GUILFORD
TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Division of Arts and Sciences
Department of Social Sciences, chaired by Rhonda Trollinger
Psy-281 Abnormal Psychology
| Instructor: Steve Withrow, M.Ed. | Office: Davis Hall 211(inside 209) |
| Office 334-4822 ext.50575 | Office Hrs: by appointment |
| E-mail: jswithrow@gtcc.edu (please put psy-281 in subject line) |
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides an examination of the various psychological disorders, as well as theoretical, clinical, and experimental perspectives of the study of psychopathology. Emphasis is placed on terminology, classification, etiology, assessment, and treatment of the major disorders. Upon completion, students should be able to distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior patterns as well as demonstrate knowledge of etiology, symptoms, and therapeutic techniques.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology 6th Edition, by Ronald Comer, Worth Publishing
Additional
Required Reading: On
reserve in the LRC, or online
GOALS:
1. Students will be expected to develop an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of abnormal psychology. To reach this goal, students are encouraged to define concepts in their own words rather than merely rote memorized textbook definitions. Also the course will emphasize the "How?" and Why?"
2. Students should be able to communicate their understanding to others clearly and accurately both orally and in writing. This applies not only to communicating what they understand inside of class, but it also applies to communicating their knowledge to others outside of class.
3. As much as possible, students will be asked to understand how these concepts and principles relate to their everyday life and the lives of those around them. Topics covered will emphasize the similarities and variations related to age, gender, religion, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and other human groupings. In relation to this goal, it helps if students repeatedly ask themselves, "How can I use this information?" or "What can I do differently in my life?".
4. Since some of you may be psychology majors, students are
expected to be aware of how these concepts were developed and some of the prominent
persons responsible for this development. The course will promote a questioning,
scientific attitude toward the information presented rather than uncritical acceptance of
textbook and lecture material.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to
perform the following outcomes in exams, written assignments, group activities or papers, according to the grading rubric for the
course:
1. Trace the views of
psychological disorders from their historical roots to the present.
2. Differentiate the goals
and research strategies used in the scientific study of abnormal behavior patterns.
3. Identify the different
factors contributing to normal and abnormal human behavior, including the biological, developmental, learning and social
contributions.
4. Discuss the major
categories of abnormal behavior and the specific mental disorders included in each.
The above learning objectives are assessed by use of online testing in Moodle. Failure to pass those chapter quizzes in Moodle with an average of 60% will result in a failure of the course, regardless of sny other course grades.
Methodology: Lecture, reading, audio, video, discussion, group work, & internet assignments.
Assessment of Learning: You are expected to read assigned chapters in your textbook and come prepared to participate in class.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend class since a significant part of the learning process takes place in a classroom setting. Additionally, you are to come prepared to discuss previously assigned readings. (3 tardies [coming after the role has been called or leaving early] count as 1 absence). If you are tardy, it is your responsibility to let your instructor know that you attended, at the end of class. Excessive absences will reduce your grade, and missing more classes that we meet in a 2 week period may result in your being bannished from the course.
Problem Based Learning: As a final capstone project, you will form into groups and be assigned a problem-based learning (PBL) case to solve. As you have accumulate more knowledge throughout the semester, you will be expected to provide a sophisticated analysis of, and solution to this case. (25% of your final grade)
Any written homework must be submitted in class, or at my office in Davis Hall, room 211(inside room 209). Be sure to put your course number and section number on all homework. Do not submit homework by email!
Quality of Instruction Statement
The GTCC faculty members are committed to providing quality instruction. If there is a concern about the instruction provided, treatment of an individual or a group of students, or professional conduct of instructors, first see the instructor, then the department chair, and then the division chair. The description of Students' Rights and Responsibilities can be found in the current Student Handbook/Calendar.
ADA Statement
If you have a disability that may affect your academic performance and are seeking accommodations, it is your responsibility to inform the disAbility Access Services Director (Ms. Melissa Cox: Room 202B Medlin Campus Center, ext. 50115) as soon as possible. It is important to request accommodations early enough to give disAbility Access Services adequate time to consider your request and recommend reasonable accommodations. Instructors will provide necessary accommodations based on the recommendations of disAbility Access Services.
Tutoring Center: Free tutoring is provided for GTCC students. The tutoring center is located in room 100-102 of Health Careers Building. The time to request a tutor is at the beginning of the semester when you experience the slightest difficulty with a course, not after you are having extreme problems.
