| Originator: | Cole Stewart Status: Approved Department: PSY Psychology |
| Date Created: | 01/20/2021 Submitted: 01/20/2021 Completed: 02/22/2021 |
| Course Information: | Course Modification to an existing course |
| Course Full Title: | Abnormal Psychology |
| Course Number: | 270 |
| Catalog Course Description: | The focus of the course will be on the historical and current views involved in defining mental illness, the causes of mental illness, the major types, and methods of assessing, treating, and
preventing mental illness. |
| Previous Credit (Total): | 3 |
| Previous Lecture Hours: | 3 |
| Previous Lab Hours: | |
| Prerequisite(s): | ENG 101 with "C" or better and PSY 101 with "C" or better. |
| Explanation of proposed modifications to course: | |
| Contact person/email: | |
| Effective Academic Year: | 2021-2022 |
| SUN Course?: | |
| If yes, please provide the established SUN number: | |
| Course Competencies and Objectives OR Course Competencies and Outline: | Competency 1 Define abnormal behavior.
Objective 1.1 Identify key elements of abnormality. Objective 1.2 Outline the process of classifying mental disorders and potential disadvantages to that process. Objective 1.3 Summarize the purpose of the DSM (current edition) in defining and classifying mental disorders. Objective 1.4 Explain the importance of understanding the differences in culture (cultural diversity) and its impact on studying abnormal psychology. Objective 1.5 Summarize historical and contemporary views of abnormal behavior. Objective 1.6 Illustrate various methods of research utilized in studying abnormal behavior. Competency 2 Demonstrate an understanding of the major viewpoints for defining and understanding mental illness and the causal factors of mental illness. Objective 2.1 Compare and contrast the biological, psychosocial, and sociocultural viewpoints for defining and understanding mental illness. Objective 2.2 Summarize the psychosocial, biological, and sociocultural causal factors of mental illness. Competency 3 Explain methods of assessment, classifying, and treatment of mental illness. Objective 3.1 Outline the basic elements in the assessment process. Objective 3.2 Summarize the importance of the aspects of the physical assessment, including general physical, neurological, and neuropsychological exams. Objective 3.3 Examine the components of the psychosocial assessment, including assessment interviews, clinical observation, and psychological tests. Objective 3.4 Summarize and analyze the system for classifying abnormal behavior. Objective 3.5 Compare and contrast different approaches to treating mental illness, including pharmacological and psychological (psychotherapy) approaches. Objective 3.6 Explain the importance of understanding cultural differences when considering approaches to treatment. Objective 3.7 Outline various methods for measuring success in the treatment of mental illness. Competency 4 Examine various forms of abnormal behavior. Objective 4.1 Summarize characteristics and causes of specific disorders, to include the following: - stress and adjustment disorders (adjustment disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders) - panic and anxiety disorders (specific phobias, social phobias, panic disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorders) - mood disorders (unipolar and bipolar disorders) - somatoform and dissociative disorders - eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa; obesity) - health problems and behavioral issues that are health-related - personality disorders - substance use and addiction disorders (alcohol & other drug abuse and dependence) - sexual issues (sexual and gender variants, sexual abuses, sexual dysfunctions) - schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders - cognitive disorders - child and adolescence disorders Objective 4.2 Critique methods of prevention and treatment of the areas of disorders outlined in the DSM. Objective 4.3 Assess potential issues that may exist in how some disorders (and their subcategories or types) have been classified (classified or labeled as being abnormal behavior, considered a mental illness or disorder) and the potential impact of different cultures on the classification process. Competency 5 Evaluate methods of prevention and create potential options for prevention in the area of mental illness. Objective 5.1 Define and discuss methods of primary preventions (biological, psychosocial, and sociocultural approaches). Objective 5.2 Define and discuss methods of secondary preventions (crisis prevention, education, use of mental hospitals). Objective 5.3 Define and discuss third-order or tertiary preventions (supportive services for those who have received prior care, day hospitals, or outpatient care). Objective 5.4 Analyze and critique current methods of prevention. Objective 5.4 Create possible alternatives or additional options in the area of prevention. Competency 6 Outline various legal issues related to working with the mentally ill. Objective 6.1 Summarize the key points in understanding the role of confidentiality (ambiguities, limits, restrictions, privileged communication). Objective 6.2 Explain the insanity defense and give examples of various tests utilized to determine sanity at the time a crime is committed. Objective 6.3 Outline the process involved in the assessment of dangerousness and potential legal implications based on the outcome of such an assessment. Objective 6.4 Summarize key legal issues related to treatment such as the right to treatment, refusal of treatment, and level of competency to refuse treatment). |
| Is this an AGEC course: | No |
| Course Learning Outcomes: | 1. Define abnormal behavior in various cultural contexts and explain the importance of studying abnormal psychology from a foundation of cultural diversity. (3, 4)
2. Summarize historical and contemporary views of abnormal behavior and methods of research utilized in studying abnormal behavior. (1, 2, 5, 6) 3. Compare and contrast major viewpoints for defining and understanding mental illness and outline the biological, psychosocial, and sociocultural causes of abnormal behavior. (2, 3, 4, 5) 4. Explain methods of assessment, classifying, and treatment of mental illness. (3, 5) 5. Describe various forms of abnormal behavior. (3, 4, 5) 6. Outline various legal issues related to working with the mentally ill. (3, 5) |
| Previous Clinical Hours: | |
| New Credit Hours (Total): | 3 |
| New Lecture Hours: | 3 |
| New Lab Hours: | |
| New Clinical Hours: | |
| Reason for Evaluation: | Objectives, Outcomes, and/or Competencies changes |
| Articulated?: | Yes |
| Transfer?: | ASU NAU UA |
| Program Modification Required?: | No |
| If yes, list the degree or certificate: | |
| Course Impact?: | No |
| If yes, list the degree or certificate: | |
| New Internship Hours: | |
| Corequisite(s): | |
| Mode of Instruction: | traditional online |
| If other, please explain: |