Psychology 456 Syllabus
| Course Objective:
To provide an empirical and theoretical basis for the study of behavior disorders in children from birth to 18 years of age. |
Required
Textbooks: Mash, E.J, &
Wolfe, D.A. (2002). Abnormal Child
Psychology. Belmont (CA):Wadsworth.
(referred to as M&W below.) |
Psychology 456 Assignments
| Week | Topic | Reading | Due |
1 |
Introduction and Theories | M&W Chs. 1, 2 | -- |
2 |
Research and Clinical Issues | M&W Chs. 3, 4 | -- |
3 |
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder **Information Competency Assignment Due** |
M&W Ch. 5 K Ch. 6 |
10% |
4 |
Conduct Disorder/Oppositional-Defiant Disorder | M&W Ch. 6 K Ch. 8 |
-- |
5 |
Anxiety Disorders | M&W Ch. 7 K Ch. |
-- |
6 |
**Midterm Exam** Mood Disorder |
M&W Ch. 8 | 35% |
7 |
Mood Disorder (cont.) Mental Retardation |
M&W Ch. 8, 9 K Ch. 3 |
-- |
8 |
Autism and Schizophrenia | M& W Ch. 10 K Ch. 11 |
-- |
9 |
Communication and Learning Disorders **Term Paper due** |
M&W Ch. 11 K Ch. 7 | 20% |
10 |
Eating Disorders/ Substance Abuse Neglect and Abuse |
M& W Ch. 13, 14 K Ch. 4, 9, 13 |
-- |
11 |
**Final Exam** | Review | 35% |
Course Evaluation:
There will be a midterm (35%) and a non-cumulative final exam (35%).
Exams account for 70% of the final grade.
Exams are in multiple choice, fill-in, and essay format.
The Information Competency assignment is worth 10% of the final grade.
There will be one term paper in APA style worth 20% of the final grade:The research paper will be no more than 10 pages on a topic of the student's choice based on the course content. Papers should include a minimum of 10 current (1995 or later) scholarly references, and should conclude with a cogent proposal for original research. Your research does not need to be "practical," as we are only proposing it rather than carrying it out (access to our subject pool is problematic). Do not submit a "typical" literature review style term paper (here's everything we know about my topic). Papers should be typed, double-spaced, according to APA style. APA Sections to be used in the paper will include Title Page, Abstract, Introduction, and Method (proposed). Do NOT include a Results or Discussion section, since this is only a proposal for research that has not yet been conducted (i.e. don't make up results). Grades will be assigned on the basis of choice of significant topic, thorough and current research, demonstration of information competency, organization, correct use of APA format, and logic. Papers will also be evaluated for writing style, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. No late papers will be accepted. Papers that are not in appropriate APA format will be returned ungraded for revision. Late penalties will be assessed at the rate of one letter grade per day for papers requiring revision of APA format.
For further information on APA style, check these links:
Microsoft Word Template for APA Style, 5th Edition.
Mark Plonsky's Psychology with Style
William Borst's APA Writing Style Guide
Other APA Style Guides on Psych Web
Course grading will be as follows: 90-100%=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; and 59% or less=F . Standard plus-minus (X8=+; X2=-) will be used.
 Back to Psy 456 |
 Laura Freberg |
 Cal Poly Home Page |
 Psy/HD Dept. |
updated 9/00