ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

SPRING 2009 : PSY 30 ● MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 9:30 A – 2:05 P

Instructor: Althea G. Maduramente, M.A.

Email: AGMaduramente@gmail.com
Office and Hours: Personal Counseling Office (James Hall 0203A) Tuesday 11:00 A – 4:00 P

REQUIRED TEXTS: Durand, V.M. & Barlow, D.H. (2006). Essentials of Abnormal Psychology, 4th Edition. CA:
Wadsworth

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an introduction to the description, classification, and academic study of human
psychopathology. Through readings, lectures, and written assignments, students will learn to conceptualize
psychopathology as a complex interaction among biological, psychological, and environmental influences. Using
first person narratives and case studies, students will develop an appreciation for the impact of mental illness on
its sufferers and those around them. We will also explore various theoretical approaches to the causes and
treatments of mental disorders, taking care to frame the diagnosis of individual psychopathology within
appropriate situational and socio-cultural contexts. Lastly, students will gain familiarity with the dominant
research methods used to advance knowledge in the field of abnormal psychology as they look for scientific
answers to questions such as:

• What makes a behavior "abnormal?"

• What are the major psychological disorders?
• How do professionals make diagnoses?
• What are the causes of psychological disorders?
• What are effective treatment strategies?
• How does society perceive (and misperceive) psychopathology?

COURSE SCHEDULE:
Date Topic Reading Other important information
1/ 26 Introduction

1/28 & Abnormal Psychology in Historical Context Chapter 1

2/02 Last day to add a course 2/02

2/04& An Integrative Approach to Psychopathology Chapter 2

2/09 Last day to file ABS Exams 2/09

2/11 & Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Research Chapter 3 Last day to drop a course 2/17
2/18 Methods First day to apply for W grade 2/18

2/23 & Anxiety Disorders Chapter 4

2/25 Review for Exam I Handouts Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4

3/02 Exam I --------------

3/04& Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders Chapter 5

3/09

3/11 & Mood Disorders and Suicide Chapter 6 Last day to file for Spr09 Graduation 3/16
3/16

3/18 Eating and Sleep Disorders Chapter 8 Assignment I Due 3/18

3/23 & Eating and Sleep Disorders Chapter 8
3/25

3/30 Substance-Related Disorders Chapter 10

4/01 Review for Exam II Handouts Chapters 5, 6, 8, and 10

4/06 Exam II -------------- Last day to resolve Inc and ABS grades 4/07

4/20 & Personality Disorders Chapter 11

4/22

4/27
4/29 & Schizophrenia and Related Psychotic Disorders Chapter 12
5/04 Assignment II Due 5/04

5/06 & Developmental and Cognitive Disorders Chapter 13

5/11

5/13 Mental Health Services: Legal and Ethical Issues Chapter 14 Student Faculty Evaluations
Handout and Review for Final Chapters 11, 12, 13, and 14

5/18 Final Exam --------------

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
EXAM I AND II 3/02 AND 4/06 40% (20% EACH)
ASSIGNMENTS I AND II 3/18 AND 5/04 30% (15% EACH)
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION ONGOING 5%
FINAL EXAM 5/18 25%

• Exams will consist of a combination of multiple-choice and short answer questions, drawn from material
presented in the readings and during class. Grades will not be graded on a curve.
• Failure to attend an exam will result in a failing grade for that exam. There are no make-ups, but if you have a
valid and verifiable excuse for missing an exam (i.e. religious observation, medical emergencies, or imminent death)
I will drop the lowest grade.
• Additionally, every exam will have an extra credit section testing your attention in class, so it would be
beneficial for you to attend all classes and exams.
• The assignments will be distributed approximately two weeks prior to their due dates and turned in by 11:59 PM
of that day. Late assignments will be penalized 10% for each day late.
• Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Please make a strong effort to be on time.
• Students are responsible for the information provided during class. If absent, please be sure to get the notes and
any handouts from that day’s lecture. Every student is allowed 2 unexcused absences.
• University's policy on Academic Integrity: Brooklyn College supports an environment free from cheating and
plagiarism. Each student is responsible for being aware of what constitutes cheating and plagiarism and for
avoiding both. The complete text of the CUNY Academic Integrity Policy and the Brooklyn College procedure for
implementing that policy can be found at this site: http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/policies.
• Center for Student Disability Services: In order to receive disability-related academic accommodations students
must first be registered with the Center for Student Disability Services. Students who have a documented disability
or suspect they may have a disability are invited to set up an appointment with the Director of the Center for
Student Disability Services, Ms. Valerie Stewart-Lovell at 718-951-5538. If you have already registered with the
Center for Student Disability Services please provide your professor with the course accommodation form and
discuss your specific accommodation with him/her.
• All students can and should thoroughly read the 2007-2010 Brooklyn College Bulletin, especially pp. 35-51, pp. 52-
59, and pp. 74-83, for complete information on academic regulations of the College.