PSYC280 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Psychology
- I. Course Number and Title
- PSYC280 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- PSYC110 (C or better)
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- None
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course presents a summary of the field of abnormal behavior. It analyzes current theories which attempt to explain the development of personality and the cause of mental illness. Also discussed are diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and the techniques currently used.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- differentiate professionals on the mental health treatment team and identify the responsibilities of each team member;
- identify and describe the diagnostic classes of mental health disorders;
- explain the multiple etiologies for mental health disorders: biological theories, psychological theories;
- explain the multiple treatments for mental health disorders: biological and psychological;
- apply one or more concepts, theories, and/or research findings from the list of mandated topic areas to explain given examples of human behavior;
- summarize research reports in psychological journals; and
- identify various psychological research methods
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
The following topics are presented:
- history of abnormal behavior
- DSM-IV classifications as follows: anxiety disorders; mood/affective disorders; dissociative disorders; schizophrenic disorders; personality disorders; substance abuse disorders; sexual and gender identity disorders; childhood and adolescent disorders; mental retardation; and cognitive disorders.
- etiologies: psychodynamic; behavioral; cognitive; organic; biochemical; family systems; reactive and diathesis.
- treatments: psychoanalysis; behavioral psychotherapy; cognitive psychotherapy; psychopharmacology; family psychotherapy; and eclectic psychotherapy.
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Exams, quizzes, class and online participation, and/or projects as specified in the individual instructor's format will be utilized. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Students use educational resources as specified in the individual instructor's syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date - 11/98; Revised 4/2010; New Core 8/2015