Abnormal Psychology 35 Course Outline

Course Outline:  Abnormal Psychology 35

Instructor: Mrs. C. McLeod

Classroom: 102

Email: cmcleod@rvschools.ab.ca

Course Objectives:

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of current mental illnesses, along with extensive etiology, DSM-5 criteria, treatments and prevalence in society.  Particular focus will be from a current and Canadian perspective.  Students will study the major types of mental illness using videos, interactive websites, class activities, journal writing, case studies, discussions and forums.  Students will develop an understanding of mental illness and the stigma still associated with many illnesses.  Students will also have instruction and practice with mental health first aid, adaptive coping methods and some therapeutic techniques.  Sensitive material will be treated ethically and appropriately both in class and outside of it.

Expectations:

• Come to class on time and ready to actively participate
• Missed tests can be made up in Flex.
• Students will follow ethical guidelines when conducting psychology research
• Students will respect others’ opinions in the class, and treat all material with sensitivity, maturity and appropriateness
• Late assignments will be accepted until it is handed back to the class, after that an alternate assignment will be give.

In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins - not through strength, but through persistence.

~ Buddha

Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!

~ Will Rogers

Resources: Essentials of Abnormal Psychology (2008) – Durand, Barlow, Stewart

CD supplement

Supplies needed: laptop with working internet access and CD drive, headphones

UNITS TO BE STUDIED:

Chapters 1,2,3 – Introduction/History of Abnormal Psychology

Chapter 4 – Anxiety Disorders

Chapter 5 – Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders

Chapter 6 – Mood Disorders

Chapter 11 – Personality Disorders

Chapter 12 - Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders

Final Project – Open house style project

Evaluation:

Assignments:                                      40%

Tests/quizzes:                                                20%

Research project                                10%

Journal                                                5%

Participation                                        5%

Final Exam                                          20%

TOTAL:                                             100%