Course Descriptions

Courses numbered 1000-1999 are open to freshmen; 2000-2999 to sophomores; 3000-3999 to juniors; 4000-4999 to seniors. It is recommended that students elect courses in the years for which they are listed. Freshmen will be admitted to courses above the 2000 level only with the consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Juniors and seniors taking freshman courses may be expected to do additional work. Any course above 4999 is a graduate course.

NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course.
An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.

PSYC 1010
General Psychology [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides an introduction to the general principles of psychology. The student is acquainted with the human organism, its behavior, and some of the mechanics and dynamics of learning, perception, sensation, emotion, and motivation. The course gives a broad view of psychology and is prerequisite to all other psychology courses.

PSYC 2010
Developmental Psychology [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
The physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of the developing individual from the prenatal period through adulthood and old age are studied. Selected theories of development are also discussed. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have already received credit for PSYC 2030. Preferred for Psychology majors. Prerequisite: PSYC 1010 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2020
Human Sexuality [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course is designed to help the student understand normal and abnormal human sexual behavior and attitudes. Sexuality will be considered from many angles, including the biological, psychological, behavioral and spiritual perspectives. Also listed as SOCS 2020 and SGEN 2020.

PSYC 2030
Child and Adolescent Development [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course offers the student a topical introduction to human development, with an overview of "arenas" of human development from childhood through adolescence. The topical areas focus on developmental change within specific domains of functioning, including the cognitive, physical, social, perceptual, and moral development arenas. Particular emphasis is placed on child and adolescent development as it affects performance and social adjustment in schools. This course may not be taken for credit by students who have already received credit for PSY 201.

PSYC 2080
Psychology of Human Relationships [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
Understanding human relationships is important for the achievement of both personal and professional goals. This course examines theories and research on human relationships and personal adjustment, and encourages the application of these theories and skills to everyday interactions in a wide variety of settings. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to consider these issues from the perspective of the Christian faith. This course is intended for students who are interested in learning how to apply basic psychological principles in order to promote healthy relationships and personal wellness, in their work settings and everyday lives.

PSYC 2600
Organizational Behavior [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course examines group behavior and how group functioning affects organizational effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on decision-making and resolving conflicts in groups.

PSYC 2950
Life Learning Experience [Life Learning Paper] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
In this course students apply the theories that support learning from personal experience. Students will draw from the works of educators such as Dewey, Piaget, Lindeman, and Kolb. They will write a life-learning essay on an approved topic.

PSYC 3010
Psychology of Gender [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the field of psychology of gender, weaving together relevant theory and research from the areas of developmental, social, physiological, and clinical psychology. The course will examine theory and empirical research relating to gender, as well as implications for social behavior, relationships, mental and physical health. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to integrate theological perspectives into their understanding of these issues. Also listed as SGEN 3010. Prerequisites: PSYC 1010 or SGEN 2060

PSYC 3020
Psychological Assessment [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course explores the essential psychometric and statistical criteria utilized to critically evaluate and select psychological assessment instruments (e.g., reliability, validity, standard error of measurement). In addition, methods, techniques, and instruments for measuring individual differences in behavior are surveyed and critiqued. Included are values, ethics, and limitations of assessment; representative methods of test construction; and some laboratory experience with assessment instruments. Diverse populations are discussed and instrumentation linked to these populations are identified. Prerequisite: MATH 2400, PSYC 1010

PSYC 3040
Cognitive Psychology [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course prepares upper division psychology majors and minors for advanced study in the field of psychology by providing a systematic introduction to human cognition. The course will address cognition from traditional information processing and neuro-cognitive science perspectives. Topics will include sensation and perception, attention, memory, learning, representation, language, reasoning, intelligence, and consciousness. Prerequisites: PSYC 1010 and 2010. (Offered alternate years)

PSYC 3050
Psychology of Learning and Behavior [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
The basic phenomena and principles of the learning process in humans and animals are studied. Emphasis is placed on the following topics: conditioning, reinforcement, generalization, discrimination, concept formation, observational learning, and memory. Instruction in Behavior Modification and an experiential behavior change project are included. Prerequisite: PSYC 1010. (Offered Alternate Years)

PSYC 3060
Social Psychology [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course considers social interaction as it is related to personality and behavior. Motives and attitudes are studied in their social significance and as they affect behavior of individuals and groups.

