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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Abnormal Psychology (Online)

PSY 2300-33I

Course: PSY 2300-33I
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: PSY
CRN: 13536

Course Description

This course examines human behavior typically classified as “abnormal.” Diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, current theories of etiology, and contemporary treatment strategies will be reviewed. The course usually includes field visits to programs which treat persons with these diagnoses. The goal of the course is to provide students the opportunity to develop an empathic understanding of individuals with mental illnesses. This is a designated Service-Learning course. (Fall, Spring, Summer (As Needed)) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

This course examines human behavior typically classified as “abnormal.” Diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, current theories of etiology, and contemporary treatment strategies will be reviewed. The goal of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop an empathic understanding of individuals with mental illnesses.

Specifically, this 3-credit course will cover concepts associated with abnormal behaviors including recognizing the presence of a mental disorder and identifying signs and symptoms of abnormal behaviors and insanity. The student will also be taught the theories and models that guide the clinical treatment of abnormal disorders such as the biological model, the psychodynamic approach, the cognitive-behavioral approach, and the humanistic perspective. An introduction to the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual will be covered along with many of the psychological disorders. Finally, emphasis will be placed on general principles of psychopathology in a historical context and how it impacts society today.

Required Texts

Unless you opt out, this all-inclusive digital textbook is linked to your Canvas course site. Simply click the “Inclusive Access Course Materials” link on Canvas to access your book.

Psychopathology and Mental Health, 10thedition., by Thomas F. Oltmanns, Robert E. Emery, Kelsie Forbush & Susan South ISBN-13:978013820223-1
©2025 • Pearson Publishing Company

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the semester, students should have sufficient knowledge of the organization of the DSM-5-TR, the criteria for many mental disorders, as well as the etiology and epidemiology of severe and persistent mental disorders such as schizophrenia. This course will help prepare students to take the Psychology GRE and familiarize the students with the socio-political, economic, and artistic worlds of abnormal psychology.

  • L01-Etiology Awareness
    Describe and evaluate biological, psychological, and social contributors to various psychological disorders.
  • L02-Classification Systems
    Analyze and use contemporary classification tools (DSM-5-TR, ICD), including cross-cutting transdiagnostic models.
  • L03-Critical Thinking
    Critically evaluate research claims, pseudoscience, media portrayals in psychopathology.
  • L04-Clinical Reasoning
    Apply evidence-based treatment frameworks to conceptualize and recommend interventions for psychopathological presentations.
  • L05-Case Analysis & Communication
    Integrate case study findings to produce diagnostic formulations and thoughtful case presentations, mindful of cultural and individual variation.
  • L06-Research Methods Literacy
    Interpret research methods and findings to support evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies.

Course Requirements

Course assignments will consist of the following online material:

Required Readings from Oltmanns & Emery’s Psychopathology and Mental Health text and other recommended readings from class postings, assigned readings, PPTs, optional Zooms, quizzes, module tests, and a cumulative final exam.

Course Requirements
  • Students will be given new course material each week.
  • Students should submit their assigned tasks by the end of each week.
  • Assigned tasks will include quizzes, tests, homework assignments and discussion posts.
Class Format

Each week will begin with a new Announcement posted on Canvas, followed by assigned readings. Students should review & complete the weekly tasks (i.e., discussion posts, pre-recorded Zoom lectures, assignments, quizzes or module tests). Within assigned readings, clinical cases will be presented that relate to specific psychological or neurological disorders under study.

Method for Assessing Student Progress & Attainment and Evaluation of Objectives

Grading will be based on Quizzes, Module Tests, Assignments, Discussion Posts, and the Final Exam.

Criteria for Evaluation of Student Performance/Grading Scheme & Evaluation of Objectives
  • 1. The average of all Quizzes will constitute 20% of your final grade.
  • 2. The average of 3 Module Tests will constitute 30% of your final grade.
  • 3. The online Final Exam will be cumulative and will constitute 20% of your final grade.
  • 4. The average of 9 Discussion & Reply Posts will constitute 20% of your final grade.
  • 5. Three Additional Homework Assignments (specifically Assignments 1 & 2 and Activity-1) will constitute 10% of your final grade.

