PG3560 - Psychology of Abnormal Behavior

PG4080 - Health Psychology

Syllabus - Fall 2005

TTh 2-3:15, Thach 202

Laura Vernon, Ph.D.

Instructor: Dr. Laura Vernon GTA: Amber Henslee

Office: 109 ThachOffice: Thach 210

Phone: 844-6654E-mail:

E-mail: ffice Hours: 1:00-2:30W and by appt.

Office Hours: 1:00-2:00 T and by appointment

Required Textbook: Brannon, L., & Feist, J. (2004). HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY: An introduction to behavior and health, 5th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
ISBN# 0534506003

Optional: Brannon, L., & Feist, J. (2004). HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY: An introduction to behavior and health, Study Guide. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

ISBN# 0534506011

Course Description:

The goal of this course is to introduce you to the field of health psychology, a branch of psychology concerned with the effects of individual behaviors and lifestyles on physical health. Basically, we will learn about how psychology can help people live longer, healthier lives. The course is designed to help you understand major areas in health psychology (e.g., prevention and treatment of disease, nutrition and exercise, shaping of public opinion, psychological alternatives for dealing with conditions such as chronic pain and sleep disorders). We will use this knowledge in examining definitions of health and illness (e.g., the relationship between biology and psychology, issues of diversity) and the contributions of psychology and psychologists in medical settings. I hope to encourage critical thinking about these issues and increase your awareness of the ways in which these topics are important not only to those who have and treat health problems, but for all of us in our everyday lives.

Attendance:

Class attendance is not mandatory, but attendance and participation are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT components of this class. Class participation and in-class assignments are worth 40 points (8% of your grade). In addition, class lectures will include material that is not in the textbook, and you will be tested on both textbook and class material. Students are responsible for knowing everything presented in class, including lecture material, class discussions, student presentations, and videotapes, regardless of whether the student was present.

Exams:

There will be three exams (each worth 25% of your grade), each covering one section of the class. There will NOT be a cumulative exam. Exams will consist primarily of multiple-choice questions that are computer-scored, so please make sure to bring #2 pencils and scantrons to exams. Exams may also include some fill-in-the-blank and short-answer questions. Please arrive for exams on time: no one will be allowed to enter the exam room after the first person taking the exam leaves. After exams are returned, if you feel there has been a grading error, you may notify me in writing. Please include the exam number, your exam version, the question number, and your reasoning for your answer, including the portions of the book (with page number) or lecture (with lecture date) on which you based your answer. You must turn this in to me within a week of when the exams are returned. Missed Exams: Make-up exams will only be given when the absence is excused by me in advance or is a documented emergency (excused absences as defined in the Tiger Cub). Make-up exams may differ from regular exams and must be made up within 2 weeks of the original exam date or a 0 will be given.

Presentations:

Student groups will give presentations to the class over the course of the semester, approximately on the dates indicated on the course calendar. Presentations will be followed by questions and class discussion. Groups will vary in size, up to 8 students per group. The presentation length will be approximately 5 minutes per group member (e.g., groups of 3 will give a 15-minute presentation). Each presentation will focus on a particular topic (see below). Early in the semester, you will hand in a list of your topic preferences and, as much as possible, will be assigned to a group based on your preferences. Each group member is expected to contribute to the presentation in a visible way, and each presentation should go beyond the material that is presented in the textbook. Contributions to the presentation will be decided by the group members, and may involve preparing Powerpoint slides or handouts (e.g., copies of overhead material), audio-visual material, leading a class exercise, and/or lecturing to the class. Your presentation grade (15% of the course grade) will be a combination of your group’s overall grade and the grades group members give one another anonymously. The presentations must reflect library research based on scientific findings in the area. For library search assistance, contact Lisa Beall, Reference Librarian, Phone: (334) 844-1641, E-mail: . A more in-depth description of the assignment and grading will be posted on the course website. Please use your imagination and have fun! This is your chance to delve into a topic that is of special interest to you.

Possible Topics:

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1. Acupuncture
2. Alcohol and Alcoholism
3. Alzheimer’s Disease
4. Cancer and Cancer Treatment
5. Cardiovascular Disease and Treatment
6. Diabetes
7. Diet and Nutrition
8. Eating Disorders
9. Herbs
10. HIV/AIDS
11. Hypnosis
12. Massage
13. Meditation
14. Sleep and Sleep Problems
15. Sports Training
16. Yoga
17. Propose a relevant topic (see Dr. Vernon right away)

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Extra Credit:

You may earn up to 16 points (4% of your course grade) of extra credit. Each 30 minutes of extra credit is worth 1 point. You will not be penalized for not doing extra credit. You may earn extra credit by serving as a research participant in approved departmental research. Attendance at the Get Real Series, sponsored by Student Counseling Services, is also eligible for extra credit when the program is relevant to Health Psychology (e.g., stress management, eating disorders). Other extra credit opportunities will be announced throughout the semester.

Academic Honesty:

Cheating, as outlined in the Code of Student Discipline in the Tiger Cub, will not be tolerated. Cheating can include copying someone else’s class work, including plagiarizing (e.g., copying exact wording from websites, books, or articles, without appropriately citing the author), allowing someone to copy your work, or failing to report someone else’s cheating. If you cheat on an exam or assignment, you will be given a zero and a report will be made to the college. If you cheat a second time, you will fail the class. If you have questions about what constitutes cheating or plagiarism, don’t hesitate to ask.

Classroom Environment:

This can be a fun and interesting class. I love teaching this class and I hope we can create an enjoyable, open, informal classroom environment that promotes learning, dignity, and mutual respect for everyone. Please feel free to ask questions and discuss and debate the material.

Students with Special Needs:

Students with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should first register with The Program for Students with Disabilities (1244 Haley Center, telephone 334-844-2096 V/TT, website and then contact the professor as soon as possible, preferably during the first two weeks of class. Please bring the professor a copy of your Accommodation Memo and an Instructor Verification Form.

Troubles, Questions, Concerns?

Please feel free to see me outside of class for any reason. If you are having trouble with the course, or if your grades are not as high as you would wish, please allow me to help. I am always happy to review your note-taking, reading, and study habits, and to suggest test-taking strategies. The sooner you come to me, the better! I’d like to help you succeed.

Grades:

The total possible points for the class are400. You will not be graded on a curve. Your grade will be determined by your total points at the end of the semester, according to the chart below.

Points % of Grade

Class Participation/Activities40(10%)

Group Presentation60(15%)

Exam 1100(25%)

Exam 2100(25%)

Exam 3100(25%)

Your final letter grade will be based upon a percentage of your 400 points:

# of points% of 400Grade

360-40090-100A

320-35980-89.99B

280-31970-79.99C

240-27960-69.99D

240below 60F

***Please note: the syllabus and course calendar are only a guide to the semester and changes to the course schedule or grading may occur and will be announced in class. E-mail is also an official form of communication- please check your e-mail regularly during the semester for announcements and class information.

Course Calendar Fall 2005

Health Psychology

Section 1: Stress & Pain

Group Presentation Planning

Field of Health Psychology

Catch up & Review

Exam 1

Group Presentation – Alcohol

Alcohol & Drugs

Group Presentations – Eating Disorders, Diet & Nutrition

Chapter 15

Eating

Group Presentation – Sports Training

Group Presentation – Sleep

Health Research

Exam 2

Section 3: Health Care

Chapter 11

CLASS CANCELLED

Medical Advice & Compliance

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