Professor: Dr. Lisa Taylor

Email: ltaylor@csusm.edu (use the message option in Canvas, it says what class you are in)

Office: SBSB 3241

Office hours: Mondays – 1245-215pm

Fridays - 1030-1115am and  230-315pm

Section  06 (44410)

Meeting Day Mondays and Wednesdays

Meeting Time 2:30-3:45 pm

Meeting Room Mark 308

Course Description

This course is designed to give you an understanding of the primary areas of abnormal psychology, including historical and current perspectives on psychopathology, the range of factors that contribute to psychological dysfunction, research methods in psychopathology, and the assessment and treatment of psychological disorders.  Prerequisite: Psychology 100

Course Format

The course includes lectures, videos, textbook and scholarly articles, projects, papers, quizzes, class participation (team activities and discussions), and out-of-class assignments.

Course Expectations

Every student is expected to complete the weekly assigned readings prior to class and participate in class discussions and activities.  The readings are intended to foster controversy, critical thinking, discourse, and insight.  Also, students are expected to attend each class, offer questions and comments, and complete all assignments.  All assignments are expected on time.  

Cougar Courses

Course information and materials including handouts, resources, and announcements will be posted on the Cougar Course site. Please check the website before each class meeting and adjust the settings so you get important class emails.

Required Readings

Students are expected to read the assigned textbook chapters and articles before the class meeting in which the material will be discussed.

Textbook  

Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology, 9th edition

Comer and Comer

ISBN-13: 978-1319126698

ISBN-10: 1319126693

Physical or electronic copy is fine. There is also a copy on Reserve at the library.

Outside Reading

In addition to your textbook, there are several articles and videos that you will view and annotate using Perusall, these can be found on Canvas.

Email and Course-Related Correspondence: Students are responsible for checking their email and Cougar Courses regularly. I will use Canvas to contact students about assignments, syllabus changes, etc, be sure to adjust settings so you receive announcements in a timely manner. Email replies may take up to two business days (I check my email daily, except weekends and Spring Break); please plan ahead especially when there is a deadline. If I have not responded within two business days, please send me another message. I am happy to answer most questions via email; however, if your questions are more involved, I will recommend that we meet during office hours.                                           

Grades will be determined according to the following distribution:

University Grading Standards

A final word on grades: This is a rigorous course. You earn your grade by earning points in the class for various assignments and assessments. I cannot allow you to complete “extra” work so that you can pass the class. Grades will be updated regularly on Cougar Courses. You are responsible for knowing what your grade is in the class at all times, and doing what is necessary to earn a passing grade. Be sure to check your grades often, if there is a mistake on the grading, please let me know right away.  Check and let me know within two weeks of grades posting if you see  a problem.