PSY 336: Abnormal Psychology

Course Description

This course will focus on the psychological and biological processes of abnormal behavior. Students will explore the symptoms, theory, and treatment of a wide variety of psychological disorders. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

  • ENG 101: English Composition 1
  • ENG 102: English Composition 2
  • PSY 101: Psychology (Recommended)

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Explain the major psychological disorders including symptoms and treatment.
  2. Describe a variety of theories or approaches related to principal disorders.
  3. Understand the roots of abnormal behavior.
  4. Explain how abnormal behavior can be treated through a variety of approaches from psychotherapy to medication.
  5. Describe how “normal” people can experience abnormal behaviors in the course of their lives.
  6. Learn more about oneself and others in your world, developing empathy.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Weekly Discussion Questions

35%

Weekly Chapter Summaries

35%

Course Term Paper

30%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore

  • Whitbourne, Susan K. (2023). Abnormal Psychology, Clinical Perspectives on Psychological Disorders. (10th Edition). McGraw Hill, New York. ISBN-13: 978-1-266-56689-9 [Looseleaf version]

Additional Resources

  • Various websites, readings and library (online) sources

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1-6

Topics: Understanding Abnormal Behavior, Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 1 & 2 (pp. 1-75)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review Lecture material
  • Complete weekly discussions questions on group Discussion
  • Submit summary essay on Discussion Board
  • Begin research for movie paper

2

1-6

Topics: Assessment and Theoretical Views

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 3 & 4 (pp.76-113)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review Lecture material
  • Complete weekly discussions questions on group Discussion
  • Submit summary essay on Discussion Board
  • Continue researching for movie paper

3

1-6

Topics: Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Schizophrenic Disorders

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 5 & 6 (pp.114-139)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review Lecture material
  • Complete weekly discussions questions on group Discussion
  • Submit summary essay on Discussion Board
  • Continue researching for movie paper

4

1-6

Topics: Depressive, Bi-Polar & Anxiety & Trauma Disorders

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 7 & 8 (pp.140-167)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review Lecture material
  • Complete weekly discussions questions on group Discussion
  • Submit summary essay on Discussion Board
  • Continue working on movie paper

5

1-6

Topics: Dissociative, Somatic, Eating & Conduct Disorders

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 9 & 10 (pp.168-196)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review Lecture material
  • Complete weekly discussions questions on group Discussion
  • Submit summary essay on Discussion Board
  • Continue working on movie paper

6

1-6

Topics: Paraphilic Disorders, Sexual Dysfunction, Gender Dysphoria, Substance Related & Addictive Disorders

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 11 & 12 (pp.197-225)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review Lecture material
  • Complete weekly discussions questions on group Discussion
  • Submit summary essay on Discussion Board
  • Continue working on movie paper

7

1-6

Topics: Neurocognitive & Personality Disorders

  • Readings:
    • Chapters 13 & 14 (pp. 226-254)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review Lecture material
  • Complete weekly discussions questions on group Discussion
  • Submit summary essay on Discussion Board
  • Submit movie paper

8

1-6

Topic: Ethics and Legal Issues

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 15 (pp. 255-281)
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Review Lecture material
  • Complete weekly discussions questions on group Discussion
  • Submit summary essay on Discussion Board
  • Complete Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.