Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - PSYC 241 E100

Introduction to Abnormal Psychology (3)

Class Number: 8113

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Thu, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 102.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the area of abnormal psychology. Topics include the definition and classification of pathological behavior, factors involved in the development of pathology, and evaluation of therapy outcome.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides a overview and a basic understanding of all the main mental health disorders, based on the latest DSMV. This course will provide a fascinating insight to the history of understanding of each disorder and the main theories relating to the etiology and underlying mechanisms of each of the disorders as well as diagnostic issues related to them. You will also learn about the main evidence-based treatments for each category as well as the latest cutting-edge research relating to some of them. During this course we will cover anxiety and trauma-related disorders, dissociative and somatic symptom and related disorders, psychological factors affecting medical conditions, mood disorders and suicide, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, eating disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, personality disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, behaviour and emotional disorders and childhood and adolescence, and aging, sleep, and neurocognitive disorders.

Each week we will focus on a different diagnostic category. Each disorder will have interesting case examples illustrating the disorders and will include group discussions to help you explore and assimilate the information. There will be an emphasis on the conceptual approaches and therapeutic interventions that have garnered the most empirical support in research literature. Using a Canadian textbook, it features indigenous case studies, legal and ethical issues, prevention programs and ground-breaking research, as well as the history of abnormal psychology in this country.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics:
Anxiety and trauma-related disorders, dissociative and somatic symptom and related disorders, psychological factors affecting medical conditions, mood disorders and suicide, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, eating disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, personality disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, behaviour and emotional disorders and childhood and adolescence, and aging, sleep, and neurocognitive disorders.

Grading

  • Participation: 20%
  • Writing Assignments: 20%
  • Term Paper/Project: 30%
  • Weekly Quizzes: 30%

NOTES:

Please note that there will be no exams. Instead evaluation will be in the form of weekly quizzes, and two papers where you can explore two disorders in considerably more depth. There are also class participation points.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Dozois, David, J. A.  Abnormal Psychology 6th edition.  (2019).  Pearson Education

Note, this textbook was used in the Fall 2018 class, so there may be some second hand books available. There is a hard cover version, a cheaper loose leaf version, and an even cheaper official online version to rent for 90 days or for perpetual access (two different rates).
ISBN: 9780134428871

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS