Department of Psychology

A survey of the principles, methods and findings in various areas of psychology. Specific topics include development, socialization, consciousness, personality, motivation and emotion, learning and memory, physiology, neuroscience, stress and coping, and psychopathy.

Students observe the daily routines and activities of employed professionals and see how skills and knowledge acquired in class are applied in the psychology field.
Prerequisite: Consent

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

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.
Prerequisite: PY 111

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.
Prerequisite: PY 111

This course focuses on the basic processes of cognitive, moral, physical and psychosocial development from conception through death. Attention is given to both theories and research regarding the stages and transitions encountered by persons over the lifespan. Special attention is given to the relationship between physical and psychological problems during development.
Does not count in the psychology major but may count in the psychology minor.
Prerequisite: PY 111

This course examines health and wellness psychology and looks at the efforts people make in promoting good health, how effectively people cope with and reduce stress and pain, and the recovery, rehabilitation, and psychosocial adjustment of patients with serious health problems. Topics include factors that are related to health habits and lifestyles, methods to enhance health behavior and prevent illness, and stress and stress management. Practical exercises and group work to develop those basic skills are an integral part of the course.
Prerequisite: PY 111

This course provides an overview of the developmental, behavioral, intellectual and educational characteristics of students with disabilities. Early intervention, identification and placement as well as appropriate adaptations for diverse learners in inclusive classroom settings will be emphasized. In addition, the special methodologies related to the instruction of gifted and talented students are addressed.
Identical with SE 232.
Prerequisite: PY 111

Applications of theories of teaching, learning, development and measurement to classroom environments are explored. This course also examines qualities of classroom interaction, particularly related to instructional processes, motivation of students and classroom management.
Identical with ED 236.
Prerequisite: PY 111

This course examines the fascinating mechanics of group behavior. Through lectures and discussions, students will explore group development stages, roles, leadership styles, and interventions from diverse theoretical viewpoints. In a practical component, students embody group member, leader, and observer roles, gaining a firsthand understanding of group dynamics' real-world implications.
Prerequisite: PY 111

This one-credit sophomore seminar is designed as an exploratory journey into the relationship between psychology and Christianity. The course aims to facilitate a foundational understanding of the interplay between these two domains. Alongside classroom discussions and readings, students engage in a community service project to expand their perspectives and put into practice the ethical principles discussed.
Prerequisites: PY 111 and major in psychology

This course is an introduction to the science and theory of sport and exercise psychology. Factors related to individual, group and institutional behavior in the following physical activity settings are emphasized: competitive and recreational athletics, exercise, physical education and rehabilitative.
Identical with EX 318.
Prerequisite: PY 111

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: PY 111 or SO 111

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 and sophomore standing at time of registration

Delve into the study of human cognition in this dynamic undergraduate course. This journey through cognitive psychology explores the fundamental processes that shape our understanding of the world, including perception, attention, memory, language, and decision making. Drawing from a mix of classic and contemporary research, students will gain an in-depth understanding of how we acquire, process, and use information, and how these processes influence our behavior. Course activities will range from engaging lectures to interactive laboratory work, emphasizing real-world applications.
Prerequisites: PY 111; BI 111 or 161; and sophomore standing at time of registration

Introduces behavioral science research as a scientific process. Students become familiar with the basics of empirical research design, descriptive and basic inferential data analysis techniques and interpretation, measurement considerations, empirical journal articles, APA style scholarly writing and ethical issues in research. Students analyze and interpret data and write APA style reports. Students also develop basic skills in analyzing data using statistical analysis software.
Identical with CJ 380, CO 380 and SO 380.
Prerequisites: PY 111 or SO 111, and successful completion of MA 151

This one-credit junior seminar serves as a pivotal step in transitioning psychology majors toward their future careers. The course focuses on helping students explore diverse career pathways in the field of psychology and acquire practical skills necessary for professional development. Alongside class discussions on career possibilities, students gain hands-on experience through a service-learning project and a mock interview exercise.
Prerequisites: PY 111 and major in psychology

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

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the counseling process both cognitively and experientially. Content includes the dynamics of helping interventions and practicing the skills that provide the foundation of effective counseling. The focus of the course is on the understanding, discussion and use of basic counseling skills. Careful attention is given to examining the field of counseling/therapy from a Christian perspective.
Prerequisites: PY 111, 221, and sophomore standing at time of registration

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: PY 111 and sophomore standing at time of registration

A detailed examination of a selected topic in psychology.
Prerequisites: Psychology major or minor and junior standing at time of registration

A seminar examining approaches to integrating psychological study and practice with the Christian faith. Students and faculty discuss readings on integrative approaches and models, also including worldview perspectives and some philosophical and theological foundations. The students and faculty also spend time discussing potential tensions between psychology and Christianity and possible resolution of those tensions.
Prerequisites: Psychology major or minor and junior standing at time of registration

Fascinated by the allure of video games? Curious about the psychological forces that drive people to conquer virtual worlds and chase digital rewards? This course invites students to unravel the complex interplay between psychology and gaming. Students learn how games influence emotions, cognition, and social behavior as well as deconstruct the mechanics and dynamics of popular games, uncovering the hidden psychology behind their success. Students examine the impact of gaming on mental health and well-being, exploring potential benefits and concerns. Additionally, students and faculty discuss the social and cultural significance of both console and mobile gaming in the rapidly evolving digital world.
Prerequisites: Psychology major or minor and junior standing at time of registration

In this course students develop an understanding of trauma as well as its biological and psychosocial impact. Students learn how to recognize trauma and understand a variety of traumatic experiences while exploring research-based methods of dealing with trauma.
Prerequisites: Psychology major or minor and junior standing at time of registration

An examination of the symptoms, etiology and treatment of abnormal behavior. Current diagnostic classifications are used as a conceptual framework.
Prerequisites: PY 111 and sophomore standing at time of registration

A continuation of the 380 course, though additional focus is placed on the execution and dissemination of behavioral science research. Topics include empirical research design and statistical data analysis, analysis and critique of empirical research, implications of research results and writing in APA style. Students plan, conduct, analyze and present a research project during the course, and they further develop skills in analyzing data using statistical analysis software.
Identical with CJ 480, CO 480, and SO 480.
Prerequisite: PY 380

This one-credit senior seminar serves as a capstone experience, designed to deepen students' understanding of psychology by weaving together key elements from the entire curriculum. The course places a special emphasis on the integration of psychology with Christian faith and vocational aspirations. Through guided discussions, critical analyses, and a culminating faith integration paper, students cultivate a holistic perspective that aligns their academic learning with spiritual values and career goals.
Prerequisites: Major in psychology and senior standing

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

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