Abnormal Psychology

Book list:

Abnormal Psychology (11th Edition) by Ronald J. Comer (Author), Jonathan S. Comer (Author)

  1. For each chapter in this book, you will write a reaction paper of at least 1250 words (more is permitted) that will cover:
  • What are the main ideas presented in this chapter?
  • Are there key theorists and/or theories discussed?
  • What key vocabulary words are there that were new to you or seemed fundamental to the chapter topic? (Those may be presented in a list).
  • What questions did you have when you finished reading this chapter?
  • What personal reflections might you have that come to mind as you read?
  • What further reading might you do to answer those questions?

This reaction paper will be turned in Each Monday, beginning September 12th. If you do not have at least six of these papers turned in by midterm, you will be dropped from the course.

All papers should be turned in as attached files by email. Do NOT use Google Docs or other such programs. Attached files by email are preferred.

As a final project, the student will read two books on specific mental illnesses from a list provided by the instructor.  These books must be approved in advance by the mentor.  After these readings, the student will complete a four to five page analysis of the book, relating what is described in the book to the textbook description of the same illness.  How does the case fit the material in the book and how might it differ. Does the case reflect multiple illnesses? If so, how?

Possible books:

  1. When Rabbit Howls (2002) Truddi Chase (Author), Robert A. Phillips (Introduction)

  1. A Brilliant Madness (1997 ) by Patty Duke

  1. The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness by Elvin R. Saks (highly recommended)

  1. Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism by Temple Grandin

  1. The Quiet Room: A Journey out of the Torment of Madness  by Lori Schiller and Amada Bennett