Rev 12-28-07

Course Description: This course provides a general introduction to the field of abnormal psychology. Major models of psychopathology and the causes and symptoms of abnormal thinking and behavior are considered.

Technology and Time Prerequisites: Before enrolling in this course, please consider your ability to complete the requirements of an online college-level course. First, you must have access to a computer that is connected to the Internet. Second you must have a reasonable comfort level using the software. Internet Explorer 4.0 or above will be essential for this purpose. If you do not have access to a computer where you live, you may obtain access on the Mansfield University campus, but you must be able to use the computer more days than not throughout the period of the course. Finally, you must have the time available to take this course during a 6-week session. This means committing as much as 15-20 hours each week. Please take the Center for Lifelong Learning pre-assessment of your readiness for on-line coursework. : 

Participation Policy: Your participation in this online class is an important part of the learning process. For your convenience, this course is compressed into a 6-week format. Because we will cover the full amount of material addressed in a regular semester, this will require your attention nearly every day. You must read the assigned chapters on schedule, complete the workbook, participate regularly in the online discussions and assignments, and take the examinations available on Friday and Saturday each week. The examinations are the only part of the course that require your participation during a specific time period. Exams will be available Friday at 12:05 a.m.through Saturday at midnight, except for the final week of class. Exams will be timed and you must complete all examinations within the time frame that they are available. 

Web Center for the Course: Link to the online information for Psy 391 via my website. Once you purchase your book, you can link to the CourseCompass BlackBoard software that supports the course. The course number is keller55380 . You will then need the student access code in your special textbook package. Check the Course Compass message board regularly for course updates and links to useful information on the Web. Note: You cannot formally enroll online at the Course Compass site until after May 9th. Click For Detailed Instructions.

Course Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to:

• Define the field of abnormal psychology and be able to describe it as an area of research and practice.
• Describe the major paradigms and systems that provide a framework for understanding abnormal behavior.
• Apply the paradigms to develop a better understanding of abnormal behavior and thinking.
• Understand the DSM system used to diagnose abnormal behavior and thinking and use it to understand case examples.
• Think critically about the major issues involved in diagnosing and treating abnormal behavior and thinking.

Required Assignments and Examinations:

• Six on-line, open-book, objective examinations ( 50 points each; lowest score dropped) offered on Friday and Saturday.
• Six two-page essay assignments on a posted theme, issue, or on-line assignment posted by the instructor. (25 points each)
• Regular and thoughtful participation in online discussions via Course Compass. You must have at least 10 substantive contributions per week to the discussions.I will review your contributions regularly and give you a score after 3 weeks and after 6 weeks. (100 points total)

Academic Integrity: All students are expected to be responsible for their own work. There is no short route to success in this course. Psychology students and faculty have endorsed an Honor Code that will be discussed in class and that you may review on the department's website. Any form of cheating or misrepresentation of your work will affect your final grade in this course. Students are reminded of the particular integrity issues associated with on-line work and of misrepresenting materials found at various websites as their own.

Good luck with this course! I hope you both learn from it and enjoy it. If you need special assistance at any point, I encourage you to contact me via email within Course Compass.

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