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2024-25 Academic Catalog

PSYC Course Descriptions

Table of Contents

PSYC 100 Personhood

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 150 General Psychology

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 220 Biological Psychology

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 240 Statistical Procedures

3 credit hours

Applied statistics for the social and behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed on statistical logic and decision making. Prerequisite: High school algebra or equivalent.

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PSYC 275 Exploratory Field Experience

2-3 credit hour

An opportunity to observe professionals in the helping environment. Pass/No Pass.

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PSYC 285 Selected Topics

1-3 credit hour

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.

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PSYC 290 Professional Seminar

1 credit 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.

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PSYC 295 Individualized Study

1-3 credit hour

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.

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PSYC 310 Lifespan Development

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 311 Child Development

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 312 Adult Development

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 314 Adolescent Development

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 320 Neuroscience

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 330 Personality Theory

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 331 Positive Psychology

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 350 Social Psychology

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 353 Culture and Psychology

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 360 Learning

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 370 Cognition

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 381 Counseling

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 382 Advanced Counseling

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 391 Research Methods

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 392 Advanced Research Methods

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 399 Cross-Cultural Experience

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 400 Psychological Testing

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 410 Sensation and Perception

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 420 Abnormal Psychology

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 422 Child Psychopathology

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 430 Addictions

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 433 Health Psychology

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 450 History and Systems of Psychology

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 460 Human Sexuality

3 credit 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.

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PSYC 465 Seminar Series

1 credit 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.

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PSYC 475 Field Experience

1-10 credit hou

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.

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PSYC 485 Selected Topics

1-3 credit hour

A course dealing with various topics, as announced, that represent current faculty interests and competencies and student interest. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.

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PSYC 490 Senior Seminar

1 credit 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.

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PSYC 495 Individualized Study

1-3 credit hour

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.

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