PSYC Course Descriptions
Table of Contents
- PSYC 100 Personhood
- PSYC 150 General Psychology
- PSYC 220 Biological Psychology
- PSYC 240 Statistical Procedures
- PSYC 275 Exploratory Field Experience
- PSYC 285 Selected Topics
- PSYC 290 Professional Seminar
- PSYC 295 Individualized Study
- PSYC 310 Lifespan Development
- PSYC 311 Child Development
- PSYC 312 Adult Development
- PSYC 314 Adolescent Development
- PSYC 320 Neuroscience
- PSYC 330 Personality Theory
- PSYC 331 Positive Psychology
- PSYC 350 Social Psychology
- PSYC 353 Culture and Psychology
- PSYC 360 Learning
- PSYC 370 Cognition
- PSYC 381 Counseling
- PSYC 382 Advanced Counseling
- PSYC 391 Research Methods
- PSYC 392 Advanced Research Methods
- PSYC 399 Cross-Cultural Experience
- PSYC 400 Psychological Testing
- PSYC 410 Sensation and Perception
- PSYC 420 Abnormal Psychology
- PSYC 422 Child Psychopathology
- PSYC 430 Addictions
- PSYC 433 Health Psychology
- PSYC 450 History and Systems of Psychology
- PSYC 460 Human Sexuality
- PSYC 465 Seminar Series
- PSYC 475 Field Experience
- PSYC 485 Selected Topics
- PSYC 490 Senior Seminar
- PSYC 495 Individualized Study
PSYC 100 Personhood
3 hours
This course explores a variety of influences which shape many of the characteristics of personhood, focusing on critical consideration of the interplay of factors and the complexity of being human. Students will be encouraged to apply the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual lenses of psychology to understand themselves and others, including how and why self-regulation is a key factor in successful healthy living. Additional course fee is required.
PSYC 150 General Psychology
3 hours
An introduction to the scientific study of human behavior. Major topics include the biological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, thinking, learning, memory, development, emotion, motivation, personality, social interaction, and abnormal behavior. Prerequisite to most other psychology courses.
PSYC 220 Biological Psychology
3 hours
By focusing on the structures and functions of the nervous system, this course provides a biological framework for understanding normal and abnormal complex human behaviors and mental processes such as perception, motor control, learning, memory, and emotions. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 240 Statistical Procedures
3 hours
Applied statistics for the social and behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed on statistical logic and decision making. Prerequisite: High school algebra or equivalent.
PSYC 275 Exploratory Field Experience
2-3 hours
An opportunity to observe professionals in the helping environment. Pass/No Pass.
PSYC 285 Selected Topics
1-3 hours
A course dealing with various topics, as announced, that represent current faculty interests and competencies and student interest. This course option can also be selected to develop an individualized professional development experience.
Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 290 Professional Seminar
1 hour
This course examines psychology as a career. Career options are examined. Goal setting, professional development, and networking are emphasized. Required for all psychology majors.
PSYC 295 Individualized Study
1-3 hours
Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major. Additional course fee (per credit) is required.
PSYC 310 Lifespan Development
3 hours
A study of physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral development from infancy to old age. Will not count as part of the psychology major. Students who take PSYC 310 are not eligible to also take PSYC 311, PSYC 314 or PSYC 312 for credit Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 311 Child Development
3 hours
A study of physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Students who take PSYC 310 Lifespan Development are not eligible to also take PSYC 311 for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 312 Adult Development
3 hours
A study of physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral development from young adulthood to old age. Students who take PSYC 310 Lifespan Development are not eligible to also take PSYC 312 for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 314 Adolescent Development
3 hours
A study of the unique physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral developmental changes during the period of adolescence. Students who take PSYC 310 Lifespan Development are not eligible to also take PSYC 314 for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 320 Neuroscience
3 hours
This course provides an overview of the neuropsychological, neuroanatomical, and biochemical basis for mental functions including motor control, object recognition, spatial reasoning, attention, language, memory, and emotion. Methods of neuropsychological research are explored. Recommended: PSYC 220 Biological Psychology.
PSYC 330 Personality Theory
3 hours
A survey of the major theorists of personality and their theories. Included are psychoanalytic, dispositional, phenomenological, and behavioral theories. An integrative approach will involve synthesis of important elements of theory and Scripture. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 331 Positive Psychology
3 hours
This course examines mental illness, mental processing, and behavior from a strengths-based approach which emphasizes the strengths and resources individuals bring to a particular situation. The course is designed to explore the concepts, research, techniques, and exercises to enhance optimism, decrease stressors, and increase well-being. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 350 Social Psychology
3 hours
A study of the social and psychological processes of human interaction. Major topics to be covered include conformity, aggression, self-justification, persuasion, prejudice, attraction, and interpersonal communication. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 353 Culture and Psychology
3 hours
This course will cover the nature of culture and its applications to understanding human functioning. Students will examine their own and other cultures, as well as cultural influence on their thought, behavior, and relationships. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 360 Learning
3 hours
A survey of learning theories and the basic research questions being asked in this important field. Special emphasis will be placed on translating experimental theory into practical methods. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 370 Cognition
3 hours
Traditional areas of study in cognitive psychology will be discussed. These areas include perception, attention, memory, reasoning, problem solving, and language. Traditional views as well as current trends will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 381 Counseling
3 hours
A study of theory and technique of person-centered counseling. The course is designed to teach basic theoretical postulates and to focus on effective intervention skills for those anticipating future work in Christian ministries, teaching, or mental health settings. Recommended as a prerequisite for field experience work (PSYC 475). Prerequisites: PSYC 150 General Psychology and sophomore status or above. Recommended: PSYC 330 Personality Theories.
