PSY - Psychology

Students will be introduced to the basic schools of thought within the field of psychology. Four major aspects of psychology will then be considered: (a) theories of personality and human development, (b) stress and adaptation, (c) interpersonal relationships and (d) psychopathology and therapy. These concepts will be explored in the light of research, personal experience, and a consideration of Biblical principles that apply to the study of human behavior. Throughout this introductory overview of the field, students will be assessed in, reflect upon, discuss, and write about the insights gained about themselves.

This course examines the concepts of basic psychology. It covers the topics of motivation, motor development, social behavior, and functional disorders. Not open to students with credit in PSY-150.

This course exposes psychology majors to psychology's scientific methods, biological foundations of human behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, memory, thinking and language, intelligence, and motivation and emotion.

This course encompasses a study of stress management and coping skills, the factors that contribute to self-esteem and the maintenance of healthy interpersonal relationships, and the skills required for successful conflict resolution. The course will focus on strategies for developing and maintaining positive mental health. A theoretical framework is presented with a strong emphasis on practical application.

Students will be introduced to the basic schools of thought within the field of psychology. Four major aspects of psychology will then be considered: (a) theories of personality and human development, (b) stress and adaptation, (c) interpersonal relationships and (d) psychopathology and therapy. These concepts will be explored in the light of research, personal experience, and a consideration of Biblical principles that apply to the study of human behavior. Throughout this introductory overview of the field, students will be assessed in, reflect upon, discuss, and write about the insights gained about themselves.

Designed to acquaint the Pre-Art Therapy major with practices and opportunities offered in this field. Offered Spring Term.

The major goal of the course is that the student understand the basic principles of conditioning, motivation, and learning derived from experimental research. Students will be encouraged to see the ready application of those principles to the human context in everyday life with numerous illustrations of the application of these principles to the field, to business settings and to therapeutic situations. Course topics may provide an overview of on going research within experimental, cognitive, behavioral, and biological psychology. Offered May Term.

The course is the alternative to PSY-225 for students in the pre-professional track within the psychology major, and planning on pursuing graduate studies in the field. Course topics will provide a more in-depth and rigorous overview of the current state of the science with respect to ongoing research in various topics within experimental, cognitive , behavioral, biological and neuro-psychology. Computer-based labs and demonstrations will be included and required for all of these research domains, with an emphasis on emerging areas of application and clinical specialization for psychology career professionals. Students will also be asked to consider the implications of these areas of scientific research on their Christian perspective in psychology. Students may substitute PSY-227 for PSY-225 or they may earn credit in both. Offered May Term and odd number years in Spring.

A survey of human development and changes throughout the life cycle.

The development and characteristics of the child at various stages of his physical, social, and mental growth as it relates to the principles of the learning process and methods of measurement and evaluation. Problems of prediction, guidance, and control of child behavior will be explored.

Emphasizes mental, physical, and personality development of the individual during the transitional years from childhood to maturity as it relates to the principles of the learning process and methods of measurement and evaluation.

This course will explore the needs of children who differ in cognitive-academic, social-emotional, physical-sensory characteristics. (Required for all Education majors.)

Introduction to career options within the field of psychology. Includes career testing, screening, emotional intelligence and preparation for department interview. Offered Fall Term only. Required for Psychology Majors.

All psychology majors are expected to participate in a field trip to Chicago, Illinois. The purpose of the trip is to provide students an urban, cross-cultural experience as well as exposure to the diversity and universality of human experience and behavior. Students will be encouraged to live out the love of Jesus in connecting with the people of the Olive Branch Mission or a similar community. Students will interview ministerial staff and seek out opportunities to dialogue with those served by the mission. These interactions will provide the basis for a four- to five-page reaction paper upon returning to IWU. Students will reflect on the impact of this experience in terms of their personal development, faith, and sense of life calling. Limited to Psychology Majors unless special permission from Division Chair.

Consideration will be given to the theoretical and technical basis of TA as developed by Eric Berne. The basic concepts of structure, transaction, game, and script analysis will be studied, as well as the application of these concepts to individual and group counseling.

A study of the neurophysiology that underlies human behavior. Emphasis will be given to the mechanisms of the central nervous system which mediate sensation, perception, consciousness, motivation, learning, and emotional behavior.

The course is the alternative to PSY-225 for students in the pre-professional track within the psychology major, and planning on pursuing graduate studies in the field. Course topics will provide a more in-depth and rigorous overview of the current state of the science with respect to ongoing research in learning and cognition within experimental, cognitive, behavioral, biological and neuropsychology. Computer-based labs and demonstrations will be included and required for all of these research domains, with an emphasis on emerging areas of application and clinical specialization for psychology career professionals. Students will also be asked to consider the implications of these areas of scientific research on their Christian perspective in psychology. Students may substitute PSY-327 for PSY-225 or they may earn credit in both.

