Abnormal psychology
Dr Val Harvey
6 points * Second semester * Two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour tutorial per week * Gippsland/Distance * Prerequisites: GAS2504 plus two subjects from GAS2501, GAS2502, GAS2503, or GAS2505
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to relate their knowledge of personality, biological processes and human development to abnormal behaviour; be able to contrast historical and current major theoretical perspectives of abnormal behaviour; attain insight into the way the theoretical perspective adopted by a clinician can influence the manner of explaining how psychological disorder is considered to develop and how it is treated; demonstrate familiarity with methods of assessing psychological disorder and the main systems of classifying disorders; be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of, classifying abnormal behaviour; describe the major types of psychological disorder and the major therapeutic approaches to abnormal behaviour; attain an advanced level of skill in critical evaluation of previous research and psychological report writing.
Synopsis This subject covers all important aspects of abnormal behaviour: historical influences, theory, assessment, specific psychopathologies, treatment methods and legal issues. Both the scientific and professional aspects of abnormal psychology are presented. Efforts will be made to give students the broadest possible view of abnormal behaviour by studying the various behaviour deviations from different theoretical perspectives - psychodynamic, behavioural, humanistic-existential, cognitive and biological. For distance education students attendance at weekend schools is strongly recommended but not compulsory.
Assessment Assignments: 40% * Examination: 60% * A pass on the examination is a requirement for the successful completion of this subject
Prescribed texts
Davison G C and Neale J M Abnormal psychology 6th edn, Wiley, 1994
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