Behavioral Sciences Courses
PSYCHOLOGY COURSES
PSY 100 (3) General Psychology I—A basic course in the foundational principles of the subject, designed to acquaint the student with the nature of psychology as a science, with emphasis on motivation, emotion, intelligence, health, social behavior, personality, psychological disorders, and psychotherapy.
PSY 100 is recommend for all other PSY Courses
PSY 110 (3) General Psychology II—A basic course with special emphasis upon learning, physiological studies, sensation, perception, consciousness, development, memory, and thinking. Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 210 (3) Social Psychology —A study of the ways in which individuals think about, influence, and relate to other people. A scientific analysis of human social behavior.
PSY 220 (3) Stress Management—Designed to increase awareness of factors that help or hinder personal adjustment to life events and situations. Stress inoculation, stress management, and coping resources are emphasized.
PSY 274 (1) Writing for Behavioral Sciences—Students will learn the format and style advocated by the American Psychological Association.
PSY 275 (1) Survey of Psychology-related Careers—Designed for any student interested in the range of career paths open to psychology majors. Surveys careers in counseling, psychotherapy, psychological assessment, social and human services, residential care, forensic applications and settings, teaching (high school or college/university), research, industrial/organizational, psychiatry and other medical specialties, psychiatric nursing, and church/para-church/missions applications. Job search strategies, steps and tools are detailed.
PSY 300 (3) Developmental Psychology I: Infancy and Childhood—The study of human development emphasizing some of the significant theories and known characteristics of the various "stages" of development from conception through childhood.
PSY 302 (3) Developmental Psychology II: Adolescence, Adulthood, and Aging—The study of human development emphasizing some of the significant theories and known characteristics of development from adolescence through adulthood to death
PSY 315 (3) Statistics for Behavioral Science—An introduction to descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and probability with emphasis on the application of these statistical procedures to experimentation. Prerequisite: MAT 120 or equivalent.
PSY 320 (3) Psychology of Gender—Examines the psychobiological, sociopsychological, evolutionary, and developmental perspectives on gender. Integrates theories regarding the psychology of gender into a Christian worldview that includes the doctrines of creation, the fall, redemption, vocation, and escatological hope.
PSY 322 (3) Equine Facilitated Mental Health—Provides an introduction to the cutting-edge fields of equine assisted personal development and equine assisted therapies. The different approaches, the variety of therapeutic settings, and the special populations that can be served are addressed. Also emphasized are equine psychology and body language.
PSY 330 (3) Cognitive Psychology—Explores the current and historical theories, research findings and methodologies associated with topics relating to various information processing tasks. Perception, attention, memory, knowledge representation and organization, language, reasoning, and problem solving. Prerequisite: PSY 110
PSY 340 (3) Forensic Psychology—Provides an introduction to the major theories and issues related to the practice of forensic psychology. Emphasis is placed on the application and practice of psychology in both the civil and criminal justice systems with the following topics examined in depth: police and investigative psychology, family forensic psychology, psychology of crime and delinquency, victimology and victim services, legal psychology, expert witness testimony, consulting psychology, and correctional psychology. Pre-requisite: SOC 101.
PSY 341 (3) History and Systems of Psychology—Historical development, description and explanation of different schools of thought in psychology. An integrated understanding of modern psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and 110.
PSY 342 (3) Cross-Cultural Psychology—Examines the effects of culture on the way people think, act, feel, adapt to their environments, and relate to others. Explores various psychological processes across global cultures including emotion, personality, cognition, perception, communication, development, gender concepts, abnormal psychology, treatment, self and identity, and social behaviors and interactions. [*Course does NOT satisfy the Cross-Cultural Experience requirement.] Prerequisites: PSY 100.
PSY 351 (3) Counseling and Psychotherapy I—An introduction to the various theories, techniques, and issues related to the practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Integration of applied psychology, Wesleyan theology, and spirituality are emphasized. Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 352 (3) Counseling and Psychotherapy II—Advancement of the student's knowledge of the practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Introductory helping skill development is emphasized through supervised training experience with a systematic model. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and PSY 351.