A = ≥95 B =84-86.9 C =74-76.9 F =<60

A- = 90-94.9 B- =80-83.9 C- = 69-73.9

B+ =87-89.9 C+ =77-79.9 D =60-68.9

Course Outline

You will be responsible for reading the entire chapter. The course outline is tentative and may change depending upon school requirements, health crisis, weather issues, or if deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Note: unless otherwise specified, each task is due by the end of that designated week, specifically by each Sunday night, 11:59pm. Please take note that your Final Exam is due on a Thursday, not a Sunday.

Module/WeekDatesTopicAssignments & Tasks Due
MODULE 101/07 - 01/11/26Introduction to the course. Begin Chapter 1: Examples & Definitions of Psychological Disorders
  • Due by 1/11 • Review Syllabus, Announcements • Welcome Zoom • Locate & Activate Textbook on Canvas
  • Due by 1/14 • Complete Commenced Online Attendance
MODULE 1 | 201/12 - 01/18/26Chapter 1: Review PPT-1: What is Abnormal Behavior / Changing Concepts of Mental Illness
  • Due by 1/18 • Discussion Post-1 (Ice Breaker)
1/19 | MLK Jr. Day: No Class
MODULE 1 | 301/20 - 01/25/26Chapter 2: Causes of Abnormal Behavior
  • Due by 1/25 • Zoom Lecture • Quiz 1 • Assignment#1 • Discussion Post-2
MODULE 1 | 401/26 - 02/01/26Chapter 3: Treatment of Mental Disorders / Historical Treatment of Psychological Disorders
  • Due by 2/01 • Quiz 2 • Assignment#2 • Discussion Post-3
MODULE 1 | 502/02 - 02/08/26Chapter 4: Classification & Assessment of Mental Disorders / Psychological Assessment Procedures of Abnormal Behavior
  • Due by 2/08 • Module 1 TEST
MODULE 2 | 602/9 - 02/15/26Chapter 5: Mood Disorders / Suicide
  • Due by 2/15 • Zoom Lecture • Discussion Post-4 • Quiz 3
2/16 | President’s Day: No Class
MODULE 2 | 702/17 - 02/22/26Chapter 6: Anxiety Disorders & OCD
  • Due by 2/22 • Zoom Lecture • Quiz 4
  • Due 2/22-3/15 • Activity1 (note: an extension on this activity is acceptable, without a late penalty, until March 15th.)
MODULE 2 | 802/23 - 03/01/26Chapter 7: Acute and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, Dissociative and Somatic Symptom Disorders.
  • Due by 3/01 • Discussion Post-5
  • View Links:
    • The Original 3 Faces of Eve- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ3fl18XQ0A
    • Voices in my Head- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syjEN3peCJw
MODULE 2 | 903/02 - 03/08/26Review Chapter 8: Stress and Physical Health (HPA Axis)
  • Due by 3/08 • Review Sheet • Module 2 TEST
3/9 - 3/15/26 | Spring Break • No assignments
MODULE 3 | 1003/16 – 03/22/26Chapter 9 Personality Disorders
Chapter 10: Feeding & Eating Disorders
  • Zoom Lecture
  • Due by 3/22 • Discussion Post-6 • Quizzes 5 & 6
  • Note: Since you have 2 short quizzes this week, Quiz 5 will be opened a week early in case you want to start working on it earlier.
MODULE 3 | 1103/23 – 03/29/26Chapter 12: Sexual Disorders
Chapter 11: Substance Related and Addictive Disorders
  • Due by 3/29 • Discussion Post-7 • Module-3 TEST
MODULE 4 | 1203/30– 04/06/26Chapter 13: Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
  • Due by Monday 4/06 (note: students have an extra day to submit the quiz due to the holiday (w/out late penalty).) • Quiz 7 • Discussion Post-8
MODULE 4 | 1304/06 – 04/12/26Chapter 14: Neurocognitive Disorders
  • Due by 4/12 • Quiz 8 • Discussion Post-9
  • Note: Please double check that all of your assignments & quizzes are submitted. Contact Dr.Rossi ASAP if you need to make up any material. The official makeup date is 04/19. You must contact me in advance of this date if you need to take a makeup.
MODULE 4 | 1404/13 – 04/19/26Chapter 15: Intellectual Disabilities & Autism Spectrum Disorder
Chapter 16: Childhood Disorders
  • Due by 4/19 • Read Ch 15 & 16 • Review your grades on Canvas & finalize any missing assignments with Dr. Rossi. • Review Study Guide for Final Exam
MAKE-UP DAY04/19/26Scheduled MAKE-UP DAY

With prior approval, make-up quizzes, tests, assignments or posts will be given as soon as the instructor deems it possible, or at the latest Dec 7th, 2025.

