit Hours:
|
3
|
Lecture Hours:
|
3
|
Lab Hours:
|
0
|
|
Course Description (NCTC Catalog):
This course provides an introduction to the psychological, biological, and socio-cultural factors involved in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. It includes a review of the historical understanding of abnormal behavior and the development of modern diagnostic systems. It includes discussion of psychological research and practice as it relates to mental health and psychological functioning, as well as legal and ethical issues.
|
|
Course Prerequisite(s): PSYC2301-General Psychology
|
|
Required Course Materials: Comer. Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology. 10th edition. MacMillan Publishing. ISBN 9781319312893 (access code with ebook)
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
|
Name of Instructor:
|
Jennifer Doran
|
|
Campus/Office Location:
|
Corinth / Room 331 (Office 337)
|
|
Telephone Number:
|
(940) 498-6424
|
|
E-mail Address:
|
jdoran@nctc.edu
|
OFFICE HOURS
|
Monday
|
Tuesday
|
Wednesday
|
Thursday
|
Friday
|
|
9 am to 4 pm;
Online and by appointment
|
3 to 6 pm;
Online and by appointment
|
9 am to 4 pm;
Online and by appointment
|
3 to 6 pm;
Online and by appointment
|
9 am to 4 pm;
Online and by appointment
|
|
It is my goal to return all phone calls and emails within 24 hours.
|
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)
|
At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
|
|
|
Discuss the historical antecedents to modern understandings of abnormal behavior.
|
|
|
Identify and describe the major classes and characteristics of psychological disorders as presented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).
|
|
|
Describe the factors and theoretical perspectives related to the development and maintenance of different types of abnormal behavior.
|
|
|
List the primary treatments for psychological disorders and discuss their effectiveness.
|
|
|
Discuss the current research and methodological issues in the study of abnormal behavior.
|
|
|
Discuss the legal and ethical issues associated with the treatment of and research related to abnormal behavior.
|
|
|
Develop an understanding of how social and cultural factors impact the expression of psychological disorders.
|
|
|
Examine the impact of biological factors on the development of psychological disorders.
|
GRADING CRITERIA
|
# of Graded Course Elements
|
Graded Course Elements
|
Percentage or Point Values
|
|
1.
|
Exams (100 points x 4 exams)
|
400 points
|
|
2.
|
Group Activities / Participation
|
200 points
|
|
3.
|
Choice Assignment (4 parts)
|
300 points
|
|
4.
|
Institutional Assessment Essay Questions
|
100 points
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
1,000 points
|
- Exams (400 points): We will have four exams that are worth 100 points each. Please bring a scantron, notebook paper and a #2 pencil to class on exam days. Exams will cover material from our text and material from class. In the event of a documented emergency, a make-up (for ONE missed exam) may be offered on the day of the final. Please refrain from phone use or restroom trips during exams.
- Group Activities / Participation (200 points): During class we will complete activities that help to reinforce the course concepts. Credit can only be earned if the student is present. Grade will be determined by reviewing assignments, attendance records, and by observation.
- Choice Assignment (300 points): This ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ assignment has four sections. See the document in Canvas for additional details.
- Institutional Assessment Essay Questions (100 points): Due in Week 13. Grade will relate to inclusion of required elements and content. Please see the document in Canvas and the rubric below for additional details.
- TOTAL: 1,000 possible points
Tentative Course Calendar
|
Week
|
Date
|
Topics
|
Reading
(Please complete PRIOR to class.)
|
|
1
|
January 19
|
Course Overview / Syllabus Activity
|
|
|
January 21
|
What Is Abnormal Behavior?
|
Chapters 1, 3
|
|
|
|
2
|
January 26
|
Research and Abnormal Psychology
|
Chapter 1
|
|
January 28
|
Research Activity
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
February 2
|
Perspectives in Abnormal Psychology
|
Chapter 2
|
|
February 4
|
Perspectives (cont.)
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
February 9
|
Review
|
|
|
February 11
|
Exam 1 (Covers Chapters 1, 2, and 3)
Please bring scantron and #2 pencil.
|
|
|
|
|
5
|
February 16
|
Anxiety
|
Chapter 4
|
|
February 18
|
Anxiety (cont.)
CHOICE ASSIGNMENT PART ONE DUE
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
February 23
|
Obsessive Disorders
|
Chapter 4
|
|
February 25
|
Obsessive Disorders (cont.)
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
March 2
|
Depression
|
Chapter 6
|
|
March 4
|
Depression (cont.) / Bipolar Disorder
|
|
|
|
|
8
|
March 9
|
Bipolar Disorder / Review
|
Chapter 6
|
|
March 11
|
Exam 2 (Covers Chapters 4 and 6)
Please bring scantron and #2 pencil.
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 15th- 21st - Spring Break – Enjoy!
|
|
9
|
March 23
|
Suicide
|
Chapter 7
|
|
March 25
|
Eating Disorders
CHOICE ASSIGNMENT PART TWO DUE
|
Chapter 9
|
|
|
|
10
|
March 30
|
Addictive Disorders
|
Chapters 10
|
|
April 1
|
Sexual Disorders
|
Chapter 11
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
April 6
|
Complete Unit / Review
|
|
|
April 8
|
Exam 3 (Covers Chapters 7, 9, 10, and 11)
Please bring scantron and #2 pencil.
