Courses

PSYC 212 - General Psychology

3 hours

A beginning course in the basic principles and concepts of psychology. Attention given to the concepts of Christian psychology. Recommended as a preliminary to other courses in the field. (Fall, Spring)

PSYC 220 - Human Growth and Development

3 hours

A study of the basic principles of human growth and development. The environmental and psychological functions of human development are examined. Includes case studies. (Fall, Spring)

PSYC 222 - Ethics for Mental Health Professionals

3 hours

An overview of ethical and legal issues related to human services professions. Topics include responsibility, competency, duty to warn, confidentiality, professional relationships, and professional licensing standards and procedures. As part of the course students will have a major term paper that will be used to introduce the research skills used in the field of psychology. Students will learn to use primary and secondary sources as well as psychology journals, indexes, and databases as needed for psychology research papers. Psychology majors will begin the process of senior portfolio development. This course fulfills the requirement for UNIV 201: Research in an Academic Discipline as specified in Southwestern's Quality Enhancement Plan. (Spring)

PSYC 244 - Courtship, Marriage, and Family

3 hours

Emphasis on dating, engagement, marriage, and successful family life-styles. Good communication and relationship skills are studied. (Fall)

PSYC 291 - Selected Topics

1-3 hours

Prerequisite: Approval of department chair.

A study in an area of student interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve research, laboratory or library work. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

PSYC 320 - Parenting Skills

3 hours

A study of the care and guidance of the young child. Strategies for handling problems and behaviors are discussed. (Fall)

PSYC 322 - Adolescent Psychology

3 hours

An overview of the physical, mental and emotional phases of human development during the adolescent years. A study of the environmental and educational problems of the teenager. (Also taught as EDUC 322.) (Spring)

PSYC 326 - Exceptional Children

3 hours

Provides students with skills to include children of all abilities through appropriate arrangement of the environment. Study will include the characteristics, assessment, admission, review, and dismissal processes for special students requiring individualized or specialized programs. (Also taught as EDUC 326.) (Spring)

PSYC 331 - Strength in Diversity

3 hours

A study of racial and ethnic groups in American society featuring an examination of their history, cultural heritage, contribution, struggles, and hopes for the future. Emphasis will be placed on a strengths-based analysis of diverse groups. (Spring)

PSYC 338 - Conflict Resolution

3 hours

Recommended prerequisites: PSYC 212, SOCI 111

A study of practical applications of conflict and dispute resolution. The course focuses on developing practical problem solving and decision making skills while exploring issues of self-awareness, identity, culture, power, race, gender, violence, and forgiveness. Workplace disputes are explored and addressed from a perspective emphasizing preventive models. (Fall)

PSYC 340 - Abnormal Psychology

3 hours

Prerequisite: PSYC 212.

A study of maladaptive and disorganized behavior patterns within a personal and social context, including their development, symptoms, and treatment. Focus on the various etiologies of mental illness and treatment modalities. (Spring)

PSYC 360 - Personality Theory & Development

3 hours

A study of major theories and the development of personality. (Fall)

PSYC 410 - Group Therapy

3 hours

A study of the group dynamics, the stages of group development, group interventions, and the selection of group participants. Students will gain the essential knowledge and skills for understanding, organizing, and working with groups. (Fall)

PSYC 445 - Deviant Behavior

3 hours

An examination of what deviant behavior is (including specific examples of behavior which is so labeled) and social explanations for its existence. (Spring)

PSYC 450 - Psychology of Adulthood and Aging

3 hours

A study of adult development covering the full range of adult years from 18 to 100 or more. Consideration is also given to death and dying. Biological, social, and psychological forces that govern the process of development are the focus of the course and how adult differences affect the process and pattern of development. (Spring)

PSYC 460 - Applied Social Research Methods

3 hours

Prerequisite: MATH 241.

An introduction to applied research methods and their applications to the disciplines of Physical Education, and Psychology. Emphasis is on understanding basic terminology, the use of fundamental research tools, and the integration of research and practice. Students will gain experience with single subject designs, program evaluation methods, SPSS-driven data analysis, and case studies in data collection. This course fulfills the requirement for an upper-division course with components as specified in Southwestern's Quality Enhancement Plan. (Also taught as KINT 460.) (Fall)

PSYC 470 - Counseling Theory & Techniques

3 hours

A study of various theories and techniques used in the counseling process. Study will also include techniques for interviews, administration, questionnaires, and records used in guidance work by teachers, ministers, counselors, and psychologists. Study will include the ethics and principles involved in the counseling process as they relate to the counselor, as well as the situation. This course fulfills the requirement for a capstone/portfolio completion course with components as specified in Southwestern's Quality Enhancement Plan. (Spring) Senior year only.

PSYC 480 - Psychology Internship

1-6 hours

Prerequisite: Senior status, cumulative GPA 2.8, and approval of department director.

This course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity for training in practical work situations and areas of interest dealing in the area of psychology. There are 45 clock hours required for each credit hour. Admission is limited to students who have completed at least 24 hours in psychology. The Psychology Internship must be student driven, but will require departmental approval on a case by case basis. Pass/fail course.

PSYC 491 - Selected Topics

1-3 hours

Prerequisite: Approval of the department director.