COURSE OUTLINE
Psychology 20/35
Welcome to Psychology 20/35! This 6-credit course includes General Psychology 20 and Abnormal Psychology 35. The course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behaviour and mental processes of human beings and animals. Students will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major sub-fields within psychology. In addition, the course aims to instill knowledge, skills and attitudes to apply to your own lives.
Abnormal Psychology in particular is designed to provide an overview of abnormal behaviour and the conditions that affect individuals in our society. This course deals with views of abnormality, causal factors, and types of disorders, as well as assessment, prevention, and treatment. When you have completed the course, you should have a basic understanding of the major concepts in abnormal psychology and the complicated nature of psychological illness. Please note that some of the content in this course is sensitive. Several mental illnesses result from abuse and trauma. Other mental illnesses result in behaviours that fall far outside the realm of what society considers acceptable. Information presented in this course is meant solely for educational purposes and is not intended to offend anyone. You may also notice that the term "mental retardation" is used in this course. While other phrases, such as developmentally challenged, mentally handicapped, and intellectually impaired may have less negative connotation, the term mental retardation is used because it is standard terminology employed by health care professionals in North America.
"Abnormal Psychology 35, Student Module Booklet, Alberta Distance Learning Centre"
The objectives of this course are to develop, within the student, the skills and understandings that make it possible for living more effectively in our complex environment. The student's attention will focus on the scientific approach to understanding human behaviour so that he or she may appreciate more fully the reasons that underlie one's own acts and those of one's fellows.
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 20
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 35
Textbook: Psychology and You
STUDENT EVALUATION
The final grade for Psychology 20/35 will be determined as follows:
Assignments/Journals: 20%
Projects: 25%
Participation: 15%
Tests: 10%
Final Project: 30% of the final grade will be based on the final research project.
ASSIGNMENT FORMAT
Please follow the guidelines below. If your assignments do not follow these guidelines, I will gladly await a copy that does.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS
Preparedness:
It is your responsibility to bring any necessary books, materials, etc., needed for the class.
Respect:
Listen, work, and speak with this notion in mind. A positive and welcoming learning environment is of utmost importance.
Attendance:
If you miss a class due to lateness, illness, or any other reason, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed either from me, our lovely classroom website, or a fellow classmate. Also, be sure to collect any handouts/worksheets needed. Chronic absences, unexcused lates, and truancy will be referred to administration.
Late Assignments:
In terms of late/missing tests/ assignments, the procedure to follow will be determined via the teacher and administration. If more time is needed for an assignment, please discuss it with me prior to the due date, do not leave it to the last minute.
Cell Phones/Mobile Devices:
Any of these devices are not permitted on campus. Kindly refer to the Student Handbook for details.
Food:
Food and drink are permitted in the class, provided you clean up your mess afterwards. If this becomes a problem, overall, then food and drink will be banned from the classroom. Serious!
Plagiarism:
“The unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work.” The bottom line: DO NOT COPY WORK THAT IS NOT YOURS. If you are unsure about what is acceptable and not acceptable, feel free to discuss with me. Any plagiarized work will result in an automatic zero, and parents/guardians will be notified.
3 Strikes:
The basic rule of thumb is as follows: the first offense, I will speak with you directly; the second offense will be a phone call home; and the third will result in an office referral. ‘Offenses’ include behavioural issues, inconsistent attendance/lates, missing assignments, etc. This rule can, at times, be subject to change, depending on certain circumstances.
Extra Help:
It will be your responsibility to use your tutorial time if you require extra help on an assignment, need to pick up work, etc. If I am not available, you may send an e-mail and/or make an appointment at an agreeable time.
