Syllabus - Courses in Psychology - UCLA

Psychology 127C, Abnormal Psychology: Developmental Perspectives
UCLA, Department of Psychology, Winter Quarter 2012
Instructor:
Office Hours:
Virtual Office Hours:
T.A.:
Office Hours:
Virtual Office Hours:
Time/Location:
Course Website:
Steve S. Lee, Ph.D. (3183 Franz Hall, 794-5921), stevelee@psych.ucla.edu
Wednesday, 3:30-4:30 PM and by appointment, 3183 Franz Hall
Friday, 9:00-10:00 AM
Jenny Louie, M.A., C.Phil. (A287 Franz Hall), jylouie@ucla.edu
Monday, 3:15-4:15 PM and by appointment, A287 Franz Hall
Wednesday, 1-2 PM
Monday/Wednesday, 2:00-3:15 PM, 1178 Franz Hall
http://courses.psych.ucla.edu/
Course Objectives and Requirements:
With an emphasis on developmental perspectives, we will review the principles, methods, and challenges in the
classification, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common child/adolescent mental disorders. The text cannot be
covered comprehensively, but you are responsible for all content. Complete readings and review lecture slides before
class. The primary method of communication will be through the course website. Individual email will only be answered
during virtual office hours and only if it reflects a specific personal circumstance or context.
Textbook:
Mash, E. J., & Wolfe, D. A. (2010). Abnormal Child Psychology (4 th ed.). Wadsworth: Belmont, CA.
Exams/Grading:
There will be 3 exams (45, 45, and 70 items). Grades will be determined as follows: (1) You must take every exam; (2) If
you earn at least 65% on every exam, your final grade is the average of your 2 highest scores; (3) If you take all 3 exams
but score below 65% on any exam, your final grade is the average of all 3 exams. Grades are based on total points.
Exams are based on material from the text and from lectures. The final exam will include material from the entire quarter
(i.e., comprehensive), but it will focus somewhat more on the final 1/3 of the class. Do not take this course if you cannot
take every exam. I will consider make-up exams, but only for personal emergencies. An Incomplete ("I") will be assigned
only when a student's work is of passing quality but is incomplete for a clearly legitimate reason determined by the
professor. Also, an “I” can only be given if the student has taken the first two exams. The work must be completed the
following quarter; otherwise, the grade will be changed from an “I” to the letter grade reflecting the incomplete work
(most likely a very poor grade). This is an impacted course and the last day to drop is Jan. 20. If you take the course P/NP,
a passing grade is at least 70% of the point total (Not Pass < 70%). Only students in good standing can change their
grading option (deadline is Feb. 17). Grading options can be changed via URSA. All courses toward the major must be
taken for a letter grade. UCLA only allows a final grade to be changed due to clerical error. Re-examination is prohibited.
You can earn up to 3 extra credit points by participating in an experiment through the department (points will be added to
the final total). You will learn how research is conducted and contribute to research at UCLA. One point will be given for
every 1 hour experiment. The posting/scheduling of experiments is handled via http://ucla.sona-systems.com/. More
information on how to use the system can be found at http://www.psych.ucla.edu/undergraduate/subject-pool-experimentparticipation.
NOTE: Before signing up for experiments, you MUST select the course for which you want your
experiment credits to count. All experiments must be completed by March 15, 2011 (Thursday of 10th Week).
Honors Section:
If there is sufficient interest, a 1 unit honors section will meet on Wed. at 12 PM. We will further discuss topics covered in
class as well as new material. Sections can be taken for a letter grade or P/NP and enrollment must be completed by the
end of week 2. Grades are based on attendance, participation, and an in-class presentation. See me if you are interested.
NOTE: Students may find that a topic in class is personally relevant. All regularly enrolled students at UCLA are eligible
for free confidential services from Counseling and Psychological Services. You may also contact: (1) John Wooden
Center, 825-0768; (2) Peer Helpline (8pm-midnight) 825-HELP; and (3) UCLA Psychology Clinic: 825-3301 for help.

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY: DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVES (Psychology 127C)
Winter 2012 - Course Schedule
WEEK DATE TOPIC READINGS DUE
1 January 9 (M) Introduction None
January 11 (W) Paradigms Chapters 1-2
2 January 16 (M) ***** NO CLASS: MLK HOLIDAY *****
January 18 (W) Research Methods Chapter 3
3 January 23 (M) Diagnosis and Assessment Chapter 4
January 25 (W) ADHD: Part I Chapter 5
4 January 30 (M) ADHD: Part II Articles to be assigned
February 1 (W) ***** EXAM #1 *****
5 February 6 (M) Conduct Problems: Part I Chapter 6
February 8 (W) Conduct Problems: Part II Articles to be assigned
6 February 13 (M) Anxiety Disorders Chapter 7
February 15 (W) Mood Disorders Chapter 8
7 February 20 (M) ***** NO CLASS: PRESIDENT’S HOLIDAY ******
February 22 (W) Intellectual Disability Chapter 9
February 27 (M) Autism Spectrum Chapter 10
February 29 (W) ***** EXAM #2 *****
9 March 5 (M) Substance Disorders Chapter 12
March 7 (W) Eating Disorders Chapter 13
10 March 12 (M) Controversies in Abnormal Psychology Readings To Be Assigned
March 14 (W) Controversies Cont’d Readings To Be Assigned
March 19 (M) ***** EXAM #3 (cumulative but more from final 1/3 of class) *****
***** 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM *****