This course is available to both Queen’s and non-Queen’s students. Non-Queen’s students (including interest students, visiting students, and new online degree students) must first apply for admission. The following is presented for informational purposes only and is subject to change.

Instructor

Kelly Suschinsky

and

Talia Troister

Email:  psyc235S@queensu.ca

Course Description

The experimental approach to the understanding, description and modification of abnormal behaviour is emphasized in the analysis of disorders of cognition (e.g., learning, memory and thinking), disturbances of affect (e.g., anxiety and depression), and problem behaviours (e.g., addictions, sexual disorders and psychopathy).

Course Objectives

This course aims to provide you with a critical appreciation of contemporary issues in the field of abnormal psychology. The emphasis throughout the course will be on the contributions of empirical research to the classification, etiology and treatment of the behavioural disorders examined. Other than the introductory chapters, generally each chapter deals with a major diagnostic category, describing the symptoms that distinguish each disorder from others. Each chapter will describe the incidence and natural history of the disorder and etiological theories as well as evaluate treatment approaches.

The specific course objectives are:

1. To understand the DSM-IV—the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—its language and categories, why it is so important to diagnosis, assessment and treatment of mental disorders, as well as its drawbacks.
2. To identify the major mental disorders throughout the lifespan and begin to differentiate between the disorders using client symptoms.
3. To appreciate the role of basic and clinical research in understanding mental disorders and their treatment.
4. To apply various psychological theories to the conceptualization of individuals with various mental disorders.
5. To understand treatments and therapies for mental disorders and begin to evaluate their effectiveness.
6. To be acquainted with a range of issues, controversies, and thinking regarding human abnormality.

This course aims to provide you with the underlying knowledge base and opportunity for critical thinking about abnormal psychology necessary for students planning on going into helping professions such as clinical psychology, counselling, and social work.

**Note: Although this is an online course, keep in mind that it cannot be completed entirely at your own pace. You will be required to keep up with the course material via online participation (e.g., quizzes, forum discussions, and tutorials) within certain time frames.

Lesson Schedule

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More information:

• Computer Requirements and Internet Access
• Moodle, Our Online Learning Environment 
• Academic Integrity
• Evaluation
• Suggested Time Commitment
• Required Material