PSYC 3070
Biological Bases of Behavior [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course is designed to give an introduction to the basic concepts and ideas of biological psychology. Some of these basic areas include: nerve cells and nerve impulses, neuroanatomy, sensory systems, movement, internal regulation, emotional behaviors, learning and memory, cognitive functions, and psychological disorders. Because the primary emphasis of the course will be upon the acquisition of knowledge, an important part of the grade will be determined by exams. However, some aspects of the course will also have a “hands on” aspect (especially neuroanatomy). Recommended prerequisite: BIOL 1030 or 1110, PSYC 1010.

PSYC 3090
Research Methods in Psychology [Course/Lab] (3 - 4) (Liberal Arts)
This is an introduction to the scientific method and research design. Emphasis is placed on the design and implementation of scientific research. Research results are approached from the standpoint of use and interpretation. Prerequisite: MATH 2400, PSYC 1010.

PSYC 3100
Health Psychology [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
Health Psychology investigates specific mind-body connections such as the relationship between stress and the immune system, the psychological components of physical pain, the relationships between behaviors and health, etc. This course is designed to make the student aware of these connections, as well as to introduce a series of interventions designed to improve both the physical and psychological functioning of individuals. Prerequisites: PSYC 1010, 2010.

PSYC 3110
Theories of Counseling & Psychotherapy [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course is designed to provide an overview of the major theories of psychological counseling and therapy. The relationship of theoretical concepts to practice will be discussed, providing opportunity for students to make application of the theories and methods to their field of interest. Throughout the course students will be encouraged to begin the integration of psychological and theological theories.

PSYC 3120
Positive Psychology [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
What makes people thrive? Positive Psychology is the study of human psychological flourishing. This course will explore empirical research on psychological health as opposed to illness. Topics covered relate to optimal human functioning, and include discipline history and structure, positive emotions (correlates, biology, cognition, happiness), meaning (resilience, virtues & strengths), engagement (goals, self-regulation & discipline, flow), and positive relationships. This course will be taught using an approach called Team-Based Learning, a technique that has been shown to result in better learning and higher engagement. Course activities include Individual and Team Readiness Assurance Tests, Team-Based Application Exercises, Journal Assignments, Team YouTube Presentation, and Film Analyses. Prerequisite: PSYC 1010

PSYC 3260
Relational Skills Training: Neurodevelopmental Differences I [Course/Lab] (1)
This course explores the individual characteristics and interpersonal skills that contribute to effective mentoring of individuals with intellectual disabilities who are participating in college based transition programs. The course uses PEERS® (Program for the Evaluation and Enrichment of Relational Skills), an evidence-based mentor-assisted social skills intervention for young adults. During each class, mentors are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session with their assigned young adult. Students will incorporate the goals and objectives from the sessions into skill generalization activities that will be practiced in the campus community each week. Also listed as TEDU 3260 and SOWK 3260.

PSYC 3270
Relational Skills Training: Neurodevelopmental Differences II [Course/Lab] (1)
This course explores the individual characteristics and interpersonal skills that contribute to effective mentoring of individuals with intellectual disabilities who are participating in college based transition programs. The course uses PEERS® (Program for the Evaluation and Enrichment of Relational Skills), an evidence-based mentor-assisted social skills intervention for young adults. During each class, mentors are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session with their assigned young adult. Students will incorporate the goals and objectives from the sessions into skill generalization activities that will be practiced in the campus community each week. Also listed as TEDU 3270 and SOWK 3270.

PSYC 3290
Applied Learning Theory:Moral Development [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
Through the writing of Perry, Piaget, Kohlberg, and other theorists, this course stresses moral development and religious values. Offered on demand

PSYC 3300
Counseling Skills & Practice [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This interactive course focuses on the training and practice of helping skills. The course will be centered on a three stage helping model, which assists individuals in exploring their problems, gaining insights, and taking action. A large focus of the course will be on the skill development necessary to initiate helping relationships with diverse populations. Prerequisite: PSYC 3110 or Permission of Instructor.

