Department of Psychology

Department of Psychology Tanner Babb, 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 or entrance into a graduate program in psychology. 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, 461, and 485; MA 151; and 12 additional hours in psychology, which may include SW 236 and 345. (PY 230 does not count towards major requirements.) The minor in psychology requires PY 111, 321, and 351; and 13 additional hours in psychology. (PY 230 does not count towards minor requirements.) For information about requirements for Indiana teacher licensing in psychology, refer to the major in history education. Courses in Psychology PY 111 Introduction to 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. PY 195 Job Shadow in Psychology (1 to 2 credits) - Fall, Spring ) 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. PY 211 Child and Adolescent Development 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 parentchild interaction and practical methods of enhancing the healthy growth of children. PY 215 Adult Development

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 PY 230 Human Development 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 or the psychology minor. PY 232 Education of the Exceptional Child This course provides an overview of the developmental, behavioral, intellectual and educational characteristics of children 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. PY 233 Foundations of Special Education This course focuses on special education as a profession. Emphasis will be placed on historical, philosophical and legal foundations of special education. The rights and responsibilities of parents, students, educators and other professionals as these relate to students with exceptional needs will also be studied. Programming options and ethical practices for mild interventions will be emphasized. Identical with SE233. PY 236 Educational Psychology 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. PY 265 Human Sexuality (3 credits) - Spring Odd Years ) 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.

PY 318 Sport and Exercise 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. PY 321 Interpersonal Relationships 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; psychology, sociology, or social work majors who have sophomore standing at time of registration; or consent of instructor PY 341 Religion and Behavioral Science (3 credits) - Spring Odd Years ) 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. or SO 111 PY 351 Social Psychology 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 PY 375 Cognitive Neuroscience (3 credits) - Spring Even Years ) 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 will also be discussed. Identical with BI 375. Prerequisites: PY 111; BI 111 or 161; and sophomore standing at time of registration PY 381 Introduction to Research Methods 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, data analysis techniques, APA scholarly writing and ethical issues in research. Students will engage in data collection using multiple research methods, analyses and interpretation. Students will also be introduced to the SPSS statistical program. Identical with CJ 381 and SO 381. Prerequisites: PY 111, MA 151 with a grade of at least C-, one additional course in psychology, and sophomore

standing at time of registration PY 382 Applied Research Methods 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 CJ 382 and SO 382. Prerequisite: PY 381 PY 391 Psychological Assessment (3 credits) - Fall Odd Years ) 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 also receive training in the use of a limited number of personality instruments. Prerequisites: PY 381 (can be taken concurrently) and sophomore standing at time of registration PY 395 Practicum (1 to 3 credits) - Fall, Spring ) Involvement in a psychology-related field which allows the student to gain practical experience. An in-depth paper is required. PY 402 Writing and Research for Publication and Application (3 credits) - Summer ) Upon instructor approval of exemplary work in PY 382, students will advance their research and writing skills by planning, producing and submitting manuscripts for publication. This course includes analysis of professional journals and review of the different types of publications. A more thorough literature review, advanced reading and obtaining an inclusive and representative participant sample will also be required. Final article must be submitted to a journal and presented at a regional or national research conference. Students will also attempt to implement their research in an applied setting. Prerequisites: PY 382 and consent PY 411 Fundamentals of Counseling (3 credits) - Spring Even Years ) 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: PY 111, 321, and sophomore standing at time of registration PY 435 Motivation and Emotion

(3 credits) - Spring Odd Years ) 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. PY 441 Theories of Personality (3 credits) - Fall Even Years ) 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. PY 461 Abnormal Psychology An examination of the symptoms, etiology and treatment of abnormal behavior. Current diagnostic classifications are used as a conceptual framework. PY 485 Senior Seminar in Psychology 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. Students will complete a scholarly faith integration paper. Students will also complete a service learning experience as part of course work. Prerequisites: Major in psychology and senior standing PY 490 Independent Study (1 to 4 credits) - Fall, Spring ) Advanced readings and study of some problems in psychology giving the student experience in the techniques of independent study. PY 495 Internship (2 to 4 credits) - Fall, Spring ) 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.