PSY 360 (3) Abnormal Psychology—Studies abnormal behavior and psychological disorders with consideration of causal factors, symptom patterns, and treatment options. Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 372 (3) Experimental Psychology—Procedures utilizing experimental design are learned and used in undertaking classroom experiments dealing with a variety of topics in psychology and related fields. Prerequisites: PSY 274, Pre/Co-requistie: PSY 315.
PSY 375 (1) Integration and Vocation Seminar—Explores the relationship between Christianity and psychology as a science and helps students clarify their own calling as Christian psychologists. Prerequisites: PSY 274.
PSY 376 (1) Pre-Professional Seminar—Students will be informed about all aspects of graduate school (preparation, application, success) as well as how to prepare for occupational success after undergraduate life. Prerequisites: PSY 275
PSY 381 (3) Physiological Psychology—Physiological explanation of behavior, primarily in the areas of sensation, motivation, learning, and memory. Prerequisites: PSY 100, and 110, and BIO 100 (or equivalent).
PSY 391 (1-3) Independent Study—An in‑depth study of a given problem area of interest to the student. Designed for students who plan graduate studies in psychology or for those who desire to enhance their own personal development. Not more than a total of eight hours of Independent Study, or internship may apply toward the major. Prerequisites: PSY Majors only and permission of professor. Contract.
PSY 393 (1-3) Seminar—Study of various topics of psychological theory, research, and application.
PSY 435 (1-3) Clinical/Counseling Practicum—Provides a practicum experience in a clinical/counseling context in order to expose the student to practical applications of psychology in real world settings. Pre/Co-requisites: PSY 351, 352, and 360. Contract.
PSY 436 (1-3) Research Practicum—Provides a practicum experience in a research context in order to expose the student to practical applications of psychology in real world settings. Pre-requisites: PSY 315, and 372. Contract.
PSY 437 (1-3) Teaching Practicum— Provides a practicum experience in an educational context in order to expose the student to practical applications of psychology in real world settings. Pre-requisites: PSY 100, and 110. Contract.
PSY 442 (3) Psychology of Religion—Relates modern psychological theory, research, and practice to the study of religious experience. Selected aspects of psychology are also examined in the light of the Christian religion. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and 110.
PSY 452 (3) Psychology of Personality—An examination of personality structure, dynamics, and development emphasizing major theoretical perspectives and current research. Prerequisite: PSY 100.
PSY 462 (3) Psychological Assessment—Acquaints the student with various theories, techniques, and issues in the practice of psychological assessment. Prerequisites: PSY 100, and 360.
PSY 472 (3) Psychology of Learning and Motivation—A comparison of theoretical explanations of the causes of behavior and behavior change, and of the empirical evidence on which they are based. Prerequisites: PSY 100 and 110.
PSY 475 (2) Senior Seminar—Requires students to develop their individual systems of psychology, develop their stand on ethical issues, and complete their basic knowledge of psychology. Prerequisite: Senior PSY majors only. [Pre-requisite: PSY 274
SOCIOLOGY COURSES
SOC 100 (3) Introduction to Sociology—An introduction to the perspectives, methods, concepts, and general findings of the sociologist. Includes discussion of historical and conceptual development of sociology and is a study of society with analysis of group life and other forces shaping human behavior. Serves as the basic course for students who intend to take additional courses in sociology or as a support course for other majors.
SOC 101 (3) Introduction to Criminal Justice--A study of the general social conditions as they relate to understanding of crime, juvenile delinquency, and the corrections systems. An analysis of the incidence, causes, the court systems, methods of treatment, punishment, reform, and measures for prevention of crime and delinquency is included in this study.
SOC 201 (3) Social Problems and Globalization in the 21st Century—Globalization is the process by which social realities increasingly extend beyond the confines of one’s own societal context and gives rise to new interdependencies, implications, and challenges on a global scale. This course takes a sociological perspective on globalization and current social problems, in which attention is given to the 21st century “flat” world.
SOC 212 (3) Introduction to Anthropology—An introduction to the comparative study of man and his culture. Treated are such themes as social organization (e.g. marriage, kinship, social stratification, etc.), social interaction (e.g. economic and political systems, religion, social control, etc.), and cultural change.