PSYC 3500
Psychology Field Work Prep [Course] (1) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides the student with internship preparation and job search skills. It helps to prepare the student for internship and the job search with emphasis on resume writing, interviewing, career development, networking, goal writing, and treatment team skills. It is required of all majors. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and formal admission to the major.

PSYC 4010
Personality Theory [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This study of theories of personality includes, among others, the psychoanalytic, trait, existential & behavioral theories. Theorists' histories, concepts of personality structure and development, and related research are studied. Prerequisite: PSYC 1010 and 2010. Open to Juniors and Seniors only.

PSYC 4020
Psychological Disorders [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course is an overview of contemporary theoretical, clinical, and research issues in psychopathology. Emphasis will be on conceptual analysis of mental disorders, such as understanding mental health diagnoses and symptoms within the current socio-cultural context. The etiology, psychotherapeutic interventions, and pharmacological treatment of psychological disorders will be addressed.

PSYC 4030
History of Psychology [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the historical foundation of modern scientific psychology. The place of philosophy, religion, and the sciences in the development of psychology is studied. Prerequisite: PSYC 1010. Open to Juniors and Seniors only. Offered alternate years.

PSYC 4050
Advanced Counseling [Course] (4) (Liberal Arts)
The course includes theory and methods beyond PSYC 3300, as well as supervised practice with volunteer counselees. Prerequisites: PSYC 3300 and completed Course Application.

PSYC 4060
Psychology & Theology [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This study of the interface between psychology and theology begins with a consideration of the philosophical underpinnings of the major psychological theories and then moves to a comparison of biblical and scientific facts or interpretations. Specific topics addressed in this course may include the psychology of conversion, prejudice and religiosity, and the behavioral implications of faith. Prerequisites: PSYC 1010 and PHIL 2202 or permission of the instructor. Open to Juniors and Seniors only. Also listed as THE 406

PSYC 4070
Research Practicum [Course] (3 - 4) (Liberal Arts)
This course is intended to give students experience in the planning, conducting, and analyzing of original research. In addition to providing practical experience, the course will enhance students' conceptual and analytical skills. The course itself combines seminars with supervised research experience. This course may be taken twice. Prerequisite: PSYC 3090.

PSYC 4410
Adult Development & Lifelong Learning [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course explores the development of adults as learners and introduces students to the mental, physical, and psychological stages of adult development and how those changes affect the adult learning process. As students analyze adult learning theories, they will reflect on their own life experiences and review their strengths and motivations as adult learners. Students will have an opportunity to reflect, think critically, develop effective presentation skills, and prepare written responses to readings in the field of adult learning and adult development. Students will begin to understand themselves as learners: how they learn, what stages and triggers have affected their learning process, and how to value and incorporate life experiences into the continuing process of lifelong learning. The course launches the student’s journey through their accelerated degree-completion program. A strong emphasis is placed on the review and practice of writing skills in the context of the class content. Through multiple writing assignments, students will learn the expectations for academic writing at the upper college level, including generating ideas, organizing written material, and improving self-editing skills. They will learn to balance and manage time while in an accelerated degree program.

PSYC 4500
Psychology Field Work [Course] (1 - 4) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides the student with a regularly supervised experience in an agency that offers psychological services or that conducts research. Students are usually placed in settings which emphasize either behavioral techniques, counseling, or prevention approaches with a variety of client populations. This experience enables the student to apply and integrate psychological theory, ethics, and skills with actual clients. This consists of 9-12 hours weekly of actual internship experience. Prerequisites: PSYC 3500

PSYC 4950
Independent Study in Psychology [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
Independent study provides opportunity to pursue advanced or special-interest topics not covered in the curriculum. Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing. 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study. 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline. 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently. 5. Approval of the department in which the study is to be taken. 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Department Chair, the School Dean, and the Registrar.

PSYC 4980
Undergraduate Research [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
Students conduct laboratory research in psychology under supervision of a faculty member. Permission of instructor is required. Guidelines for Independent Study apply. A written report is required. (May be repeated with new research) Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently 5. Approval of the division in which the study is to be taken 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Division Chair, and the Registrar