Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title PSYC 2622: Abnormal Psychology

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3 (3 lecture)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) College level reading and writing skills are recommended.
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Goal 7a/Human Diversity

Course Description

This course is an analysis of abnormal behavior, covering topics such as the historical background; mood, anxiety, and schizophrenic disorders, personality disorders, substance-related disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders; causes of abnormal behavior, legal and ethical issues in the prevention and treatment of disorders; and cultural diversity of abnormal behavior.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2024

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Historical and theoretical perspectives of abnormal behavior
  2. Classification and assessment
  3. Major psychological disorders
  4. Legal and ethical issues in prevention and treatment
  5. Cultural diversity of abnormal psychology

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior.
  2. Identify the psychological and physical symptoms of major disorders.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of historical changes in the understanding of mental disorders.
  4. Distinguish between the different theoretical perspectives of mental disorders.
  5. Describe the different therapies for the treatment of mental disorders.
  6. Explain how psychologists use their understanding of the APA Ethics Code and legal system to guide decisions in clinical and legal situations.
  7. Identify cultural differences in mental disorders.
  8. Apply psychological constructs to understand and improve intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intercultural dysfunction.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The student will be able to:

  1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  2. Examine social institutions and process across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  3. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
Goal 7a/Human Diversity

The student will be able to:

  1. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts, and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.
  2. Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society. and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.
  3. Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in a society with great popular diversity.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None