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.

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.

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

The examination of psychosocial implications for sport, exercise, and injury.

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 nature of individual learning needs, including the needs of children who differ in cognitive-academic, social-emotional, physical-sensory characteristics, special education and related services, and basic principles for integrating all people into educational and other environments.

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.

This course is designed to introduce students to the role of the Certified Child Life Specialist, as well as to the hospitalized child and his/her developmental needs. Students will examine best practices for working with families and application of patient care vs. family centered care. At the completion of this course, students will be able to promote the essential child life goals of minimizing stress and anxiety, promote coping strategies and normal development. Prerequisite: PSY-250 or PSY-251.

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.

Introduction to Play Therapy is the introductory level course to the counseling relationship with children by utilizing play media to facilitate expression, selfunderstanding, and personal growth and development. Observation of therapeutic play with children is an integral part of the course. Prerequisites: PSY-250 and/or PSY-251.

This course provides the framework to help students understand individuals as created, relational beings and to apply models for building healthy intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. This course also introduces students to the process of identifying and developing an area of personal and professional interest that will provide the basis for a Capstone project.

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.

This course will explain the logic and limits of research used in formalized psychological inquiry. Students will critically analyze research in the applied behavioral sciences, while exploring ethical concerns related to conducting research. Students will also consider various research methods and their application to their proposed Capstone project. Pre-req: PSY-345

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.

This course focuses on the improvement of effective workplace relationships through assessment and interventions. Topics include the role of human resources, professional administration, marketing, consulting, training and development, and ethical leadership.

This course will explore the psychological principles of systems, including couples and families. Careful attention will be given to aspects of systems theory that contribute to healthy couples, families, and organizational relationships. Special consideration will be given to the application of course principles to the capstone project. Prerequisite: PSY-357

In this course, students will enhance their understanding of how to foster and maintain healthy and productive change for an individual, a group, and an organization based on motivational theory. This course includes an introduction to motivational concepts based on the Trans-theoretical Model of Change. The application of Motivational Interviewing will also be emphasized.

This course is a synthesis of spiritual and psychosocial development, including spiritual formation as a part of individual and relational developmental theories. Spiritual disciplines and practices of spiritual direction that contribute to healthy psychosocial-spiritual development are emphasized.

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.

The Capstone experience consists of long-term, investigative assignments that guide the student into a deeper understanding and synthesis of the knowledge gained and the personal growth attained during four Capstone thread courses. In this course, students will synthesize and apply key concepts, theories, and practices presented throughout their program into a final Capstone project. The approved project will focus on the application of personal, social, and spiritual knowledge and experience with the intent of generating hope in the world through relationships. Prerequisite: successful completion of all core courses

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).

This course examines theories of cognitive, affective, social, spiritual, and moral development across the lifespan. The impact of ethnic, gender, and cultural factors on development will also be explored. Human flourishing is discussed as the optimal goal of achieving developmental milestone growth within the context of positive cognitions, emotions, and relationships. Strategies for facilitating development and wellness across the lifespan are addressed.

This course takes a deeper look at the theoretical frameworks in psychology that are used to understand personality development. An overview of major personality theories with regard to their development, philosophical assumptions, theoretical concepts, and their implications in work with individuals in a variety of settings is explored. This course also emphasizes the formation and maintenance of positive intra and interpersonal relationships.

This course provides an overview of the historical development of theoretical systems in psychology. Set against the backdrop of cultural and historical change, students will explore the history of psychology from its inception as a philosophical study of the human spirit to emerging trends in positive psychology.

Students will learn about experimental and non-experimental design and the differences between quasi-research and professional research in psychology. Students will have the opportunity for writing a literature review based upon the current, professional research

This course will provide an in-depth review of a broad spectrum of psychopathological conditions. The emphasis of this course will be on contrasting different theoretical perspectives and exploring emerging trends related to psychopathology, well-being, and the field of positive psychology.

Foundations of Interviews and Interventions provides students the opportunity to apply foundational principles in contemporary positive psychology to the interview and intervention process in order to promote well-being in individuals, family systems, and the workplace. Prerequisite: PSY-540

An exploration of research to support the deeper understanding and more effective cultivation of well-being and human flourishing with an emphasis on the practice of life coaching. Students will conduct literature searches and read peer-reviewed articles on their capstone topics in positive psychology and life coaching. Prerequisite: Completion of all core courses

This course is a synthesis of the foundational principles of positive psychology and theoretical models of Christian formation. Using Biblical principles, current research in positive psychology, methods in life coaching, and theories of spiritual formation, students are given the opportunity for spiritual discovery and personal growth. Approaches to the nature of the "Good Life" will be emphasized. Students will also gain skills in helping others to grow personally by applying concepts of Christian formation and positive psychology to the practice of life coaching. Prerequisite: PSY-561

This course is designed to help students advance in their integration and application of positive psychology to the life-coaching process. Based upon the current research in Positive Psychology, students will synthesize and apply foundational principles of positive psychology and life coaching, evaluate advanced strategies used by life-coaches, and ultimately apply motivational interventions to enhance the overall well-being of others. Prerequisite: PSY-562

This course examines industrial/organizational psychology highlighting the principles, theories, and practices particular to the field. The industrial elements related to hiring, managing, and training employees will be considered. The organizational elements of motivation, leadership, work teams, and employee work-life balance will also be explored. The role of principles derived from the Christian faith and contemporary positive psychology to promote well-being in the workplace will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Completion of all core courses

This course provides a critical inquiry of the various types of leadership styles and theories behind employee motivation and skill development in the workplace. The value of applying a strengths-based approach to motivating employees is also explored. Biblical principles help to underscore the benefits of a strengths-based approach. Prerequisite: PSY-566

This course examines ethical processes that influence organizational behavior. Theories related to moral development, decision-making, and problem solving will be explored. The role of worldview is addressed with attention to distinguishing between secular worldviews and a Christian worldview. How to develop an ethical organizational culture will be addressed with an emphasis on the role of leaders and followers in maintaining a healthy workplace environment. Prerequisite: PSY-567

This Capstone in Psychology course represents the culmination of the student's academic, personal, and professional growth across all courses. Thus, this course integrates the principles of psychology as presented in previous courses into a unified understanding of psychology within their chosen specialization (Positive Psychology or Industrial/Organizational Psychology). Students have the opportunity to critically evaluate and synthesize their new learning and report on their capstone projects. All core and specialization courses must be completed prior to this capstone course.