Individualized Instruction (INI)

Psy 3121 - Abnormal Psychology - Section 200

Instructor: Kristelle Miller

Instructor E-mail: kmiller@d.umn.edu

Term: Fall 2007

Date Range: Students must register by September 4, 2007 and complete all course requirements by December 14, 2007. No exceptions.

Course Level: Undergraduate

Credits: 4

Course Delivery: Online

Registration Deadline: September 4, 2007

Cost per undergraduate credit: $296.15

Additional fees may apply

Prerequisites: 3 Psychology credits

Additional Info: A-F only

Description: Learn why some behavior and thinking are considered "abnormal" and how this can influence legalities. Study the history of treatment of mental disorders. Learn how mental disorders are diagnosed using the DSM-IV classification system. Study specific disorders including anxiety, stress, dissociation, mood, eating, substances, sexual, gender identity, schizophrenia, personality, and disorders across the life-span. Disorders are explored in cultural context, prevention and treatment.

Required Textbooks: Textbooks can be purchased from the UMD Bookstore

Comer, R. J. (2008). Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology (5th edition). New York: Worth. (ISBN-10: 0716773767)

Note: Make sure you pick up the textbook for section 200 of Psy 3121

Optional Resources
VanVoorhis, C. R. & Nicolai, K. M. (2008). Student Workbook to accompany Comer’s Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology, 5th edition. (ISBN-10: 0716773961)

Course Welcome from Instructor:

INSTRUCTOR
Kristelle Miller
Department of Psychology
320 BohH
1207 Ordean Court
Duluth, MN 55812
Phone: (218) 726-8452
E-mail: kmiller@d.umn.edu

CD-Rom that accompanies Comer’s Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology 5th edition. This is optional because the book company has given me permission to upload the instructor’s resource videos. So all the videos you need to view are located in the course. Some of these are also on the CD-Rom that may be included with your book purchase. The CD-Rom also has other components that can help you study. Please note that the videos are property of the publisher and should not be downloaded and shown to others without the permission of the publisher.

There is also a student resource for studying using the book publisher’s web site.

TEXTBOOK REVIEW
Comer’s is well known for his textbook on abnormal psychology. If you look in the inside cover of the text you will see that he is a Full Professor at Princeton’s Department of Psychology where he received the University President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching. Besides directing the undergraduate psychology program at Princeton, he also is a clinical psychologist consulting with organizations in many New Jersey communities.

The hardbound version is commonly used in the classroom setting. I chose the fundamentals version of Comer’s abnormal psychology textbook for the ease of reading for students. If you compare the hardbound version with the softbound-fundamentals version you can see that some detail has been eliminated. Other attributes of Comer’s book are the very interesting videos and the excellent workbook that accompany it.

WHAT MATERIALS WILL YOU NEED FOR THIS COURSE
You will need the textbook, a computer account with UMD and a computer with access to the Internet. This access can be dial-up modem or hardwire connection. However, when you are taking exams, there is a chance that you will be interrupted or loose connection with the dial-up. You will need QuickTime player (available on the CD-Rom and through the course). Microsoft Word will make communication a bit easier. It is available to UMD students through the UMD ITSS’ site license.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
You will be viewing videos and completing worksheets. You will be reading 16 chapters. You will be taking several exams that cover the videos and the textbook. You will be writing a short paper related to diagnosis.

You also must learn and feel comfortable using WebCT. This is University of Minnesota’s way of delivering this course to you online. To assist you, staff in our psychology department has developed a tutorial on WebCT, which includes a practice test. You will complete these before you can start the first lesson.

This is an upper level course requiring 4 hours of class per week. Please plan to spend at least 12 hours reading, watching the videos, completing the worksheets, taking exams each week and working on your paper.

Note: If you have problems with time management, self-motivation, procrastination, and unstructured learning environments taking this course in the classroom at UMD rather than online may be your best route for success.

WebCT Information:

Please read through this document carefully as it will explain how to use WebVista Version 3 and different ways to access your online course:

  • If you have not used the WebCT environment before, please visit the “Student Orientation Course Site” http://webct.umn.edu/students/ prior to the beginning of this course.
  • It is very important that you test your login prior to the course start date. If you are having problems or if you need assistance, please email the WebCT Vista help desk at webct@umn.edu. Please note, you will not be able to access your course materials until September 4, 2007, but can test your login.
  • Please have your book or course materials before the course begins, contact the UMD bookstore to request the required materials 218-726-7286 or toll free 866-726-UMD1 or visit the book store web site at http://umdstores.com.

How do I access my online course(s)?

Log in:

  • Go to the University of Minnesota Duluth homepage http://www.d.umn.edu
  • On the left side of the page click on “My UMD” (see Quick Links)
  • Click on “Log into Portal”
  • Enter your x.500 login information
  • Click on the “My Toolkit” tab
  • Scroll down to find your course(s) or click on the WebCT Vista link.
  • Remember to Log Out when you are finished using WebCT.

You can also access your online course by following this route:

  • Go to the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Psychology homepage: http://www.d.umn.edu/psy
  • On the left of the page click on “Online Courses”
  • In the middle of the page click on “MyU Portal”
  • In the upper left of page click on “Click here to sign-in”
  • Enter your x.500 login information (same username and password you use for UMD email)
  • Click on the “My Toolkit” tab
  • Scroll down to find your course(s) or click on the WebCT Vista link.
  • Remember to Log Out when you are finished using WebCT.

Note: There is a wealth of information located within the psychology online course web page, so please bookmark this site: http://www.d.umn.edu/psy/online_courses/index.html

Or try:

I do not know my University Internet ID and password

  • Please note: you must initiate your internet id account before logging into your online course. https://www.umn.edu/initiate
  • If you have initiated your account and forgotten your password, you will need to have your password reset. During business hours contact the Help Desk (218-726-8847) or if you are on campus, please visit the Campus Center Info Desk).

Important browser set up information

  • Please check to make sure that your browser is set to work with correctly with your online learning environment. http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/etrg/webct/Browser.html. Remember, we are using version 3.
  • You will need to have your pop-up windows enabled and Java configured.

Helpful WebCT Vista Student Resources:

DISABILITY ACCESS STATEMENT

To request disability accommodations, please contact:

Catherine Rackliffe
UMD Office of Equal Opportunity
269 DAdB
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812-2496
Tel. 218-726-6827
FAX No. 218-726-7505
E -mail: cracklif@d.umn.edu

For more information on disability services and resources at UMD, please check out http://www.d.umn.edu/access/.