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
April 13
|
Schizophrenia
|
Chapter 12
|
|
April 15
|
Schizophrenia (cont.)
CHOICE ASSIGNMENT PART THREE DUE
|
|
|
|
|
13
|
April 20
|
Trauma / Stress Disorders
|
Chapter 5
|
|
April 22
|
Trauma / Stress Disorders (cont.)
Institutional Assessment Essay Questions
|
|
|
|
|
14
|
April 27
|
Personality Disorders
|
Chapter 13
|
|
April 29
|
Personality Disorders (cont.)
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
May 4
|
Disorders Diagnosed in Childhood
CHOICE ASSIGNMENT PART FOUR DUE
|
Chapter 14
|
|
May 6
|
Wrap Up / Review
Extra Credit Projects Due (Optional)
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
Final Exam: May 13th at 9:30 a.m.
Exam 4 (Covers Chapters 12, 5, 13 and 14 and class activities)
Please bring scantron and #2 pencil. Exam will include multiple choice questions.
|
|
RUBRIC for Institutional Assessment Essays
|
|
Grading Criteria
|
Excellent
|
Proficient
|
Approaches Expectations
|
Does Not Meet Expectations
|
|
Content Relevance, Accuracy and Organization
~Up to 75 points
|
65-75 points
**Presents appropriate material clearly and in a well-organized manner.
**Writing clearly demonstrates sound understanding of subject matter.
|
55-64 points
**Presents material in a somewhat organized manner.
**Writing demonstrates a degree of understanding of subject matter.
|
30-54 points
**Presents somewhat relevant material but organization is not fully achieved. **Writing demonstrates some understanding but some uncertainty with subject matter.
|
0-29 points
**Content is unclear. Overall organization is difficult or impossible to follow.
**Writing demonstrates a lack of knowledge with regard to the subject matter.
|
|
Sources
~Up to 10 points
|
8-10 points
**Cites all data obtained from sources.
**Sources are reliable and APA citation style is accurate.
|
5-7 points
**Cites most data obtained from sources.
**Sources are largely reliable and APA citation style is somewhat accurate.
|
3-4 points
**Cites minimal data obtained from sources.
**Sources are present but not reliable; errors in APA citation style are noted.
|
0-2 points
**Does not cite sources.
** APA citation style is not evident.
|
|
Mechanics
~Up to 15 points
|
12-15 points
**Ideas are communicated clearly.
**Accurate grammar/spelling.
|
9-11 points
**Ideas are generally communicated clearly.
**Grammar/spelling generally accurate.
|
5-8 points
**Ideas are often unclear due to mechanical errors.
**Errors in grammar/spelling noted.
|
0-4 points
**Message is lost due to significant mechanical errors.
**Significant errors in grammar/spelling are present.
|
|
TOTAL POINTS EARNED
|
/100 POINTS
|
Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered. All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor. It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member. Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work. Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor. A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam. Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives. Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)
Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is April 5, 2021.
DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).
Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc. Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.
For support, please contact the counselors at (940) 498-6207 or (940) 668-4321. Alternatively, students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.
CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)_______
o Communication
o Mathematics
o Life and Physical Science
o Language, Philosophy & Culture
o Creative Arts
o Government/Political Science
X Social and Behavioral Sciences
o Component Area Option
o American History
REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)
X Critical Thinking
X Communication
X Empirical and Quantitative
o Teamwork
o Personal Responsibility
X Social Responsibility
o Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)
X Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
o WECM Course
Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion. Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty. See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”.
Students may earn a zero for an assignment or for a course due to academic dishonesty. Please come to me for help with any of these topics. You may also visit our library for additional information: http://www.nctc.edu/library/research-help/CitationGuides.html
Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Wear a mask, stay safe, and contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change as conditions change.
Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students must wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. Students without coverings, or those who do not comply with the rules relating to face coverings, will not be able to participate in on-campus classroom activities. To request an exception to this requirement, students should contact the NCTC HR Office of Enrollment Management (ccove@nctc.edu). Failure to comply with the face coverings requirement may result in the Instructor directing the student to leave the classroom. Any student asked to leave the classroom may be referred to the student conduct officer. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.
Temporary COVID-19 Attendance Policy for Face-to-Face Meetings: We are facing an unprecedented situation in which all of us must be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.
Faculty will:
- Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.
Students should:
- Provide notification to campus officials (via NCTC Daily Health Check protocol through Canvas) if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
- Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
- Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
- Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
- Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
- Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
- Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.
During the spring 2021 semester, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.
Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS
|
Name of Chair/Coordinator:
|
Adam Ramsey
|
|
Office Location:
|
Gainesville Campus, Room 814
|
|
Telephone Number:
|
940-668-7731, ext. 4925
|
|
E-mail Address:
|
aramsey@nctc.edu
|
|
Name of Instructional Dean:
|
Dr. Bruce King
|
|
Office Location:
|
316 E Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201
|
|
Telephone Number:
|
940-380-2504
|
|
E-mail Address:
|
bking@nctc.edu
|