Abnormal Psychology
(Psy 220)

Dr. John Suler

Science and Technology Center, Rm 320
Rider University - (609-895-5430)

Textbook: Exploring Abnormal Psychology, by Davison and Neale

This course explores the symptoms and causes of various types of psychological disorders - particularly the neurotic, psychotic, and mood disorders. A psychodynamic understanding of these abnormal conditions is emphasized. How we define, assess, and study abnormality are important underlying issues. A variety of class exercises - including small group activities, role playing, video tapes, and audio tapes - are used to understand mental disorders.


COURSE OUTLINE AND RELATED TEXTBOOK READINGS:

I. Studying and classifying psychopathology

** Exam #1: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Lectures in Section I


II. Less severe forms of psychopathology

** Exam #2: Chapters 6, 7, 8, 11, 13 ; Lectures in Section II


III. Severe pathological conditions: Case studies (audio tapes)

IV. Overview of Mental Health Treatments (Chapter 16)


** Exam #3: Chapters 9, 10, 12, 14, 16; Lectures in III and IV


Evaluation:

Your grade will be based on three in-class exams (70 points each). All exams are multiple-choice and true/false questions. Your final letter grade for the course is determined by the percentage score you obtain after completing all the tests.

During the semester you can calculate your percentage (and thereby estimate your letter grade at that point in the semester) based on the exams that you completed up to that point in the semester:

Percentage score = (total points you have / total points possible) x 100

The total points you have (the numerator above) will include bonus points from exercises that we do in class.

Letter Grade / Percentage Score

A = 93 - 100

A- = 88 - 92

B+ = 83 - 87

B = 78 - 82

B- = 73 - 77

C+ = 68 - 72

C = 63 - 67

C- = 58 - 62

D = 52 - 57

FAIL below 52


* The instructor reserves the right to make changes in this course.



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