2023-2024 Catalog

 

300

PSY-305 Statistical Analysis for Social Sciences

This course is an introduction to statistics used in the behavioral sciences and in everyday life. Emphasis is given to both conceptual and mathematical understanding of statistics. Descriptive and inferential statistics are explored from simple statistical computations to more complex analysis. Students will be guided to be consumers of statistics by critically analyzing statistical findings.

3

PSY-315 Child Life

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.

3

PSY-322 Physiological Psychology

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.

3

PSY-325 Contemporary Theories in Psychotherapy

This course will examine multiple theoretical frameworks regarding counseling and psychotherapy. Students will be introduced to the key philosophical and theoretical approaches which guide current practice while integrating a Christian worldview. Areas covered include Behavior Theory, Systemic Theory/Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.

3

PSY-327 Learning and Cognition

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.

3

PSY-335 Introduction to Play Therapy

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.

3

PSY-345 Relationship Development I

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.

3

PSY-354 Statistics for Social Sciences

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.

3

PSY-355 Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences

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.

3

PSY-357 Research Methods in Applied Psychology

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. Prerequisite: PSY-345

3

PSY-360 Social Psychology

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.

3

PSY-365 Psychology of Personality

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.

3

PSY-366 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior

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

3

PSY-370 Theories of Personality

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.

3

PSY-371 Family Systems Therapy

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.

3

PSY-380 Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling

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.

3

PSY-385 Psychology Practicum

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.

2 to 3

PSY-390 Psychology Seminar

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.

1

PSY-399H Honors Thesis/Project

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.

3
Indiana Weselayan