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Descriptor Details

  • Descriptor Title
    Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
  • C-ID Number
    120
  • Units
    3.0
  • Date of Last Revision
    10/12/2017 11:44:09 PM GMT+0000

General Description

This course introduces the scientific study of psychopathology and atypical behaviors, broadly defined. Students investigate abnormal behavior from a variety of perspectives including biological, psychological, and sociocultural approaches.  An integrative survey of theory and research in abnormal behavior, and intervention and prevention strategies for psychological disorders are also introduced.

Prerequisites

No information provided

Corequisites

No information provided

Advisories

English, one level below transfer (i.e., eligibility for English composition (C-ID ENGL 100)) and reading (a course with an exiting skill of ability to read a college level text)

Content

  1. Psychopathology and Mental Disorders: Historical, Cultural, Social, Scientific, and Ethical Considerations
  2. Issues in classification and diagnosis
    1. DSM-5 (or current edition)
    2. Cultural sensitivity
  3. Introduction to Clinical Assessment Procedures
  4. Research Methodology in Psychopathology
    1. Descriptive, epidemiological, experimental and single-subject research designs
  5. Theories and Paradigms in Psychopathology
    1. Biological paradigm
    2. Psychodynamic paradigm
    3. Humanistic and existential paradigm
    4. Behavioral/learning paradigm
    5. Cognitive paradigm
  6. Psychological Disorders (characteristics, etiology, and treatment):
    1. Anxiety disorders
    2. Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders
    3. Mood Disorders
    4. Schizophrenia
    5. Substance-related Disorders
    6. Personality Disorders
    7. Sexual Dysfunctions and Gender Issues
    8. Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
    9. Eating Disorders

Lab Activities

No information provided

Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Define and use basic biological and psychological terminology to describe psychopathology and atypical behavior and mental processes.
  2. Compare and contrast the various theoretical perspectives on etiology and implications for treatment of various psychological disorders..
  3. Summarize the major disorder classifications and give concrete examples using appropriate diagnostic terminology (i.e., DSM)..
  4. Explain specific research methods and the ethical principles for the study and treatment of psychopathology

Evaluation Methods

May include:
Exams
Quizzes
Written Assignments
Projects

Textbooks

Sue, Sue, & Sue, S. Understanding Abnormal Behavior (Houghton Mifflin Co)
Comer, Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology (Worth Publishers )Kring, Johnson, Davison, and Neale, Abnormal Psychology (John Wiley & Sons, Inc)

Descriptor Administration

  • Public Review Needed
    No
  • Next Descriptor Review
    No information provided
  • Resubmission Requirements for Courses
    No information provided
  • Resubmission Deadline
    No information provided
  • Comments

    No information provided

  • Notes

    No information provided

  • Keywords

    Psychology, abnormal, psych

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