NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Course title: Abnormal Psychology

Course: PSYC 2320.0310

Semester/Year of course: Spring 2025

Semester start and end dates: 1-21-25 – 5-17-25

Modality (Face to face/Synchronous or Asynchronous online/Hybrid): Asynchronous Online

Class meeting location, days, and times: Fully Online

Semester credit hours: 3

Course description: 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 prerequisites: PSYC2301-General Psychology

Required course materials: Registration in the course gives you access to the e-book needed for PSYC 2320.  You do not need to purchase a separate textbook. 

Inclusive Access is a partnership between NCTC and McGraw-Hill Education, to provide the best learning resources on the first day of class. Students can gain access to McGraw-Hill’s adaptive online platforms with the latest version of the eBook at a discount. If students would like to purchase a physical copy of the textbook, they can order a discounted loose-leaf version through the bookstore.

Students who drop before the add/drop date will have their book fees credited back to their student account, and students who remain in the course will be charged a materials fee by the school to have continued access of the online platforms.  If you remain enrolled in the course but wish to opt-out of access to the book please email the NCTC Bookstore with your name and student number to nctc@bibliU.com. 

Name of instructor: Carolynn Pravatta

Office location: Online

E-mail address: cpravatta@nctc.edu

Office hours for students: By appointment only online. Appointments will be at a mutually agreed upon time/day. Via phone/online chat or video chat.

SYLLABUS CHANGE DISCLAIMER

The faculty member reserves the right to make changes to this published syllabus if it is in the best interest of the educational development of this class. Any such changes will be announced as soon as possible in person and/or writing.

SUMMARY OF COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

List of graded assignments:

3 Assignments, 3 discussions, 3 quizzes, participation, final paper

Final grade scale:

Assignments (3) 10% each = 30%                                     A – 90%-100%

Discussions (3) 5% each = 15%                                         B – 80%-89%

Participation 10% = 10%                                                    C – 70%-79%
3% Week One – 7% Overall participation for semester

Quizzes (3) 10% each = 30%                                              D - 60%-69%

Final APA Paper 15% = 15%                                               F – 0 - 59%
 

___________                                                                            TOTAL 100%

Late work policy:

I do not accept late work for this class. My reason for this is simple. Online classes depend on everyone doing their fair share and posting in a timely manner. Discussions and responses count on each of you being on time with your assignments. I state again... No late
work will be accepted (except for extenuating circumstances, i.e. death, hospitalization, etc.). That means you must post on time or early. Keep in mind, only you are responsible for the grade you get.

SEE CANVAS FOR THE COMPLETE COURSE CALENDAR, OUTLINE, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF GRADED WORK, AND OTHER RELATED MATERIAL.

Extra Credit:

Extra Credit is offered throughout the semester. Extra credit will be given to those
who seek out assistance from the writing center and/or Student Success Center on any/all writing assignments for this class. Every assignment can be taken to the writing center/SSC to be reviewed and given tips/suggestions on how to improve. Show proof (email or scan SSC slip)
that you sought help, utilized that help, and you will receive extra credit.

This means it is offered ALL THROUGHOUT the semester. You can also attend workshops that are related to writing/psychology that will earn extra points as well. NOTE: Extra credit is to enhance your grade. NOT make up for missed assignments. Therefore, if you have more than one missed assignment or discussion you may not qualify for extra credit. Any questions please ASK!

Please do not ask about extra credit in the last week of class, you will be redirected here.
Additionally, random extra credit is awarded on some work that goes above and beyond the requirements.

ONLINE COURSES
Netiquette Expectations: Standards of courtesy and respect must be always maintained in all areas pertaining to the online aspects of this course. Feel free to communicate with each other within the Canvas space but remember that it is still a “classroom” setting, and that respect and consideration are crucial for any intellectual discussion or conversation relative to the course. Any violation of the standards of appropriate behavior online will be reported to the Dean of Students and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by the college.

Minimum Student Skills: Ability to access Internet, attach files using Microsoft WORD as
needed, take online assessments (quizzes & exams) if applicable; ability to use NCTC’s online
Library access to research professional journals & resources; ability to post discussion responses as instructed; ability to access Writing Center services for assistance as needed.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
1. Netiquette is appropriate communication while online. It is imperative that you act
accordingly while posting on Canvas.
2. Please respect your peers. Opinions and different perspectives are an important part of
learning and expanding your mind. Respecting those whose opinions differ from yours
will be expected.
3. Please be sure you have access to a reliable computer (not just a phone or Tablet). To
view videos, you need high-speed internet and flash player plug-in. It will be necessary
for you to have an understanding of the following:
A. Create, save, attach and send files.
B. Cut/paste items from a word program.

