May 03, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PSYC 205 - Abnormal Psychology


PREREQUISITES: PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology  and ENGL 111 - English Composition  
PROGRAM: Behavioral Sciences
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 3
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Fall, 2018

Examines theories and research related to abnormal behavior with primary emphasis on symptoms, etiology, and treatment of psychological disorders.

MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:

  1. Compare and contrast major theoretical perspectives of psychological disorders.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical evolution of abnormal psychology.
  3. Analyze various factors, including social and cultural, that can lead to psychological disorders.
  4. Define and discuss major categories of psychological disorders.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of specific psychological disorders and associated symptoms.
  6. Analyze the purposes and uses of classification systems of mental disorders.
  7. Identify and apply the categorical information and dimensional information as part of proper diagnosis based on the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
  8. Apply current research findings to the understanding of psychological disorders.


COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -  

History of drug use disorder

Social policies affecting mental illnesses

Etiology and research

Legal, ethical, and sociocultural issues

Psychological assessment and classification

Definition and treatment of the following disorders:

  • Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Related Disorders
  • Stress Disorders
  • Disorders Focusing on Somatic and Dissociative Symptoms
  • Disorders of Mood
  • Eating Disorders
  • Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Sex and Gender Disorders
  • Personality Disorders
  • Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
  • Disorders of Aging and Cognition

Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)