METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES. HUMANITIES AND

COMMUNICATIONS
SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR
SYLLABUS
CODING

PSYC. 350

TITLE

Principles of Psychopathology

LEVEL

Psychology major course

REQUIREMENTS

Psyc. 121-122

DURATION
CREDITS

One Semester
Three

CONTACT HOURS

45 hours

HOURS PREPARATION

96 hours

PREPARED BY
DATE

Rafael Torres Ortiz, Ph.D.

January 1988

REVIEWED BY
DATE

Rafael Torres Ortiz, Ph.D.

January 2002

REVIEWED BY
DATE

Jose Luis Plaza, Ph.D.

September 2006

REVIEWED BY
Date

Jose Luis Plaza, Ph.D.

2008

REVIEWED BY
Date

Rafael Torres Ortiz, Ph.D.

2011

REVIEWED BY
Date

Rafael Torres Ortiz Ph.D.

2012

Psyc. 350

Principles of Psychopathology

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
A critical analysis of what is considered abnormal behavior. Emphasis
is placed in comparing what is defined as normal and abnormal, taking
into account cultural and socioeconomic criteria to define both concepts.
The evolution of the "mental illness" concept, its epidemiology, etiology,
diagnosis and treatment of "mental illness" is analyzed from the
standpoint

of

the

biophysical,

psychodynamic,

phenomenological,

behavioral, sociocultural and integrative, and the various services and

institutions provided to the 'mental' patients will be addressed in the
course. It also studies the different nosological entities presented in the
DMS IV TR.
II. COURSE JUSTIFICATION
The main health problem in contemporary society is the problem of
mental health. It is necessary for the psychology student to know the
etiology, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders as this is one of the
essential functions of the practice of a mental health professional.
III. Course Objectives
A. General
Throughout the course students will:
1. Recognize the general history and development of
psychopathology field.
2. Describe the different theoretical approaches to normal and
deviant behavior.
3. Discuss the concept of adjustment as a social process,
psychological and biological, emphasizing the different types
of settings of the individual to his environment.
4. Describe the DSM-IV-TR and its classification system.
5. Identify the rights of mental health patients.
B. Cognitive

Psyc. 350

Principles of Psychopathology

1. Define the concept of mental disorder.

2. Compare and contrast the concepts of normality and
abnormality.
3. Define the concept of ideology.
4. Describe the dominant paradigms in the definition of insanity
throughout history.
5. Discuss the different explanatory models of mental disorders.
6. Describe the research methods used in the study of mental
disorders.
7. Recognize the importance of the DSM-IV-TR.
8. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the DSM-IV-TR.
9. Indicate the utility of the diagnostic axes.
10. Describe the laws of civil and criminal custody.
11. Describe the rights of mental health patients.
12. Assess the adequacy of the information obtained through
electronic media such as the Internet.
C. Technical
1. Apply the concept of mental disorder through the analyzing
case.
2. Apply the concept of ideology in daily situations.
3. Examine the ideological elements in the assigned readings.
4. Explain the mental disorders concept using the models
studied.
5. Investigate a mental disorder using a research method.
6. Describe and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of
the DSM-IV-TR.
7. Distinguish between the two types of mood disorder.
8. Define and give examples of psychosexual disorders.
9. Describe the characteristics of anxiety disorders.

Psyc. 350

Principles of Psychopathology

10. List the characteristics of children with attention deficit

disorder.
psycho physiological disorders.
11. Distinguish three different types of dissociative disorders.
12. Describe the characteristics of personality disorders.
13. Explain four types of schizophrenic disorders.
14. Apply diagnostic axes in the evaluation of films characters
and case studies.
15. Seek information about laws, programs and services that
protect the mental health patient.
16. Explain civil custody laws and the reasons why a person can
be declared mentally ill.
17. Apply criminal custody laws to a specific case.
18. Effectively use technological tools for problem solving.
D. Affective
1. Express in written their feelings about the theme of madness.
2. Appreciate the importance and usefulness of scientific
research in the study of mental disorders through their
willingness to participate in them.
3. Become sensitized to the needs of people with mental and
other disabilities through its willingness to work with this
population.
4. Defend the rights and dignity of persons with mental disorder
diagnoses

by

participating

in

forums,

presentations and other activities.

IV. Competencies
At the end of the semester students:
1. Know the origin and development of the discipline.
2. Explain the use and management of the DSM-IV-TR.
3. Distinguish the different types of mental disorders.

workshops,

Psyc. 350

Principles of Psychopathology

4. Have a critical view of the discipline.

5. Develop skills in managing information such as the use of
computers and other electronic technology and information
search, databases use, electronic resources on the web for
course work preparation such as writing papers and electronic
communication.

V. COURSE CONTENT
A. Introduction
1. Course objectives
2. Discussion of thematic draft and course requirements
3. "Assessment (expectations of students and teacher)
4. Pre-test
B. Definition of terms
1. Psychopathology
2. Mental Disorder
3. Adjustment
4. Abnormality vs. normal
C. History of the evolution of the concept of psychopathology
(myths and realities)
1. Madness as an ideology
2. Dominant paradigms
a. Demonology
b. Greeks and the development of rationalism
c. Middle Ages and the Renaissance
d. Return to Science (ages 18 and 19)
e. Reform Movement in America
f. Development of the medical model
g. Mesner and hypnosis
h. Beginnings of psychoanalysis

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Principles of Psychopathology

D. Model study on the setting

1. Medical Model
2. Social Model
3. Psychological Models
a. Humanists
b. Behavioral
c. Psychodynamic
d. Cognitive
E. Research Methods
1. General concepts
2. Case studies
3. Correlational studies
4. Experimental studies
5. Intercultural studies
F. Use and management of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (DSM IV TR)
1. Advantages and disadvantages
2. Axes of the DMS IV TR diagnoses
3. Definitions of general diagnostic concepts
4. Mental disorders
a. Disorders symptoms evident in the first infancy, childhood
and adolescence
b. Organic mental disorders
c. Disorders by the use of substances
d. Schizophrenic disorders
e. Psychotic disorders not elsewhere classified
f. Mood disorders
g. Anxiety disorders
h. Somatoform disorders
i. Dissociative disorders

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Principles of Psychopathology

j. Psychosexual disorders
k. Personality disorders
G. Mental health services
a. Legal and ethical
b. Civil custody
c. Criminal custody
d. Patient rights
VI. Teaching Methods
1. Concept maps
2. Socratic dialogues
3. Discussion of assigned readings
4. Finding information online
5. Exhibition and movie discussion
6. Case studies
7. Teacher lectures
8. Debates
9. Oral presentations using performing arts
VII. Learning Assessment
According to institutional policy, the learning assessment model
consists of two types of strategies: appraisal and assessment process at
the end of the course. It is performed by a teachers selected exercise on
the date established by the institution.
Institutional skills assessed include the level of master of course
content, writing skills and critical thinking. These skills are documented in
an assessment report of the students. It consists of a report including the
following data: 1) the quantitative measure assigned to the skill group
"content domain", 2) a list of strengths and areas for improvement
identified in students and 3) recommendations on how to improve the

Psyc. 350

Principles of Psychopathology

deficiencies in the course. These data is discussed with the student. The
report will be submitted to the School.
VIII. Student Assessment
1.

Class attendance and participation (50 points)

2.

Reflection

3.

Film analysis

(50 points)

4.

Oral presentation

(50 points)

5.

Field work

(50 points)

6.

Final exam

(100 points)

(100 points)

VIII. References
Textbook
Sarason, I. (2006). Psicopatologa. (11th). Mxico: Pearson Education.
Additional References
Bootzin, R. y Ross Acocella, J. (1996). Abnormal Psychology: Current
Perspectives. 7th. New York: Random House.
Calhom, J. (1977). Abnormal Psychology; Current Perspective. New
York:
Random House.
Davison, L. (2005). Psicologa de la conducta anormal. (2th). Mxico:
Limusa.
Halgiu, R. P. (2004). Psicologa de la anormalidad, (4th). Mexico: Mc
Graw-Hill.
Millon, T. (1974). Psicopatologa y personalidad. Mxico: Nueva
editorial
Interamericana.
Nez, R. (1985). Integracin del estudio psicolgico. Mxico: El
Manual
Moderno.

Psyc. 350

Principles of Psychopathology

Szasz, T.S. (1974). La fabricacin de la locura. S.A. Barcelona:

Editorial Kairos.
Sarazons, I. (1975). Psicologa Anormal. Mxico: Editorial Trillas.
Ruz, E. (1985). A mis amigos de locura. Ro Piedra, Puerto Rico: San
Juan: Editorial Edil.
Martnez Taboas, A. (1990). Personalidad mltiple: una exploracin
psicolgica. San Juan: Publicaciones Puertorriqueas, Inc.
American Psychiatric Association. (1987). Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders. 3ra edicin, revisada. Washington,
D.C.

IX. ELECTRONIC REFERENCES

American Psychological Association
Retrieved from:
http://www.apa.org/
Apuntes de Psicologa
Retrieved from:
http://www.apuntesdepsicologia.com/historia_de_la_psicologia.php
Asociacin de Psicologa de Puerto Rico
Retrieved from:
http://www.asppr.org/
Cdigo de tica de la APPR
Retrieved from:
http://www.asppr.net/pdf/codigo_etica_appr_07.pdf
Revisin del Cdigo de tica de la Junta Examinadora de la APPR (2002)
Retrieved from:
http://psic.uprrp.edu/Politicas/codigo_etica_junta.pdf
Revista de Psicologa Electrnica
Retrieved from:
http://www.psiquiatria.com/psicologia/revista/199/
La gua del Psiclogo
Retrieved from:
http://psicologia.laguia2000.com/

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Principles of Psychopathology

10

Lo mejor de Psicologa en espaol

Retrieved from:
http://www.psicologia.cl/
X. Recommended films
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Sybil (1976)
Un hombre mirando al sudeste (1986)
Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
Scent of a Woman (1992)
Rain Man (1998)
Roxanne (1987)
As Good as it Gets (1997)
Fatal Attraction (1987)
The Notebook (2004)
When a Man Loves a Woman (1994)
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
XI. TEXTS OF COMPLIANCE
a. The 1990 ADA reasonable accommodation "to ensure equal access
to education and other services and in compliance with the ADA
(1990), and the Rehabilitation Act (1973), as amended, the
Metropolitan University has the Office of Services to Students with
Special

Needs.

Any

student

who

requires

reasonable

accommodation should visit this office as soon as possible.

Confidentiality will be maintained. "
b. Copyright.
View SUAGM policy on the page: www.suagm.edu / UMET / pdf /
asuntos_estudiantiles / politica_derechos_autor_suagm.pdf.
c. ACUC / IRB / IBC:
View SUAGM Compliance Office page:

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Principles of Psychopathology

www.suagm.edu / ac_aa_re_ofi_comites.asp

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