PSYC& 220 Abnormal Psychology

5 credits

Students will learn to identify symptoms of abnormal psychological disorders and diagnostic classifications, including various models of treatment. Students will gain a better understanding of maladaptive behavior and its impact on individuals, families, and society. They will also acquire basic information regarding the identification and management of high-risk situations that may occur during the course of their work as a human service professional.

Prerequisites: ENGL 093 (or placement into ENGL 099 or higher)

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Define the four components of abnormal behavior
Compare and contrast the theoretical models of abnormal behavior
Differentiate between varieties of psychological disorders as defined in the DSM
Examine the role of the human service professional in working with clients with diagnosed psychological disorders
Describe the effects of maladaptive behavior on individuals, families, and society
Illustrate methods for de-escalating the angry/emotional client
Implement crisis management techniques
Analyze personal and professional limits and employ self-care to avoid burnout
Evaluate the impact of cultural norms on the determination of abnormal behavior

Global Outcomes
This course teaches to the global outcome of intercultural appreciation.

Total Hours: 50 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 50