PSYCHOLOGY 251: Behavior Disorders of Childhood Department of Psychology University of Vermont

PSYCHOLOGY 251: Behavior Disorders of Childhood
Department of Psychology
University of Vermont
Summer 2012
Tuesday – Thursday 9:00-12:45
John Dewey Hall Room 212
Instructor: Amy Paysnick, Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology.
Office Hours: By appointment
Office: 356 John Dewey Hall
Email: [email protected]
Blackboard: http://bb.uvm.edu/ - on the Blackboard site for this course there are links to
the syllabus and other related class materials that are posted on the web.
Course Description
This course will provide a broad survey of what is considered to be disordered or
abnormal behavior in children and adolescents. The primary focus of the course is the
description of various psychological disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). This course will cover the developmental
course of these disorders as well as theories regarding etiology. This course will also
overview some successful treatment programs for disorders; however, this course is not
designed to prepare students for clinical work with children. Emphasis will be placed on
a scientific, empirical view.
Course Goals
• Develop a working knowledge of the common psychological disorders of childhood
and adolescence.
• Understand the factors that can affect the etiology and course of these disorders.
• Understand how issues of diversity across gender, culture, and race relate to these
disorders.
• Critically respond to empirical journal articles on child and adolescent disorders.
Readings
Most of the assigned reading will be contained in the required text listed below. The text
is available at the bookstore. Additional readings will be available on the course
Blackboard website when they are assigned.
Mash, E.J. & Wolfe, D.A. (2009). Abnormal Child Psychology, 4th Edition. Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Assignments and Evaluation
Students are expected to attend all classes, to complete assigned readings before
class, and to participate in class. Course grades will be based on the following; there
will be no extra credit options. Assignments are to be printed out before class and
handed in during class. No emailed assignments will be accepted.
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1. Reading response (35%): Students will turn in a typed, 1 page response to each
topic that demonstrates critical thinking. You may choose 7 out of 11 responses to
complete, each worth 10 points. To receive full credit, you must integrate information
from the book chapter and the assigned journal article. Responses to the readings could
include (but are not limited to) discussing a topic that you found interesting,
controversial, or surprising; explaining possible causes, implications, or solutions to the
topic, with examples; and/or discussing how the research article could be improved
based on information from the book readings.
2. Case Studies (50%): There will be two case study write-ups during the semester,
each worth 25% of your grade. Given a detailed description of a child or adolescent, you
will hypothesize about possible diagnoses, support these hypotheses with information
on diagnostic criteria, and address issues of prevention and treatment. A grading rubric
will be provided.
**Policy on late assignments: Reading responses will not be accepted if they are
turned in late. Late case studies will be deducted 1 full letter grade per day.**
3. Class Participation (15%): You will benefit most from this course if you are actively
engaged with the material at home and in class. Your grade for class participation
includes attendance, involvement in class discussions, and quality of questions asked.
Roughly the last hour of each lecture will consist of structured class discussion time.
The more prepared you are with your reading, the more you will be able to contribute
meaningfully.
Grading
Total course grade: 200 points
Course
component
Points
Percent
Reflections (7)
Case studies (2)
Class Participation
70
100
30
35%
50%
15%
Attendance
You are expected to attend every class. Please inform the instructor in advance if you
will need to miss a class for any reason. You will need to borrow notes from another
class member and you will be responsible for any changes to the syllabus announced in
class. If you miss a class, case studies and reading responses are accepted only if they
are handed to the instructor at the start of class on the day on which they are due.
Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the instructor.
Code of Conduct
To ensure a positive learning experience and full participation by all, please listen with
an open mind and express your thoughts and responses in a respectful manner. Please
turn off or silence cell phones and electronic devices. In addition, please exhibit basic
classroom courtesy by speaking one at a time, raising your hand when appropriate, and
not conducting conversations with classmates during class.
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The rules that apply to students of the University of Vermont and of the College of Arts
and Sciences in regard to cheating and plagiarism apply in the class as well (see in
particular the UVM Code of Academic Integrity at
http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/acadintegrity.pdf). To review these rules in
detail, please consult your student handbook. Also see the following site for more
information on and examples of what is and is not plagiarism:
http://www.uvm.edu/~agri99/plagiarism.html.
Extra Help
If you are concerned about your performance in the class, you are encouraged to meet
with the instructor to develop a plan to improve. The instructor can help you with how
and what to study, however it is your responsibility to take advantage of the assistance
offered. Approaching the instructor after the course is completed will not result in a
grade change. Grades will be changed only if a mistake was made in the grading of
assignments or the recording of grades.
Religious Holidays
If you must miss class to observe a religious holiday, notify the instructor in advance
and arrangements can be made to get lecture notes and ensure that assignments are
still completed on time. .
Disability Accommodations
Students requiring special assistance due to a disability are asked to contact the
instructor during the first week of classes so that reasonable accommodation for the
disability can be determined and arranged. Disability documentation, testing, and
accommodations are coordinated through the ACCESS office on campus:
http://www.uvm.edu/~access/.
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Tentative Schedule of Topics, Readings, and Exams (subject to change at instructor’s
discretion). Changes will be announced in class. You are responsible for knowing what changes
have been made. Outlines of lectures and discussion are available on Blackboard.
Date
Week 1
5/22
Schedule of Topics, Readings, and Assignments
Topic
Assignments
Course Overview and Orientation
Understanding Abnormal Child Psychology
5/23
Theories & Causes of Abnormal Development
Developmental Psychopathology and Research
Assessment & Diagnosis
5/24
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
*Response 1 due*
M & W: Chapter 2, Chapter 4 (pp. 79104)
Article
*Response 2 due*
M & W: Chapter 5
Article
Week 2
5/29
Conduct Problems
Behavioral Parent Training
(Case Study #1 assigned)
5/30
High Risk Behaviors: Substance Use Disorders
5/31
Week 3
Anxiety Disorders
6/5
Mood Disorders
6/6
Eating Disorders
6/7
IQ and Mental Retardation
(Case Study #2 assigned)
*Response 3 due*
M & W: Chapter 6
Article
Response 4 due*
M & W: Chapter 12 (pp. 389 – 395
Article
*Response 5 due*
M & W: Chapter 7
*Case Study # 1 due*
*Response 6 due*
M & W: Chapter 8
Article
*Response 7 due*
M & W: Chapter 13
Article
*Response 8 due*
M & W:: Chapter 9
Article
Week 4
Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
6/12
6/13
Child Maltreatment
6/14
Sleep and Elimination Disorders
Child Psychosis
Prevention, Treatment, and Wrap-Up
*Response 9 due*
M & W:: Chapter 10
Article
*Response 10 due*
M & W: Chapter 14
Article
*Response 11 due*
Readings will be distributed in class
*Case Study #2 due by 4:00pm*
6/18
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