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Canyon College



COURSE SYLLABUS: Abnormal Psychology

Course Title:	Abnormal Psychology
Department:	Social and Behavioral Sciences / Social Work
Instructor:	Suzanne Fraser, PsyD, NCC, LADC, CSAC Contact - Vita

Overview:

This course provides students an introduction to the subject of abnormal psychology as defined by the DSM-IV- Text Revision. The major models of abnormal psychology—psychological, biological and sociological -will be reviewed. Current treatment approaches will be briefly reviewed. Multicultural, legal and ethical issues will be presented. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the topic and apply definitions to “real life” examples.

Required Texts:      Online Bookstore

Comer, Ronald J., Abnormal Psychology (Seventh Edition), 2009/2010, Worth Publishers (Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishing Group), NY, NY.
ISBN: 142921631X
ISBN-13: 9781429216319
Additional Content Web Site: http://bcs.worthpublishers.com/comerabpsych7e/

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NOTE: Students on a tight budget may select the previous edition of the required textbooks.

Comer, Ronald J., Abnormal Psychology (Sixth Edition), 2006/2007, Worth Publishers (Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishing Group), NY,NY.
ISBN: 0716769069
ISBN-13: 9780716769064
Additional Content Web Site: http://www.worthpublishers.com/comerabpsych6e

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Optional Purchase (Your paper will need to be typed in this format.)

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (Sixth Edition), 2009.
(Also known as: The APA Style). American Psychological Association.
Spiral Bound: ISBN-13: 9781433805622 (Recommended for APA Style)
Softcover: ISBN-13: 9781433805615
Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9781433805592

There are some free websites when you search at Google for "APA 6th Edition".

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WEEKLY TOPICS & ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments are based on Comer textbook, companion website and student

Week 1-Models of Abnormality

1.Read Chapter 3
2.Review Lecture Notes
3.Answer the following question:

Compare and contrast the major theoretical models described in the chapter. Based on the information presented, which model is most appealing personally? (use 200-300 words as your guide)

4.Pick one internet site listed on the Comer Website for-Chapter 3 and Write a summary of information you’ve found

Week 2 Anxiety Disorders/Stress Disorders

1.Read Chapter 5:
2.Review Lecture Notes
3.Answer the following question:

Report on a diagnosable mental illnesses you encounter on TV or in the movies. Describe the specific behaviors or experiences that a character is exhibiting that fulfills the diagnostic criteria.

4.Pick an internet site that is relevant to the topic, write a summary
5.Read Chapter 6
6.Review Lecture Notes
7.Pick one internet site listed in Comer’s site, write a summary
8 Answer the following:

Box 6-2 in our reading focuses on the psychological aftermath of 9/11. What was the experience like for you at the time? What if any) stress symptoms did you experience? Where were you liin? Did you talk to anyone about your experiences? Should you have spoken to someone?

Week 3: Somatoform Disorder/Mood Disorders

1.Read Chapter 7
2.Review Lecture Notes
3.Pick one internet site from Comer’s Website and summarize
4.Answer the following question:

Compare and contrast factitious disorders, malingering, and somatoform disorders. What are your reactions to each type of disorder? Do you think they are “legitimate” psychological disorders?

5.Read Chapter 8
6.Review Lecture Notes
7.Pick one internet site listed and summarize
8.Answer the following question:

Describe the various theories (Box 8-3) to explain depression in women. Which of these models (if any) does the research most strongly support? With which of these models do you most agree?

Week 4 Suicide

1.Read Chapter 10
2.Review Lecture Notes
3.Pick one internet site listed and summarize
4.Answer the following question:

Research has shown increased rates of suicide among workers in different occupations, especially psychology and psychiatry. What theories have been suggested to explain these findings?

5.Submit Final Paper Topic for approval-Due in Week 4

Week 5: Eating Disorders/Substance-related Disorders

1.Read Chapter 11
2.Review Lecture Notes
3.Pick internet site from Comer site and summarize
4.Answer the following:

Report on two famous examples of people with eating disorders. Besides their celebrity status, what do they have in common?

5.Read Chapter 12
6.Review Lecture Notes
7.Pick internet site from Comer website and summarize
8.Answer the following question:

How does substance abuse affect personal, family and occupational functioning?

Week 6: Schizophrenia

1.Read Chapter 14
2.Review Lecture Notes
3.Pick internet site from Comer website and summarize
4.Answer the following question:

How do hallucinations and delusions affect behavior?

Week 7: Personality Disorders

1.Read Chapter 16
2.Review Lecture Notes
3.Pick internet site from chapter and summarize
4.Answer the following questions:

How do rigid traits and behavioral patterns affect the lives of those with personality disorders? Can treatment help?

Week 8: Disorders of Aging & Cognition Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence

1.Read Chapter 17
2.Review Lecture Notes
3.Pick internet site from Comer website and summarize
4.Answer the following question:

How do children express anxiety and depression?

5.Read Chapter 18
6.Review Lecture Notes
7.Pick internet site from Comer website and summarize
8.Answer the following questions:

-How can people cope effectively with the challenges and pressures of aging?
-What problems are faced by those with dementia and their caretakers?

Final Paper Due

Topic to be approved in Week 4 from any of the chapter topics in the course

Paper should be 3-5 pages, APA style with 3 references and citations