6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
South Africa School of Social Science
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
The unit aims to increase students' understanding of abnormal behaviour through the study of psychological disorders described in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Text Revised (DSMP-IV-TR). Students will be exposed to the major clusters of psychological disorders so that they will be able to recognize the core symptoms of psychological disorders and understand the aetiological factors involved. Through student presentation and class discussion, students will be introduced to a number of current topics and contrasting theories.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:
- Analyse contemporary research, theoretical and applied issues in psychopathology.
- Critically appraise current psychopathology literature.
- Appraise the role of culture in the expression of psychological disorders.
- Comment on historical changes in what is considered abnormal behaviour.
Assessment
Within semester assessment: 40% + Exam: 60%
Workload requirements
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
See also Unit timetable information