PSYCHOLOGY SYMPOSIUM II -- CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY OR MENTAL HEALTH

Bachelors of Science in Counseling Psychology

PSY 451

Breyer State University
Professor: Barbara E. Forsey, Ph.D.

SYLLABUS

COURSE OVERVIEW: Welcome to Psychology Symposium II, a Bachelor Level course in the curriculum for the Degree, Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I am pleased to instruct you in this course, which will be the second of three Psychology Symposiums and the continuation of learning at the intermediate level of your studies in the Bachelor program.

This is an exciting course; a course that studies the Treatment of Substance Abuse. It will focus learning on the biological component, the psychology, and the social aspects of addiction. You will develop a learning contract that will both broaden and deepen your understanding of treating substance abuse.

The foundation of this course is to establish an easy-to-understand program to facilitate the comprehension of the various aspects of treating people with addictions primarily substance abuse. The course will survey the major concepts and practices of the 12 step program. The course aims at teaching students to select wisely from various models of counseling for substance abuse and additions like gambling and eating disorders.

I know you will enjoy this course. Please learn as much as you can as you progress through it, as it does lay down a solid foundation for your counseling career. It is my pleasure to have you in the course.

TIME FRAME: This is a twenty (20) semester hour course. This course is allotted ten weeks of time. You must complete all of the requirements for the course successfully by the end of the ten-week period. The first day of week one will begin the day that you register for the course, or the day which you notify me that your textbooks have arrived and you are ready to begin your studies. Please be cognizant of the time frame. It is rare that extensions of time are permitted, unless you have good justification. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded twenty (20) semester hours of credit.

TEXTBOOKS: There is one (1) required textbook for this course.

Book 1: Addiction Treatment A Strengths Perspective. Katherine van Wormer and Diane Rae Davis. ISBN # 0-534-59670-3.

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EXAMINATIONS: There are two examinations for this course, a mid-term exam and a final exam. The mid-term exam and final covers the material in the book, “Addiction Treatment A Strengths Perspective” by Katherine van Wormer and Diane Rae Davis.

The mid-term examination is a subjective paper that must be a minimum of ten (10) pages in length, double-spaced with 1.5-inch margins. I must download your paper by the end of the fifth week in the course.

The final examination is a subjective paper that must be a minimum of twenty (20) pages in length, doubled-spaced with 1.5-inch margins. I must download your paper by the end of the tenth week in the course.

Both exams are programmed and are located in the classroom for this course. The paper is a subjective type. To send me the exam, you must send me an email and let me know that you have finished your paper. I will then download your exam and grade it. Within a week, you will receive an email back from me telling you what your grade was and why you received it.

GRADING: The grading scale for this course is as follows:

90-100%    = A
80-89%      = B
70-79%      = C
Below 70% = Fail

The grading sheet for all written papers is as follows:

CONTENT: Weight 48%.
1). Content is comprehensive, accurate and/or persuasive.
2). Major points are stated clearly, and are supported by specific details, examples, and/or analysis.
3). Research is adequate for the topic.
4). The context and purpose of the writing is clear.

ORGANIZATION: Weight 28%.
1). The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.
2). The structure of the paper is clear and easy to follow.
3). The paper’s organization emphasizes the central theme or purpose and is directed.
4). The conclusion reviews the major points.

FORMAT/GRAMMAR: Weight 12%.
1). Spelling is correct.
2). Word usage is correct.
3). Punctuation is correct.

READABILITY/STYLE: Weight 12%.
1). Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.
2). The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment.
3). Development of each paragraph provides one idea per paragraph and provides consistency and flow.

COMMUNICATION: You are encouraged to communicate with me. I am available as a teacher, coach, and mentor to assist you in meeting your goals for this course. Primarily, communication is through email. However, I am also available for conversation by telephone if you would like. Our classroom for this course has a “chat” room. I am also very willing to meet with you one-on-one in the chat room at your request. From time to time, depending on how many students are enrolled in this course at a particular time, we will have some scheduled group chats. You will receive more detailed information at the time such chat sessions are scheduled. Please keep my email address handy so that you can contact me. If at any time during this course you change your email address, please be sure to notify me right away.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: I, Barbara E. Forsey, Ph.D., currently teach undergraduate courses at Breyer State University. I hold a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, graduated with lifetime membership in the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduated Suma Cum Laude. I have completed initial training in EEG Biofeedback in Beta/SMR theory and practice. I am currently working on my Ph.D. in Psychology and my certification as a Life Coach. I am a registered MFT intern in private practice psychotherapy in the state of California. I have worked as a therapist intern in a non-profit clinic for 2 years. I have also worked with children on campus as a counselor. I have worked as a volunteer at the UCLA Neuropsychological Hospital.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

1). Understand the nature of addiction.
2). Look at the historical perspectives of substances.
3). Compare the strength based helping strategies.
4). Review the biology of addictions.
5). Understand interventions related to biology.
6). Understand addiction across the life span.
7). Learn the complexity of substance misuse with coexisting disorders.
8). Learn the role of family risks and resiliencies.
9). Understand racial, ethnic, and cultural issues.
10). Understand the differences in mutual help groups.
11). Understand public policy.

ASSIGNMENTS: For specific assignments, please click on the link “Assignments”

INFORMATION: If you have any questions regarding this program, you may contact the instructor at forsey@socal.rr.com.

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