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The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.
PSYCH 470 Abnormal Psychology (3) Causes, dynamics, symptoms, and treatment of neuroses, psychoses, personality disorders, and other psychological disorders of adulthood.
Overview
The overarching goal of PSYCH 470 is to survey psychopathology. The study of psychopathology is a search for the reasons why people behave, think, and feel in abnormal—unexpected, sometimes odd, and possibly self-defeating ways. Many of us are intrigued and fascinated by psychopathology, possibly through media (books, film, internet, etc.), or by personal contact with mental disorders. Throughout this course we will be reviewing abnormality and psychopathology, the symptoms and characteristics of various psychological disorders, current research and controversies in the field, and touch briefly on the various treatments available for individuals who experience mental health problems. While treatment is not a focus per se in the course, treatment approaches are quite salient in our further understanding of the nature of psychopathology. It is important to note at the outset that the personal impact of our subject matter requires us to make a conscious, determined effort to remain objective. The social sciences are often not as precise as we may like, and can often illicit more questions than answers. This is great! Most importantly, this course is designed to be enjoyable, that’s right, enjoyable. This is a vastly interesting topic and will cover many of the related scientific, theoretical, and applied models related to abnormal psychology. Together, we will critically analyze the broad range of theoretical and developmental underpinnings related to psychopathology primarily informed through our understanding of both basic and applied research. There will also be an overarching theme infusing multicultural contexts as they relate to this topic.
It is important to note that this is a 400 level course. Therefore, we will be reading quite a bit of material (course text and case studies), covering a variety of psychological disorders, related theory and research. Basically, you should know that your surveying experience in this course will be one of both breadth and depth. If you don’t believe that you have the time available to complete the readings in a timely fashion, then I would suggest dropping the course.
Course Objectives
PSYCH 470 is an extremely popular course in Psychology for good reason. We will be critically examining some fascinating aspects of human behavior. The specific course goals are:
- Develop a broad conceptualization of psychopathology and how we understand abnormal behavior (theoretical paradigms, assessment procedures, contextual considerations, diagnosis, and research methods).
- Provide a detailed overview of the specific psychological disorders, their etiology, assessment, and treatment.
- Develop a further understanding of how atypical and deviant behavior is understood through empirical research.
- Examine specific case example of individuals experiencing specific disorders, which will deepen our understanding.
- Promote critical thinking skills in evaluating relevant theory, research, and broader implications (developmental, social, cultural, political, etc.) as it relates to psychopathology.
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.
Library Resources
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
- get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
- much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
Technical Specifications
| Operating System | Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8*; Mac OS X 10.5 or higher *Windows 8 support excludes the tablet only RT version |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2 GHz or higher |
| Memory | 1 GB of RAM |
| Hard Drive Space | 20 GB free disk space |
| Browser | We recommend the latest ANGEL-supported version of Firefox or
Internet Explorer. To determine if your browser fits this criterion,
and for advice on downloading a supported version,
please refer to the following ITS knowledge base article: Supported Browsers and Recommended Computers.
Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. Due to nonstandard handling of CSS, JavaScript and caching, older versions of Internet Explorer (such as IE 6 or earlier) do not work with our courses. |
| Plug-ins | Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe]
Flash Player (v7.0 or later) [Download from Adobe] |
| Additional Software | Microsoft Office (2007 or later) |
| Internet Connection | Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required |
| Printer | Access to graphics-capable printer |
| DVD-ROM | Required |
| Sound Card, Microphone, and Speakers | Required |
| Monitor | Capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
Course Schedule
|
Date |
Topic |
Tasks |
|
|
Introduction: Review Syllabus |
Complete Readings |
|
Week 2
|
Ch 2 Current Paradigms
|
Complete Readings |
|
Week 3
|
Ch 3 Diagnosis and Assessment
|
Complete Readings |
|
Week 4
|
Ch 4 Research Methods
|
Complete Readings |
|
Week 5
|
Exam #1
|
|
|
Week 6
|
Ch 5 Anxiety/Affective Disorders
|
Complete Readings |
|
Week 7
|
Ch 6 Somatoform Disorders and Dissociative Disorders |
Complete Readings |
|
Week 8
|
Ch 8 Mood Disorders
|
Complete Readings |
|
Week 9
|
Ch 9 Eating Disorders
|
Complete Readings |
|
Week 10
|
Exam #2
|
Complete Readings |
|
Week 11
|
Ch 10 Substance Abuse |
Complete Readings |
|
Week 12
|
Ch 11 Schizophrenia
|
Complete Readings |
|
Week 13
|
Ch 12 Personality Disorders |
Complete Readings |
|
Week 14
|
Thanksgiving Break |
|
|
Week 15
|
Ch 14 Childhood disorders
|
Complete Readings |
|
Week 16
|
Final Paper |
|
Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
Course Requirements and Grading
It is of utmost importance that you actually read the chapters and assignments for this class. Many believe in an online learning environment, one may “get around” certain requirements due to the lack of face to face contact. If you really want to learn about Abnormal Psychology, it is imperative that you complete the readings (at least once).
There are 5 main learning components for this course:
While there is quite a bit to read for this course, I think you will find them to be very relevant and enjoyable readings. The Kring et al., text is very straightforward and highly digestible read. The Oltmann et al. Case Study book gives some excellent integrated case analysis, bringing together conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment in a manner that the book is unable to capture.
You will be accessing these files directly through Angel. The accompanying audio lecture is designed to assist with the dissemination of material from the printed powerpoint slides
These clips will accompany specific topics and themes throughout the course.
How written quizzes will be graded:
Each written quiz will be worth a total of 20 points, even if there is more than one question to answer. All quizzes will be graded with the following in mind.
- spelling/grammar (mistakes matter)
- content: writing is relevant to question asked
- synthesis: combined ideas from reading and lectures; citations may be used!
- clarity of thought: forms coherent ideas and flow of thought
- critical analysis: provide independent ideas and/or opinions regarding the question
I want to know what you are thinking. I want the written quizzes to be an opportunity for you to let me know how you are thinking and reacting to the case studies or the specific question presented. The more you utilize previously gained knowledge through the course, and have this reflected in your answer, the better.
A typical quiz response will be one or two pages. Please do not write more than three double spaced pages for your response.
- Course readings (e.g., chapter reading and case study)
- Audio supplemented lectures (i.e., PowerPoint with accompanying audio lectures)
- Film clips
- Lesson Quizzes - These will be worth 25% of your grade.
- 3 Exams - worth 75% of your grade. They will be multiple-choice, 50 questions each. They will be fair and not cover material from outside the text, slides, additional readings, or videos. The first two exams will be 50 items, multiple-choice, timed exams. The third and final exam will be a review paper.
Grading Scale
3 Exams = 300 total points (100 each)
12 Quizzes = 240 total points (20 each)
Total = 540 possible points
The following grading scale will be used:
A = 93 to 100% A- = 90 to 92.9% B+ = 87 to 89.9% B = 83 to 86.9% B- = 80 to 82.9% C+ = 75 to 79.9% C = 70 to 74.9% D = 60 to 69.9% F = 0 to 59.9%
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.
For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.
Academic Integrity
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .
Accommodating Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.
In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Additional Policies
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.
Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.