One Quarter

Open to grades 11 and 12

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of OR concurrent enrollment in AP Psychology. Students taking Abnormal Psychology concurrently with AP Psychology will be placed in a spring 4th Quarter section of the course to support continued AP Exam preparation.

This college-level course surveys the essential features, possible causes, and assessment and treatment of the various types of mental illness from the viewpoint of the major theoretical perspectives in the field of abnormal psychology.  Students will be introduced to the diagnosis system of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).  In addition, the history of the psychology of abnormality will be traced.  Cultural and social perspectives in understanding and responding to abnormal behavior will be explored

as well as current topics and issues within abnormal psychology.  Students enrolling in this course should be
prepared to read about and discuss sensitive topics related to mental illness (e.g., trauma-related disorders, suicidality, and norm-violating behaviors).

This course has a transcription agreement with CVTC.  Pending its annual renewal, students may earn CVTC credit for successful completion of the course at no cost.