PSY306 - Psychological Disorders

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-05-29 00:05:33.419
Last review date 2023-07-31 00:15:01.018

Subject Title
Psychological Disorders

Subject Description
This course explores the symptoms, causes and treatment of various types of psychological disorders including deviant behaviour, the neurotic and psychotic personality, mood disorders, character disorders and disorders of an organic nature.  A variety of the major approaches to understanding deviations from "normal" behaviour will be used (physiological, behavioral, psychoanalytic, humanistic and cognitive approaches). Attention will be given to the cultural realities from which psychiatric classification originate including historical views of such phenomenon, how our understanding of mental illness has changed over time, how it may further evolve, and the role of the front line practitioner in dealing with clients presenting with such issues. Special mental health issues problems in childhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging persons will be examined. The legal and ethical issues associated with abnormal psychology will also be explored.

Credit Status
This course is a required credit in the Bachelors (Honours) degree in Behavioural Psychology.   Please be aware that students from the Behavioural Psychology degree program are not permitted to take the Liberal Studies Option course LSL 404 (Abnormal Psychology) as the content of that course is equivalent to this course.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  1. Discuss the major concepts within the following areas: psychopathology, clinical assessment, diagnosis, anxiety disorders, somatoform and dissociative disorders, mood disorders, eating and sleep disorders, physical disorders and health psychology, sexual and gender identity issues, substance-related disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, developmental disorders, cognitive and disorders. (Cognitive/Comprehension)
  2. Examine the role of mental health services in dealing with abnormal behaviour and discuss the legal and ethical issues of treating abnormal behaviour. (Cognitive/Analysis)
  3. Differentiate between the understanding of abnormal behaviour in historical context and present research findings and practice. (Cognitive/Analysis)
  4. Deconstruct predetermined biases and assumptions of the norms of human behaviour. (Cognitive/Evaluation)
  5. Identify personal and professional biases and assumptions about human behaviour. (Cognitive/Knowledge, Affective/Valuing)
  6. Comprehend the intricacies and wide spectrum of human behaviour. (Cognitive/Comprehension)
  7. Compare and contrast the methodology, analysis, and conclusions of various papers on abnormal behaviour and recognize limitations in the study of human behaviour.  (Cognitive/Analysis)

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.