Spring 2004

PSY 352 • Abnormal Psychology

Course Description

This section of PSY 352 takes a psychopathological approach, focusing on a selected set of disorders and their causes. The general theme is that abnormal behavior is one of many kinds of individual differences (e.g., intelligence, personality, character) whose exploration can reveal much about human nature. While the textbook is more comprehensive regarding clinical issues of diagnosis and therapy, the lectures focus on scientific questions of the processes underlying the continuity vs. discontinuity between normal personality dimensions and disorders of behavior and personality. When theorizing about risk for illness, special emphasis is given to the power of genetic and other biological factors, within a diathesis-stress perspective. Student discussion is encouraged.

Grading Policy

Exams: Four objective (multiple choice and true/false). Extra credit will be available for a special demonstration project and possibly for discussion groups.

Texts

Davison, G.C., Neale, J.M., & Ann Kring (2003). Abnormal Psychology (Ninth Edition). NY: John Wiley & Sons. Cohen, D.B. (1999). Stranger in the Nest. Do Parents Really Shape Their Child's Personality, Intelligence, or Character? NY: John Wiley & Sons. Keirsey, D. & Bates, M. (1984). Please Understand Me: Character & Temperament Types. Del Mar, CA: Prometheus Nemesis. (Optional) Oltmanns, Neale, & Davison (2003) Case Studies in Abnormal Psychology (Optional)

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