Psychology Course Descriptions
PS 222 Adolescent Development
This course acquaints students with the major themes, theories and theorists in the field of Developments Psychology and their application to adolescence. It focuses on the traditional years of human development for early, middle, and late adolescence as influenced by various milieu (family, peers, school, church, work) in the areas of cognitive, emotional, social, physical development, and spiritual formation. The course content and teaching style are intended to assist students in building a broad knowledge base of human development that will facilitate future learning and knowledge application. Same as ED 222. (3 Credits)
PS 230 Skills of the Helping Professional
An introduction to the basic principles of effective counseling, with special emphasis upon counseling situations likely to be confronted by specialized Christian workers. (3)
PS 235 Marriage and the Family
An examination of the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of marriages and families, including Biblical principles used in ministry to families. Same as CE 235 and SS235. (3)
PS 249 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
An investigation of the growth and development of persons, examining the developmental theories of Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg, Maslow, and others from a Christian perspective. Prerequisite: SS171 Principles of Psychology. Same as ED 249 and SS 249. IAI code S6 902. (3)
PS 289 Personality Theory
This is a study of the historical background of psychology, with emphasis on theoretical systems. Critically examines psychology’s most influential theories regarding the nature of persons and personality development. Prerequisite: SS 171. (3)
PS 308 Abnormal Psychology
This course provides and introductory study of the major mental and emotional disorders, and the settings in which they develop. The impact of these disorders on the family and community will be discussed as well as the implications for ministering to those affected by these issues. Prerequisite: SS 171. (3)
PS 343 Educational Psychology
A course surveying the principles involved in learning and teaching, including learning theories, student development characteristics, learning styles, objectives, and classroom management. Teacher education majors earn 10 hours practicum. Same as ED 343. (3)
PS 365 Psychology and Religion
A study of the historical and current relationship between psychology and religion, including an examination of the influence of religion on the origins of psychology and its practice, on the development of theories, and on the theories and practices of today. The course will also examine psychological research studies that demonstrate the efficacy of a person’s faith on his or her mental and emotional well-being. (3)
PS 371 Research Methods
An examination of the scientific methods used in designing and conducting experiments in the social and behavioral sciences. Students will learn to critically review research in the fields of social work, psychology, and counseling, in order to make use of knowledge available consistent with the scientific method and with the tenets of their faith. Prerequisite: MA 295. (3)
PS 376 Social Psychology
A study of how individuals feel, think, and behave in social setting, including how people form attitudes, evaluations and judgments of others, what causes people’s behavior, how we interpret others’ behaviors, and how our interpretations of others’ behaviors influences how we treat them. Prerequisite: SS 171. (3)
PS 380 Physiological Psychology
This is a study of the relation of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and biochemical substrates of behavioral processes. Foundational concepts of psychotropic medications, neuromechanisms of drug action and examinations of drug action and behavior will be covered. Prerequisite: SC 251. (3)
PS 390 Human Sexuality
This is a study of patterns of sexual behavior and sexual development. Included is an assessment of appropriate sexual behavior from the Christian perspective as well as the social, spiritual, emotional, and physical consequences of deviant sexual behaviors and practices that students are likely to confront in their ministries, including homosexuality, promiscuity, paraphelias, and pornography. Juniors and Seniors only. (3)
PS 391 Crisis Intervention
This is a study of areas of human behavior typically necessitating intervention, with particular focus on family violence, substance abuse and severe depression. Students learn to identify behaviors that indicate crisis, develop personal skills and models of intervention, and appropriate referral tactics. Issues of personal, social, and legal relevance are covered. Cultural sensitivity will be emphasized. (3)
PS 392 Chemical Dependency
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and basic skills to recognize and understand the dynamics of chemical dependency in the lives of individuals, as well as the impact on families and the community. It provides an examination of substance use and abuse, the causes and consequences, treatment and prevention from sociological, psychological, and pharmacological perspectives. (3)
PS 393 Special Issues in Minstry to Females
This course examine issues especially relevant to the female population (e.g., codependency, eating disorders, and depression) and the ways that females respond differently in dealing with these issues. It also attempts to work toward awareness of the differences between males and females in dealing with developmental issues and crises. Prerequisite Junior status. (2)
PS 394 Social Gerontology
This course introduces the field of adult development with an interdisciplinary perspective stressing the interaction of psychological, social, and physiological factors affecting the aging process. Goals are to help the student understand the processes and diversity in the aging process and help the learner work with older adults and their families in a variety of ministry settings. (3)
PS 399 Special Issues in Psychology
Advanced study of one or more topics in the field of Psychology. (1-3)
PS 400 Internship in Psychology: Orientation
An introduction to and preparation for the internship experience and life-related skills for all Juniors two semesters prior to the planned internship. (0)
PS 401 Internship in Psychology
A senior-level supervised internship experience with an approved mentor in an approved setting, within the student’s degree program or focus, evaluated according to the requirements in individually written learning covenants. Prerequisites: CM 152, CM 303, PS 400, and Internship Director and the student’s faculty mentor. (6)
PS 442 Ministry to Children in Crisis
A survey of the spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs of children aged 2-12 as they respond to various personal and family crises. Includes introductory- level ministry models, methods, and resources for ministering to children facing crises. Prerequisite: Junior status. Same as CE 442. (2)
PS 449 marriage Enrichment
A course designed to lead a married couple to personal enrichment with each other and to equip the couple to be able to enrich the marriages of others. Same as CE 449. (3)