Due by 4/19

Final ExamOpens: 4/20 • Closes: 4/24The Final Exam will post on April 20th and close on April 24th at 11:59pm. The Test is considered a cumulative final exam however it will be heavily weighted from topics pertaining to the last 3 weeks.
  • Due by 4/24
  • Note: Once you start the exam, you will have 2 hours to complete it.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

  • All online quizzes will be counted equally, therefore if you miss a quiz and have a valid excuse such as documented illness, religious holiday, previously arranged meeting, you must contact the professor as soon as possible, specifically prior to April 19th, 2026.
  • All Module Tests will be counted equally, therefore if you miss a Test and have a valid excuse such as a documented illness, pregnancy, religious holiday, or previously arranged meeting, you must contact the professor as soon as possible.
  • If you cannot attend the class due to a religious holiday, pre-arranged job-interview, scientific meeting, or excused absence that falls on the day of a test, it is up to you to contact the professor, and arrangements will be worked out accordingly. With prior approval, make-up tests will be given as soon as the instructor deems it possible or at the end of the semester, however keep in mind that the absolute last day for a make-up is April 19, 2026.
Makeup Exams and Late Work
  • Typically, there are no makeup exams without a doctor’s note and the approval from professor, however extending circumstances may occur during the semester and need to be addressed on an individual basis.
  • If you are sick or have an excused absence on a quiz or test day, makeups are given on or before 4/19/2026. Please contact your professor to make arrangements.
  • If you are out for an extended period of time, please contact your professor and The SUU Health Center.
Instructor’s Policies on Late Assignments and/or makeup work
  • An automatic deduction of 5points/week will be made for any late HW submissions.
  • Students should make every effort to submit every assignment even if late, so that they are awarded at least partial credit.
  • Contact the Professor immediately if you miss a test or quiz.
  • With prior permission from the instructor, if you have an excused absence, you may be able to take a make-up test, specifically on Apr 19th..
  • No more than 2 items or HW tasks can be made-up during the semester.

Attendance Policy

Please make every effort to log onto CANVAS regularly to see any updates and submit your work in a timely manner. The CANVAS site keeps track of the amount of time that you actively spend on CANVAS so please make sure that all your work is your own.

  • Delinquent or complete inactivity on your Canvas course site will be equivalent to unexcused absences and will constitute 10+ pts off from final course grade or an unofficial withdrawal. Please contact me AND the University’s Health Center if you will be out for an extended period.

This is an asynchronous online course, thus physical attendance is not required. However, it is expected that you will spend the same amount of time that you would spend on a face-to-face course working on the material for this course.

Course Fees

Content for this section will be provided by the instructor.

Additional Course Information and Policies

Prerequisites and Credits

Prerequisites: PSY 101 / Introductory Psych or equivalent
Prerequisite Min. Grade: C- Registration Restriction(s): None
Course Credits: 3

Canvas Assignment and Quiz Posting

NOTE: All required assignments & Quizzes are only posted on CANVAS. If you see any shared assignment or quiz within the digital textbook, it is only there for your learning purposes. Supplemental assignments in the book are not required nor graded by your Instructor.

Technology Requirements and Support

If students are asked to access or need to use the SUU Online Library, please refer to the following Library Link: SUU.edu/IT

General ONLINE Info:

  • Students will need Internet access and a PC computer or a Macintosh with the latest version of a web browser.
  • CANVAS Learning Management System will be used for all aspects of this course.
  • Canvas support for students. Call 435-865-8555 with questions.

Technology

For difficulty or trouble-shooting parameters, please feel free to reach out to SUU’s Information Technology (IT) Dept.

  • Computer Labs, IT Help Desk, and Usage ST 107 my.suu.edu/help/ & https://labuse.suu.edu/
  • Help with computer accounts, passwords, internet access, email, and printing. Computer lab locations and availability.
Class Recording and Conduct
  • ABSOLUTELY NO UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDING, TRANSMITTING, OR POSTING OF THE LECTURE IS ALLOWED. You will automatically fail the class and other charges may be brought by the University or the SUU Conduct Committee.
  • All students are expected to submit their own work and follow all aspects of the SUU Code of Conduct.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.