This is an upper-division course for the Social Sciences. Topics include measures of central tendency and dispersion and graphical representation of data. Other topics include inferential statistical theory and hypothesis testing for statistical significance. Bivariate and multivariate measure of statistical relationship include chi square, nominal and ordinal measures of association, correlation and regression, analysis of variance, and multiple correlation and regression techniques. Factor analysis and analysis of covariance are briefly introduced. Primarily for students concentrating in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice.

This is a three-hour course offered each spring semester. Its purpose is to provide the student with an introduction to the concepts and techniques of research methodology as employed in the behavioral sciences including experimental research, field and survey research, content analysis and other unobtrusive techniques, and evaluative assessment research. Students will be encouraged to demonstrate an understanding of the role of research for helping professionals; examining truth-seeking from a scientific and from a Biblical perspective; critiquing current research findings in professional journals; identifying appropriate research methodology for a given problem or topic; completing an empirical research project from start to finish; developing a research manuscript using the APA publication manual guidelines; and developing oral communication skills in presenting one's research project to a professional audience. Prerequisite: MAT-305.

A study of the experience and behavior of individuals in relation to group situations and social influences of modern life. Gives credit for majors in Sociology or Psychology.

Basic concepts of personality traits and their measurement; emphasis on contemporary theories. Prerequisites: PSY-150 and a developmental course (PSY-250, PSY-251, or PSY-252). Offered via CAPS only as general elective for non-PSY majors. Not accepted in Psychology Major.

Systematic study of behavior pathology with special reference on forms of abnormal behavior, etiology, dynamics, and treatment.

A survey of some of the major theories of personality development and the parallel therapeutic approaches. The purpose is an attempt to explain shared human nature as well as individual differences. Critical evaluation of the theories from a Christian perspective is a vital component of this class. The course also qualifies as a "writing across the curriculum" course and involves creating and developing the student's own personality theory.

A study of principles, theoretical approaches, specific objectives, and techniques currently used in the "systems theory" approach to marriage and the family. The focus will be on normal developmental problems rather than on psychopathology. This course will present both a systemic and strategic approach to therapy including the theories of Minuchi , Satire, Bowen, and Haley. Prerequisite: 9 hours of Psychology. (Course also listed as SOC-371.) Offered May Term in alternate years.

A survey of the theory, research, and practical application in therapy of the techniques involved in cognitive-behavior modification and therapy. Course work involves case studies, role practice, and an analysis of this theory from a Biblical perspective. Prerequisite: 9 hours of Psychology. Usually a May term class.

This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to learn about psychology through service in a community agency. Eighty hours of volunteer experience will be acquired over two semesters (40 hrs per) or in one semester. And this course requirement can be fulfilled through ADC-461-464 or SWK-370-371 or SWK-470-471.

Papers, lectures, and group discussion of scientific and professional topics by staff and visiting lecturers. Two semester hours required of all majors in Psychology. May be repeated to earn up to 4 hours credit. Sophomore Seminar is for students planning to apply for the major and is not included in the two required seminars.

Students will work under a faculty mentor in their major and in cooperation with an Honors College advisor, producing a research thesis or creative project.

This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to learn about psychology through service in a community agency. Eighty hours of volunteer experience will be acquired over two semesters (40 hrs per) or in one semester. And this course requirement can be fulfilled through ADC-461-464 or SWK-370-371 or SWK-470-471.

Experience through individual projects involving design, execution, analysis, and reporting individually initiated research. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated.

Practical experience in social agencies and other counseling settings. May be repeated.

In-depth literature search and analysis of specified topic. May be repeated.

Surveys various approaches to counseling with emphasis on philosophy underlying the theory. Senior majors begin to write their own theory of counseling as part of this class.

Students will be exposed to many techniques used in counseling to facilitate client change and growth. Role-playing and some supervised "hands on" experiences give students practical experience. Offered Spring semester.

Completion of personal assessment portfolio compiled from several courses in the major. Will include integration papers. Instruction on preparing for the GRE and applying for graduate school or placement.

A study of integration models and a conceptual framework for integrating psychological research and the Christian faith. Examination of the potential tensions and resolutions in integrating psychological and Christian approaches to understand the nature of man, mental illness, development, and counseling. Will consider the nature of religious experience, conversion, the meaning of religious images, the significance of individual difference in religious faith, and other pertinent topics in the psychology of religion. Prerequisite: 12 hours in Psychology and/or Religion (exclusive of General Education courses).

A study of the historical foundations of psychology and its development as a distinct discipline. Consideration will be given to the major concepts and personalities of the various systems of psychological thought. Limited to upper classmen, enrollment only by permission of instructor. May be offered as a hybrid course (combined classroom and online).