Department of Psychology

Steven Lee, Wayne Priest, Mary Ruthi

The Psychology Department seeks to provide a curriculum that stimulates the necessary knowledge base and skills for participation in a variety of fields open to the psychology major upon graduation. Three primary goals for majors in the program are to (a) create an appreciation for and understanding of the discipline of psychology and the complexity of human behavior, (b) foster critical thinking about the integration of the Christian faith with the discipline of psychology, and (c) provide preparation for graduate study or entry-level employment in a psychology-related field.

Students who choose psychology as a major for the bachelor of arts degree complete PY 111, 211 or 215, 321, 351, 375, 381, 382, and 485; MA 151; and fifteen additional hours in psychology.

The psychology minor consists of PY 111, 351, and 381; MA 151; and electives in psychology to total twenty-two hours.

For information about requirements for Indiana teacher licensing in psychology, refer to the section on social studies teacher licensing.

Courses in Psychology

PY 111 Introduction to Psychology                        (3)

A survey of the principles, methods and findings in various areas of psychology. Topics include development, socialization, personality, learning and motivation, physiology and psychopathology.

Fall, Spring

PY 211 Child and Adolescent Development            (3)

This course focuses on development from conception through adolescence. Physical, cognitive, psychosocial and moral development during this period are covered. Special emphasis is placed on the dynamics of parent-child interaction and practical methods of enhancing the healthy growth of children. Prerequisite: PY 111

Fall

PY 215 Adult Development                           (3)

This course focuses on development dynamics from early adulthood through old age. Adult life stages are examined in terms of physical, cognitive, moral, and psychosocial factors to gain understanding of the specific tasks and the potential problems involved in each of the developmental stages, both from an individual and a relational perspective. Prerequisites: PY 111 and sophomore standing

Spring Odd Years

PY 265 Human Sexuality                              (3)

This course examines the development and dynamics of human sexual functioning and behavior. Topics will include sexual physiology, sexual response, sex across the lifespan, gender roles, and sexual deviations. Sexuality will be studied in light of current social trends, ethical considerations, and Christian perspectives and values. Prerequisite: PY 111

Spring Even Years

PY 315 History and Systems of Psychology           (3)

This course will examine the historical development of the prevailing ideas and methodologies in contemporary psychology. Particular attention will be given to the tension between scientific and humanistic perspectives and the evolution of leading schools of psychological inquiry. Prerequisites: PY 111 and sophomore standing

Spring Odd Years

PY 321 Interpersonal Relationships                        (3)

This course examines the dynamics of effective interpersonal relationships and how those dynamics are applied within the counseling field. Topics include personal factors that influence relationships, verbal and nonverbal behavior, barriers to effective communication, and conflict, contextualized to basic counseling concepts and skills. Practical exercises and group work to develop those basic skills are an integral part of the course. Prerequisites: PY 111 and junior standing.  Priority given to students majoring or minoring in psychology and sociology

Fall

PY 341 Religion and Behavioral Science                (3)

This course considers issues relative to the integration of the behavioral sciences and Christianity, and the contributions of psychology and sociology to the understanding of religion. The influence of personality and social factors on religious behavior is considered. Topics include faith development, conversion, mysticism, cults, and religion and mental health. Identical with SO 341. Prerequisite: One course in psychology or sociology

Fall Even Years

PY 351 Social Psychology                           (3)

A study of how the thoughts, feelings and behavior of individuals are influenced by others. Topics include attitude formation and change, prejudice, conformity, leadership, interpersonal attraction, prosocial behavior and cooperation/ competition. Identical with SO 351. Prerequisites: PY 111 or SO 111 or SO 223 and junior standing

Fall

PY 375 Brain and Behavior                           (3)

An introduction to the biological mechanisms and processes that underlie human behavior. Emphasis will be on how the central nervous system controls and affects individual neurons, sensory and motor systems, emotion and motivation, learning, memory, speech, development and aging, and abnormal behavior. Effects of brain injury and psychopharmacology. Prerequisites: PY 111, BI 111, and sophomore standing

Spring Even Years

PY 381 Introduction to Research Methods    (3)

This course focuses on the analytical techniques used in behavioral science research. Topics include the anatomy of the experimental method, characteristics of variables, data analysis techniques, reliability and validity considerations, sources of experimental error, and ethical issues in research. Students will engage in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Identical with SO 381. Prerequisites: MA 151 and one course in psychology

Fall

PY 382 Applied Research Methods               (3)

This course focuses on the design, execution, and dissemination of behavioral science research. Topics include theory driven generation of hypotheses, literature review and data analysis techniques, operationalization of variables, implication of experimental results, and an introduction to APA style. Students will plan, conduct and defend a research project during the course. Identical with SO 382. Prerequisite: PY 381

Spring

PY 391 Psychological Testing                      (3)

An overview of the field of psychometrics. Principles and techniques of test selection, administration, and interpretation will be covered. Primary emphasis will be given to measures of intelligence, personality, and psychopathology. Methods of test construction and the ethics of testing will also be emphasized. Students will receive training in the use of a limited number of personality instruments. Prerequisites: PY 381 and junior standing

Fall Odd Years

PY 395 Practicum                                       (1-3)

Involvement in a psychology-related field which allows the student to gain practical experience. An in-depth paper is required. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Fall, Spring

PY 411 Fundamentals of Counseling                      (3)

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the counseling process – both cognitively and experientially.  Content will include the dynamics of helping interventions and practicing the skills that provide the foundation of effective counseling.  The focus of the course will be on the understanding, discussion, and use of basic counseling skills.  Careful attention will be given to examining the field of counseling/therapy from a Christian perspective. Prerequisites: Three courses in psychology, including PY 321, and junior standing

Spring Even Years

PY 435 Motivation and Emotion                   (3)

An overview of motivational theories in historical context as well as an examination of primary and secondary motives.  The second half of the course deals with the theories of emotion, facial expression, and the individual emotions. Prerequisite: PY 111 or consent

Spring Odd Years

PY 441 Theories of Personality                    (3)

An introduction to the psychological study of personality.  Representative theorists from each of the major schools of thought are studied, including psychoanalytic, behavioral, and humanistic. Prerequisites: Two courses in psychology and junior standing

Fall Even Years

PY 461 Abnormal Psychology                      (3)

An examination of the symptoms, etiology, and treatment of abnormal behavior. Current diagnostic classifications are used as a conceptual framework. Prerequisites: Junior standing and major in psychology, exercise science, or therapeutic recreation

Fall Odd Years

PY 485 Senior Seminar in Psychology                   (3)

The purpose of this course is to synthesize and review the various components of the psychology curriculum to which the student has been exposed. Students also contribute to the selection of additional course topics and conduct a scholarly research project on a topic of interest in psychology. Prerequisites: Major in psychology and senior standing

Spring

PY 490 Independent Study                         (1-4)

Advanced readings and study of some problems in psychology giving the student experience in the techniques of independent study. Prerequisite: Consent

Fall, Spring

PY 495 Internship                                       (2-4)

Full-time involvement in a field situation of psychology maintaining close cooperation with the supervisory personnel in the field. An in-depth paper is required. Prerequisite: Consent

Fall, Spring

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