Psychology 4360: Syllabus

Abnormal Psychology (Psy 4360)

                                       Fall, 2009                                              

Instructor:  Stuart B. Bonnington, Ed.D.

Office:  Clement, 215D

Office Hours:  I have an open door policy meaning you don’t have to make an appointment to see me although if you feel that your visit with me will require more than a few minutes you might want to schedule a time for us to meet. The posted hours are my “official” office hours. You are welcome to come by at other times that are convenient for you.

Office hours: MWF: 9:00-10:00; T/TR:9:30-10:30

Phone:  931-221-7234

Email:  Bonningtons@apsu.edu

Web page: www.apsu.edu/bonningtons. Please visit my web page on a regular basis as I will be posting information frequently.

Text:  Barlow, D.H. & Durand, V.M. (2006) Essentials of abnormal psychology, 4th edition

Textbook web page:  The CD-ROM that comes with the textbook provides you with some excellent resources including chapter outlines, links to important resources, etc. 

Course Objectives ( in part from Forsyth, J.P. 2002)

(a)    Provide students with an integrative overview of the field of abnormal psychology and major psychological problems and disorders.

(b)   Familiarize students with the multiple causes of psychopathology as viewed from a number of different theoretical perspectives.

(c)    Illustrate an integrative view of research in the area of abnormal behavior

(d)   Provide an overview of current intervention and prevention strategies for dealing with psychological disorders.

(e)  Develop a systems approach to viewing abnormal/normal behavior is a variety of cultures

Grading:  4 exams @100 points each = 400 points. The final will not be comprehensive.

A:  360 points

B:  320 points

C:  280 points

D:  240 points

Attendance:      I don't plan on taking attendance on a regular basis. I will attempt to make class attendance worth your time. I will also cover material not in the text during class. Some of this material will be included in each test.  

Student Conduct: The Code of Student Conduct (http://www.apsu.edu/student_affairs/pdf/Code__Student_Conduct.pdf). contains information that you need to be familiar with. I urge you to read it.

 Missed Exams:  Please note that, except under extreme circumstances, no make-up exams will be given.  If you miss the exam without prior authorization you will receive 0 points for that exam. If an emergency arises I expect you to notify me ahead of time. Make-up exams will generally be taken in conjunction with the final exam.

Note: Any student who has a condition that may affect their academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me or the Director of Disability Services (648-6230) to discuss this matter.

Minors on Campus: According to APSU policy #3:032, minors (defined as those under the age of 18) are not allowed in classrooms.  While I recognize that extenuating circumstances occur and make it difficult for some students to attend without bringing children with them on occasion, I must enforce University policy and thus will deny any request for a child in my classroom.  You should also be aware that minors are not allowed in academic labs, computer labs, science labs, or the library.  Further, children cannot be left in halls outside classrooms. Please be aware that the policy on unattended minors is for the purpose of ensuring that our classrooms are conducive to learning and for the safety and protection of minors.  For additional information on minors on campus, contact the Office of Student Affairs in the Morgan University Center.