Abnormal Psychology in particular is designed to provide an overview of abnormal behaviour and the conditions that affect individuals in our society. This course deals with views of abnormality, causal factors, and types of disorders, as well as assessment, prevention, and treatment. When you have completed the course, you should have a basic understanding of the major concepts in abnormal psychology and the complicated nature of psychological illness. Please note that some of the content in this course is sensitive. Several mental illnesses result from abuse and trauma. Other mental illnesses result in behaviours that fall far outside the realm of what society considers acceptable. Information presented in this course is meant solely for educational purposes and is not intended to offend anyone. You may also notice that the term "mental retardation" is used in this course. While other phrases, such as developmentally challenged, mentally handicapped, and intellectually impaired may have less negative connotation, the term mental retardation is used because it is standard terminology employed by health care professionals in North America.
"Abnormal Psychology 35, Student Module Booklet, Alberta Distance Learning Centre"
The objectives of this course are to develop, within the student, the skills and understandings that make it possible for living more effectively in our complex environment. The student's attention will focus on the scientific approach to understanding human behaviour so that he or she may appreciate more fully the reasons that underlie one's own acts and those of one's fellows.
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 20
- History of Psychological Schools of Thought
- Principles of Learning
- How to Learn Efficiently
- The Process of Thinking
- Facing Frustration and Conflict
- Emotional Problems of Adolescents
- Behaviour Disorders and their Treatment
- Career Opportunities in Psychology
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 35
- Overview
- Defining Abnormal Behaviour
- Historical Perspectives on Abnormal Behaviour
- Stereotypes, Labels, Sample size, Side effects
- Assessment and the DSMs (IV and V)
- Causal Factors in Abnormal Behaviour
- Predisposition, Biological factors and the Brain
- Psychosocial causes
- Sociocultural causes
- Mental Disorders
- Clinical disorders
- Mental retardation
- Personality disorders
- Childhood Disorders and Treatment
- Childhood disorders
- Treatment
Textbook: Psychology and You
STUDENT EVALUATION
The final grade for Psychology 20/35 will be determined as follows:
Assignments/Journals: 20%
Projects: 25%
Participation: 15%
Tests: 10%
Final Project: 30% of the final grade will be based on the final research project.
ASSIGNMENT FORMAT
Please follow the guidelines below. If your assignments do not follow these guidelines, I will gladly await a copy that does.
- Use ONLY blue or black ink for written assignments. Typing up assignments is encouraged as well.
- Please double space all written assignments, and for word-processed documents, use only 12-point font, in either Times New Roman or Arial.
- APA format is essential.
- Assignments will be submitted via Google Classroom.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS
Preparedness:
It is your responsibility to bring any necessary books, materials, etc., needed for the class.
Respect:
Listen, work, and speak with this notion in mind. A positive and welcoming learning environment is of utmost importance.
Attendance:
If you miss a class due to lateness, illness, or any other reason, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed either from me, our lovely classroom website, or a fellow classmate. Also, be sure to collect any handouts/worksheets needed. Chronic absences, unexcused lates, and truancy will be referred to administration.
Late Assignments:
In terms of late/missing tests/ assignments, the procedure to follow will be determined via the teacher and administration. If more time is needed for an assignment, please discuss it with me prior to the due date, do not leave it to the last minute.
Cell Phones/Mobile Devices:
Any of these devices are not permitted on campus. Kindly refer to the Student Handbook for details.
Food:
Food and drink are permitted in the class, provided you clean up your mess afterwards. If this becomes a problem, overall, then food and drink will be banned from the classroom. Serious!
Plagiarism:
“The unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work.” The bottom line: DO NOT COPY WORK THAT IS NOT YOURS. If you are unsure about what is acceptable and not acceptable, feel free to discuss with me. Any plagiarized work will result in an automatic zero, and parents/guardians will be notified.
3 Strikes:
The basic rule of thumb is as follows: the first offense, I will speak with you directly; the second offense will be a phone call home; and the third will result in an office referral. ‘Offenses’ include behavioural issues, inconsistent attendance/lates, missing assignments, etc. This rule can, at times, be subject to change, depending on certain circumstances.
Extra Help:
It will be your responsibility to use your tutorial time if you require extra help on an assignment, need to pick up work, etc. If I am not available, you may send an e-mail and/or make an appointment at an agreeable time.