School/Faculty/Institute Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
Course Code PSYC 208
Course Title in English Adult Psychopathology
Course Title in Turkish Yetişkin Psikopatolojisi
Language of Instruction EN
Type of Course Lecture
Level of Course Intermediate
Semester Spring
Contact Hours per Week
Lecture: 3 Recitation: 0 Lab: 0 Other: 0
Estimated Student Workload 144 hours per semester
Number of Credits 6 ECTS
Grading Mode Standard Letter Grade
Pre-requisites PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology
Co-requisites None
Expected Prior Knowledge Introduction to Psychology
Registration Restrictions Only Undergraduate Students
Overall Educational Objective To learn a wide variety of behavior problems and the theoretical background for the etiology, to develop an appreciation for the complex and often subjective components of diagnosis and to become able to critically evaluate the theory and research associated with each class of clinical problems.
Course Description The purpose of this course is to introduce mental disorders in adults. Mainly, we will discuss psychological dysfunction (i.e., distress or impairment) in a way that is not typical, or expected, based on cultural and societal norms. We will discuss diagnostic issues in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, we will also examine a variety of mental disorders from several different theoretical and treatment perspectives. In other words, we will use an integrative approach toward the study of abnormal psychology including the interaction of biological, developmental, and social factors. One of the major goals of this course is also to promote greater awareness and knowledge of psychopathology with the hope of reduce the suffering and stigma associated with mental disorders.

Course Learning Outcomes and Competences

Upon successful completion of the course, the learner is expected to be able to:
1) discuss the distinction between what is normal and abnormal;
2) critically question the diagnosis of clinical problems;
3) relate clinical symptoms with idiosyncratic social-environmental factors;
4) understand the uniqueness of the “individual” in terms of symptom presentation;
5) understand the personal experiences of the people with mental problems;
6) know about different classification systems and to discuss them with their advantages and disadvantages;
7) relate the impact of cultural and social differences on psychopathology;
8) question the psychological theories in a critical way and propose new research ideas.
Program Learning Outcomes/Course Learning Outcomes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation.
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts.
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline.
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards.
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences.
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level).
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement.
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses.
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning.
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations.

Relation to Program Outcomes and Competences

N None S Supportive H Highly Related
     
Program Outcomes and Competences Level Assessed by
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology. H Exam
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation. N
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes. S Participation
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts. N
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline. H Exam,Participation,Presentation
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards. N
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences. N
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level). H Exam,Participation
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity. S Participation
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement. S Participation
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses. N
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning. S Presentation
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations. H Presentation
Prepared by and Date FULYA ÖZCANLI , November 2023
Course Coordinator FULYA ÖZCANLI
Semester Spring
Name of Instructor Asst. Prof. Dr. FULYA ÖZCANLI

Course Contents

Week Subject
1) Introduction: What is abnormal?
2) History of the abnormal & diagnostic issues
3) Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
4) Depressive & Bipolar Disorders
5) Anxiety Disorders Part 1
6) Anxiety Disorders Part 2 & PTSD
7) Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
8) Midterm
9) Eating Disorders
10) Dissociative and Somatic Symptom Disorders
11) Paraphilic Disorders, Sexual Dysfunctions, and Gender Dysphoria
12) Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
13) Personality Disorders
14) Review
15) Final examination period
16) Final examination period
Required/Recommended ReadingsWhitbourne, S. K. (2020). Abnormal psychology: Clinical perspectives on psychological disorders (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Teaching MethodsPrior to attending the classes, the students will be expected to do the assignments (read the chapter/article and/or watch the video). Classes will be a mixture of lecture, clinical case vignettes, videos, in-class activities and discussion.
Homework and ProjectsThere will be regular posts on Blackboard regarding the material of the upcoming week’s course. These posts can include educational or inspirational videos and articles. The students' engagement with the pre-class material will be assessed through small quizzes or open-ended questions.
Laboratory WorkNo lab work required for this course.
Computer Usenone
Other Activitiesnone
Assessment Methods
Assessment Tools Count Weight
Attendance 14 % 15
Quiz(zes) 14 % 20
Midterm(s) 1 % 30
Final Examination 1 % 35
TOTAL % 100
Course Administration ozcanlifu@mef.edu.tr

Students are required to attend to all the classes and to participate in class discussions. Students should provide a legitimate excuse for missing any scheduled exam or presentation. The format of the make-up exams might differ from midterm or final exam. Students are expected to behave in a respectful manner at all times. Any commitment of cheating, lying and deceit in any form such as plagiarism or coping during exams is considered dishonest and will not be tolerated. Any student caught cheating will receive a grade of zero.

ECTS Student Workload Estimation

Activity No/Weeks Hours Calculation
No/Weeks per Semester Preparing for the Activity Spent in the Activity Itself Completing the Activity Requirements
Course Hours 14 2 3 2 98
Quiz(zes) 1 10 10
Midterm(s) 1 16 2 18
Final Examination 1 16 2 18
Total Workload 144
Total Workload/25 5.8
ECTS 6