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Undergraduate Academic Policies and Information
Graduate Academic Policies and Information
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Departmental Mission Statement
Chair, Professor Robert J. Gregory Professors Butman, DeVries, Jones, Mangis Associate Professors Buchanan, Canning, Harwood, Neal Kimball, McNeil, Struthers, Vessey, R. Watson, T. Watson, Yangarber-Hicks Assistant Professors Flanagan, Hannah, Phinney Emeritus Professor Elizabeth L. Hillstrom
The general purpose of the department is to foster the understanding of the methods and applications of psychology within a Christian context. Students in the program are prepared not only to meet academic standards that will be required should they elect to pursue graduate work in any number of areas (psychology, medicine, law, theology, etc.), but also are exposed to principles of human behavior that promote a successful entrance into the job market generally. Course offerings provide insight into 1) methods for studying human behavior; 2) current research findings and major psychological theories, including their historical and theoretical underpinnings; 3) integration of Christian faith with the field of psychology; and 4) hands-on experience with the application of psychology at off-campus locations. In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, the department offers a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology degree The program provides a foundation of knowledge in the subfields of psychology, which include developmental, experimental, social, physiological, statistics, research methodology, and clinical psychology. This training will lay the groundwork for success in graduate programs in psychology, as well as in other related fields. Thus, the Psychology Department prepares students for opportunities in a variety of post-graduation career options. The major involves introducing the student to the accumulated literature in psychology and developing the student's abilities for understanding, evaluating, and applying psychological knowledge. The student is also trained in the research methodologies utilized in psychology and provided with opportunities for practical experience in preprofessional activities related to basic and applied psychology. An important goal in all our courses is to help students in their ability to appropriately interrelate their study of psychology and the Christian faith. Requirements for a major are 36 hours in psychology, including PSYC 101, 268, 269, and 494. Additionally, two courses must be taken from PSYC 345, 351, 355, or 361; and one from PSYC 473 or 475. Students are encouraged to take an internship (496) to augment their classroom experience. Internships for four credit hours are regarded as the norm. Eight credit hour internships are also permitted; however, only four hours of internship credit may be counted toward the major credit hours requirement. Additional credits taken in internship will satisfy the College requirement for general upper-division electives. Students planning graduate study in psychology are also strongly encouraged to take Advanced Statistics & Psychological Testing (355). The requirements for the major, as well as recommendations for preparation for graduate school and other matters, are covered in much more detail in the departmental student handbook. The Department of Psychology also encourages undergraduate students to pursue independent or collaborative research in preparation for their graduate studies in the field of psychology. Consequently, the department offers an honors program for those students who meet the academic qualifications and are approved by department faculty. In addition, students may join a research group as an independent study. Requirements for a minor in Psychology are 20 hours, including PSYC 101, 268, and one course from among PSYC 269, 345, 351, and 361. Any psychology course except PSYC 333 or 496/499 may be used to complete the 20 hours. Note: Undergraduate courses are designated 101-499. With permission of advisor and instructor, junior and senior students may be allowed to take PSYC 512 and 551 for undergraduate credit. PSYC 101. Introduction to Psychology. Provides an introduction to psychology as a social and behavioral science, focusing on its major topics, methods, theories, applications, and the integration of psychology and Christianity. PSYC 101L. Introduction to Psychology Lab. Supplementing PSYC 101 lectures, weekly laboratories provide direct, small-group experience with key psychological concepts through demonstrations, experiments, and discussions. Required with PSYC 101. (0) PSYC 235. Cross-Cultural Psychology. An examination of the impact of culture on various psychological processes and systems. This course is designed for both majors and non-majors. (2) PSYC 241. Social Psychology. A study of human thought, emotion, and behavior in an interpersonal context. PSYC 268. Statistics. A study of basic statistical procedures for psychological research, including correlation, bivariate regression, t-tests, analysis of variance (one-way and factorial), and several nonparametric procedures. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. PSYC 269. Experimental Psychology. An examination of the research methods of psychology and the philosophy behind their use and an opportunity to apply these skills in research. Prerequisite: PSYC 268, or currently enrolled. PSYC 317. Developmental Psychology. An overview of the major theories, concepts, issues, data, and research methodologies of developmental psychology across the life span. PSYC 333. Individual and Group Dynamics. Theory and practicum related to the individual's interaction with his environment, others, and groups. Only open to dormitory resident assistants; does not count toward a psychology major or minor. (2) PSYC 345. Learning and Memory. Examines the major theories of learning and memory from the early twentieth century up to the present day. Students participate in several experiments throughout the course. Prerequisite: PSYC 269 or consent of instructor. PSYC 348. Abnormal Psychology. An overview of the major theories, concepts, issues, data, and research methodologies of abnormal psychology. Emphasis on assessment, treatment, and prevention. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. PSYC 351. Cognition and Perception. A survey of the current scientific models, concepts, and integrative theories that encompass the field of human thought such as information processing, language, attention, and problem solving, as well as human perceptual experience and consciousness. Prerequisite: PSYC 269 or consent of instructor. PSYC 352. Contemporary Clinical Psychology. An overview of the major contemporary approaches to psychotherapy used in mental health settings. Includes an emphasis on the counselor as a person and as a professional, ethical issues in counseling practice, and essential counseling skills. Prerequisite: PSYC 348. PSYC 355. Advanced Statistics & Psychological Testing. An introduction to computer-based statistical analysis and psychological testing of child and adult intelligence, personality, and psychopathology. Topics include exploratory data analysis, multiple regression, factor analysis, scale construction. Students will also learn to administer and evaluate specific psychological tests. Prerequisite: PSYC 269 or consent of instructor. PSYC 361. Behavioral Neuroscience. An overview of the neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and neurochemical underpinnings of sensory systems and the expression of behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 269 or consent of instructor. PSYC 363x. Persuasion. See COMM 363. PSYC 371. Introduction to Psychopharmacology. This course examines the psychological effects and neurobiological mechanisms of action of psychoactive drugs, drugs that are used in the treatment of psychopathological disorders, and recreational drugs of abuse. This course is designed to provide undergraduate students interested in clinical psychology or psychopharmacology with an overview of the effects and mechanisms of substances which act on both the body and the brain. (2) PSYC 421x. Organizational Psychology. See B EC 421. (2) PSYC 422x. Personnel Psychology. See B EC 422. (2) PSYC 431. Psychology of Human Sexuality. An examination of human sexuality from the physiological, psychological, and social context. Topics include theories of psychosexual development, the nature of contemporary gender roles, ethnic identity, theological views of authentic sexuality, and cultural factors that impact sexual views and behaviors. PSYC 441. Psychology of the Family. An overview of developmental and systemic theories of family functioning, with an emphasis on the impact of family on individual development. (2) PSYC 451. Advanced Topics in Abnormal Psychology. Provides students with an in-depth understanding of controversial issues within the field of abnormal psychology. The intersection of psychopathology with ethical, legal, political, and social issues is examined. Topics pertaining to the integration of abnormal psychology with Christian faith are discussed. Students planning to pursue graduate training in the fields of counseling, social work, and clinical psychology are particularly encouraged to take this course. Prerequisite: PSYC 348. (2) PSYC 461. Men and Addictions. This course introduces students to the distinct ways in which men suffer from addictions. It explores the underlying genetic, neurophysiological, behavioral, cognitive, spiritual, and social factors that predispose men towards various addictions and their treatments. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. (2) PSYC 473. Psychology of Religion. Draws upon foundational studies in psychology to explore religious experience from a social scientific perspective, including the exploration of the complex relationships between personality dynamics and faith. (2) PSYC 475. History of Psychology. An upper-level seminar examining the historical development of the field of psychology with specific emphases on its relationship with science, its engagement with Christian religious belief and practice, and its role as an intellectual force in Western culture. (2) PSYC 494. Personality Psychology. This senior capstone course examines major contemporary theories of personality in Christian, scientific, historical, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Prerequisite: Senior status or permission of instructor. PSYC 495. Independent Study. Individual library or experimental research carried on under the supervision of a staff member. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. (1-4) PSYC 496. Internship. Credit given for participation in the department's internship program. Prerequisites: five courses in psychology; junior or senior standing with Psychology major. (4 or 8) PSYC 499. Honors Thesis. An independent project requiring original research developed in a scholarly paper and culminating in an oral examination. By application only. (4 or 8) Revision Date: May 1, 2008
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