Classes

SYLLABUS: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 340

PROFESSOR SHORS, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Spring 2010, TF (10:20-11:40)
Lectures are on the Livingston Campus in LCB110 (small building next to Tillett)

TEXTBOOK
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY: CORE CONCEPTS, 2008, by Butcher, Mineka and Hooley; available at Rutgers Book Store (Barnes and Noble on Easton Avenue). The book is available as a unbound copy (hole punches) for $51. You should definitely get the book because this year it will be a strong component of the course.

TEACHING ASSISTANT
Jennifer Sawaya jsawaya@eden.rutgers.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays 12-2PM, Psychology Bldg, Busch Campus

PLEASE SEE TA FOR ALL QUESTIONS ABOUT EXAMS AND EXAM GRADES!
More general issues about course content should be directed to Dr. Shors
(Wednesday morning 9-11, room 201 Psychology Bldg, Busch Campus)

Abnormal Psychology is the study of abnormal behavior, particularly as it manifests itself in mental illness. I will cover all the major mental disorders with an emphasis on neurobiological mechanisms as well as diagnosis and treatment. You are expected to learn and remember the material that we cover in class, much of which is in the book but some of which is not. Attendance is optional, but you will not do well on the tests without coming to class. There are three tests. The first is worth 25%, the second 35% and the final is worth 40% of your grade. The exams are objective and consist primarily of multiple choice questions. I only give a make-up exam if you provide me a written explanation of a verifiable emergency accompanied by a doctor’s note. Please do not ask for extra points. All make-up exams are given on a reading day during the final exam period and consist of short answer and essay questions. Good luck to you all.

TOPICS
1. Abnormal Psychology over time (Chapter 1)
2. Causal factors and viewpoints (Chapter 2)
3. Clinical assessment (Chapter 3)
4. Stress and stress-related disorders (Chapters 4)
5. Panic and anxiety (Chapter 5)

First Midterm (February 12; 25% of final grade)

6. Mood disorders and suicide (Chapter 6)
7. Somatoform and dissociative disorders (Chapter 8)
8. Eating and sleeping disorders (Chapter 8)
9. Personality disorders (Chapter 9)
10. Substance abuse (Chapter 10)

Second Midterm (April 2, 35% of final grade)

11. Sexual disorders and dysfunction (Chapter 11)
12. Schizophrenia (Chapter 12)
13. Cognitive disorders (Chapter 13)
15. Disorders of childhood and adolescence (Chapter 14)

Third Midterm (Final Time; 40% of final grade)

PDF version of this syllabus

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