PSYC 382 Advanced Counseling
3 hours
This course builds on the knowledge and skills learned in PSYC 381 Counseling. The course is designed to enhance the clinical skills necessary to form a therapeutic relationship and to connect these skills to a theoretical orientation. A focus of the course is on utilizing counseling skills in various settings including schools and clinics, and with various populations. Additional course fee is required. Prerequisite: PSYC 381 Counseling. Recommended: PSYC 330 Personality Theories.
PSYC 391 Research Methods
3 hours
An introduction to methods of psychological research. Explores essential topics for experimental research including research design, reliability, validity, and research ethics. Students also learn how to critically assess research literature, assimilate information from a variety of sources, and interpret data. In addition, students learn how to prepare manuscripts in APA format and to prepare professional research presentations. Prerequisites: PSYC 150 General Psychology and PSYC 240 Statistical Procedures.
PSYC 392 Advanced Research Methods
3 hours
Students will explore research design, analyses, and computer applications in the areas of cognition, learning, sensation and perception, and development using a variety of hands-on methods. Prerequisites: PSYC 240 Statistical Procedures and PSYC 391 Research Methods.
PSYC 399 Cross-Cultural Experience
3 hours
This course offers in-depth discipline specific cross-cultural study designed to enhance the intercultural emphasis of various academic majors. The course includes class meetings followed by travel to various locations throughout the world. Students will use core disciplinary knowledge to serve, learn and interact with other cultures. Additional course fee is required.
PSYC 400 Psychological Testing
3 hours
Students will develop skills in understanding and critically evaluating educational and psychological tests (measures of ability, achievement, personality, and vocational interest). Also, modern principles of "psychometrics" - data-based analysis of test items, scores, and interpretations - will be emphasized, particularly the reliability and validity of items and scales. Students will have hands-on experience with various tests and will computer-analyze sample data from test development projects. Additional course fee is required. Prerequisites: PSYC 150 General Psychology and PSYC 240 Statistical Procedures. Recommended: PSYC 391 Research Methods.
PSYC 410 Sensation and Perception
3 hours
Using psychophysical techniques, students will study sensory systems, including vision, audition, olfaction, taste, touch, and kinesthesis. Classic and current theories of perception and sensation will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 420 Abnormal Psychology
3 hours
A study of the nature, causation, and treatment of the major psychiatric and behavioral disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology. Recommended: PSYC 220 Biological Psychology.
PSYC 422 Child Psychopathology
3 hours
A study of the nature, causation and treatment of the major psychiatric and behavioral disorders among children and adolescents. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology. Recommended: PSYC 220 Biological Psychology.
PSYC 430 Addictions
3 hours
Examines the complex interaction of psychological and sociological forces involved in substance abuse and addictions. Etiology, treatment options, and efficacy of treatments are reviewed. Prerequisite: PSYC 381 Counseling. Recommended: PSYC 220 Biological Psychology.
PSYC 433 Health Psychology
3 hours
This course is designed to provide an overview of the field of Health Psychology from a biopsychosocial perspective which assumes that health and illness are determined by the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors of an individual's life. Prerequisite: PSYC 381 Counseling. Recommended: PSYC 220 Biological Psychology.
PSYC 450 History and Systems of Psychology
3 hours
The history of the various schools of psychology, their origins, distinguishing characteristics, major contributions, theoretical positions, and contemporary issues are investigated. Required for psychology majors. Prerequisites: PSYC 150 General Psychology and a minimum of two upper-division psychology courses; senior standing is recommended.
PSYC 460 Human Sexuality
3 hours
This course explores human sexuality from psychological, cultural, biological and spiritual perspectives. Topics include the physiological, psychological, and cultural variables associated with the development and manifestation of sexual identity and sexual behavior. Special attention is given to the Christian perspective and response to a highly sexualized culture. Prerequisites: PSYC 150 General Psychology and junior status.
PSYC 465 Seminar Series
1 hour
Graduate-style series designed to prepare students for graduate school courses and provide an in-depth examination of a particular content area within psychology.
Prerequisite: upper-division psychology majors only and by permission.
PSYC 475 Field Experience
1-10 hours
Supervised experiences in helping activities in mental health agencies and institutions. A maximum of 3 hours may be applied toward a psychology major. Pass/No Pass.
Prerequisite: Upper-division majors only and by permission. Recommended: PSYC 381 Counseling or other 300-level psychology course.
PSYC 485 Selected Topics
1-3 hours
A course dealing with various topics, as announced, that represent current faculty interests and competencies and student interest. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
PSYC 490 Senior Seminar
1 hour
This is a capstone course for the major focusing on the integration of Christianity and psychology and the application of psychological principles and findings in every day settings. Required for all psychology majors. Additional course fee is required.
Prerequisite: Senior status.
PSYC 495 Individualized Study
1-3 hours
Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major. Additional course fee (per credit) is required.