C. Spelling and Grammar check.
D. Save, delete, reply and forward email.
E. Be able to access the internet and search for information.

COURSE POLICIES

Academic Integrity Policy: 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)]”. 

AI/Natural Language Programs (NLPs)/Large Language Models (LLMs) Usage Policy: This information is used with permission and citation with gratitude to Princeton University: The McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning.

• Intellectual honesty is vital to an academic community and for my fair evaluation of your work.  All work submitted in this course must be your own, completed in accordance with the College's academic regulations. You may not engage in unauthorized collaboration or make use of ChatGPT or other AI composition software/NLPs/LLMs.
• Students must obtain permission from me before using AI composition software (like ChatGPT) for any assignments in this course. Using these tools without my permission puts your academic integrity at risk. 
• This course does make use of AI/NLPs/LLMs plagiarism checker software for the purpose of detecting the use of AI programs.
• Any violation of this policy will be considered academic dishonesty and will be documented as such

Instructor-specific Academic Dishonesty Policy:

As an online class, you will be expected to check in 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK as there will be discussions and responses that you will need to be a part of. You will be expected to participate and interact with peers in discussions throughout the week. Attendance and participation are crucial to learning and expanding your critical thinking.

Attendance Policy: 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)

Withdrawal Policy

A student may withdraw from a course on or after the official date of record. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate and complete a Withdrawal Request Form.

Last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” is: April 7, 2025

CANVAS & CONNECT ACCESS:  All students must have complete access to Canvas and Connect for the entire semester.  It is the student’s responsibility to have access to the internet, as well as all needed programs to complete both face to face and online courses.  Students are not to give any other person access to his/her Canvas or Connect account.  Students can be removed from the course immediately up violating this rule.  Once a student has given another person access to his/her canvas account, the credibility of any work completed becomes questionable.

COMPUTER ACCESS:  Students must have access to a computer for various assignments in this course.  You cannot use a cell phone to perform all requirements of this course.  If you do not have a computer, then you need to make sure that you access a computer at one of the NCTC campuses, a public library, etc. 

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:

1. Discuss the historical antecedents to modern understandings of abnormal behavior.
2. Identify and describe the major classes and characteristics of psychological disorders as presented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).
3. Describe the factors and theoretical perspectives related to the development and maintenance of different types of abnormal behavior.
4. List the primary treatments for psychological disorders and discuss their effectiveness.
5. Discuss the current research and methodological issues in the study of abnormal behavior
6. Discuss the legal and ethical issues associated with the treatment of and research related to abnormal behavior.
7. Develop an understanding of how social and cultural factors impact the expression of psychological disorders.
8. Examine the impact of biological factors on the development of psychological disorders.

Core Objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Empirical and Quantitative, Social Responsibility

COLLEGE POLICIES

ADA STATEMENT

NCTC will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to arrange appropriate accommodations.  See the OSD Syllabus Addendum.

AI STATEMENT

Absent a clear statement from a course instructor, use of or consultation with generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or other similar technologies shall be treated analogously to assistance from another person, agency, or entity. In particular, using generative AI tools to substantially complete an assignment or exam is not permitted. Students should acknowledge the use of generative AI (other than incidental use) and default to disclosing such assistance when in doubt.

When students use generative AI to replace the rigorous demands of personal engagement with their coursework, it runs counter to the educational mission of the college and undermines the heart of education itself. Artificial Intelligence, large language models, and other such technologies hold promise for deploying knowledge in service to others and accelerating the discovery of new knowledge. However, such technology poses new challenges to pedagogy and to integrity. Within the context of the teaching mission of the college and consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, the authority to define the appropriate use, study, and deployment of these technologies rests with the faculty.

Individual course instructors, in coordination with their divisions, set policies regulating the use of generative AI tools in their courses, including allowing or disallowing some or all uses of such tools. Course instructors will set such policies in their course syllabi and clearly communicate such policies to students. Students who are unsure of policies regarding generative AI tools are encouraged to ask their instructors for clarification.

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the Student Handbook.

STUDENT SERVICES

NCTC provides a multitude of services and resources to support students.  See the Student Services Syllabus Addendum for a listing of those departments and links to their sites.

 QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS