Psychological Science: Psychopathology (A)

About PSYS 2500 A

Describing and defining abnormal behavior; models of etiology; research evidence for biological and social models; methods of intervention and prevention. Prerequisite: PSYS 1400.

Notes

Prereq enforced by the system: PSYS 1400; HSOC and PSYS majors and minors only; Co located with PSYS 2500 B; Total combined enrollment = 266; PACE students with permission and override

Section Description

***SECTION A IS FOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS; NURSING MAJORS SHOULD REGISTER FOR SECTION B***

This course is designed to introduce you the field of
psychopathology. You will be introduced to the ways that
clinical psychologists conceptualize, assess, diagnose, and
treat various mental health problems. We will also explore
ways in which psychopathology differs across cultures.

Section Expectation

Attendance and participation required

Evaluation

1. Learning Curve Quizzes:

These Learning Curve quizzes are meant to be an adaptive learning tool. These
“quizzes” have gaming elements built in that will help you actively process the
course material in a fun way. You must answer a minimum number of questions
correctly to earn a passing grade. You may answer questions until you reach
the grade you want!
These assignments are
due BEFORE class on Tuesdays. The reason for this is
that we can have the most meaningful, engaging discussions and activities if
everyone in class has some mastery of the material before entering the
classroom!

2. In Class Activities:

Individual and small group activities will be assigned in class each week and will be
completed during class time. Assignments are not limited to but may include brief
writing assignments done at the start of class to reflect on the assigned readings for
the day, mini-reports done during the middle of class based on group work or
lecture, or comments and questions on the day’s topic turned in at the end of class.
These will be unannounced, so please bring paper and a writing utensil to every
class. Legible, well-written responses are expected. Attendance for the entire class
period is required to receive credit for the ICA on that day. Please note that if you
arrive late to class, you may miss the ICA for the day.

3. iClicker

Starting the second week of class, iClicker questions will be included in each
lecture. These questions are designed for active learning, engagement, feedback,
and to make sure that we are all on the same page for our understanding of a
topic! You must answer at least 75% of the questions in a class to get full credit
for that day.

4. Exams:

Research has shown that coming up with your own examples, critically thinking
about concepts, and applying concepts to your own life are helpful ways to
learn new material. You will retain more and be better prepared to engage in
more advanced psychology courses in the future! These exams are designed to help you connect the psychological concepts
from the course to the real-world.

5. Book Group:

You will all be assigned to groups of ten students and an Undergraduate
Teaching Fellow. You will read the book Crazy Like Us. You will
write one reflection about the book prior to the book club day and one after. On
book group day, you will be assigned a location to meet with your group. Your UTF will facilitate this book club. You will receive credit if you are engaged,
respectful, and contribute to the conversation

6. Mental Health in Fiction Paper:

Early in the semester, you will choose a fictional character from a book, movie, or
television show. You will use scholarly research to evaluate the potential
diagnos(is/es) of your character, the accuracy of the portrayal, and the impact of
mental health portrayals on consumer mental health. You will complete a series of
reflections relating your character to some of the mental health conditions covered
in class. You will also create an annotated bibliography and, finally, a 5-7 page paper
in APA format.

Important Dates

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

• Parking
• PACE Course Pricing
• Textbooks

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