SOC 230 (3) Leading Groups and Organizations--Transformational and effective leadership of groups and organizations requires a comprehensive understanding of social group dynamics such as: social interaction, social structures, change, roles, group/organizational development, and many other social factors. Examines the sociological aspects of leadership from both the classical and contemporary perspectives, as well as from a biblical view of leadership. Students will learn from the organizational process in "real time," as they launch an actual non-profit organization designed to surface the various social aspects of group leadership.
SOC 260 (3) Social Justice and Community Development—The first half of the course will focus on an introduction to the symbolic, institutional and individual aspects of systemic oppression in local and global contexts and introduces students to theories of social justice and peace and strategies for social change. The second half of the course will focus on community development and will examine community development beginning with its historical roots. Policies that form the contemporary framework of the field will also be discussed, along with key theories such as social capital formation and asset development. Successful church-based and other nonprofit community development models will be identified and explored.
SOC 252 (3) Juvenile Delinquency—A study of the problems of juvenile delinquency in America and across cultures; including its nature and causes, the juvenile court system, methods of treatment, probation, detention, parole and prevention.
SOC 311 (3) Sociology of Religion—Cross‑cultural analysis of religion as a social institution as it relates to culture, society, and the individual. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or 212.
SOC 312 (3) Issues in Intercultural Relations—A study of the cultural, political, economic, linguistic and social relationships between racial and ethnic groups in multicultural America, and within and between other nations. Emphasis will be on understanding the origins, history and current state of racial and ethnic groups, the appreciation of other cultures, and on the Christian responses to conflict.
SOC 322 (3) Rural Studies—A study of the rural culture, its role, socialization, interaction processes, and of their effect upon society. Emphasis upon the Appalachian culture, its institutions, folkways, and social structure. Fee.
SOC 323 (3) Urban Studies—A study of urban social, economic, and political growth and their effects upon mass society. Emphasis on patterns of urban growth, demographic and ecological processes, institutions, folkways, and dynamics of social class. Fee.
SOC 331 (3) Introduction to Research Methods (same as SW 331)—Prerequisite: Major in Social Work or Sociology or permission of the professor.
SOC 341 (3) Marriage and Family Studies—Development of the family as a social institution with emphasis on the contemporary American family its structure and interaction. Emphasis will also be placed on family organization, interaction, and communication in the parental and postparental family. Courtship and marriage given special emphasis. Mate selection problems, adjustments in marriage, communication, human sexuality, finances and other important factors included. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the professor.
SOC 353 (3) International Social Issues—Examines international social problems. Social problems are defined as issues that affect many people and require collective action. The course is designed to study social problems that affect the lives of inhabitants in several countries and require international action to bring their resolution.
SOC 372 (3) Sociological Theory—A study of the development of the discipline of sociology in terms of the major trends of sociological theory, past and present, including the theorists and the major theoretical problem areas of the discipline. Prerequisite: Senior standing; Sociology, Social Sciences or Philosophy majors.
SOC 391 (1-3) Independent Study—Individual research and/or reading in particular fields of sociology. Prerequisite: Permission of the professor. Contract.
SOC 393 (1-3) Seminar—The study of various social issues with special emphasis on trends and issues of interest in the field. Topics will be determined and announced each semester when the course is offered.
SOC 414 (3) Perspectives on Aging—Study of the social, psychological, biological and economic aspects of aging. The content is interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and examines the positive contributions and special problems of the aging population. Dying, death and grief are included in the exploration of end of life stages.
SOC 435 (2-5) Applied Sociology—To provide the opportunity for extensive work in a selected area of sociology, including special investigations, reports, and discussions. Internships can be designed to meet the student's specific interests. Prerequisite: Senior Sociology Major and/or permission of the professor. Contract.
SOC 475 (2) Senior Seminar--Serves as the senior capstone course for sociology majors. Provides integration of theory and practice. Includes case studies, readings, a final integrative written paper and study of vocational and educational (graduate programs) pathways within sociology as well as the administration of a general knowledge standardized test in sociology for program assessment purposes.
SOCIAL WORK COURSES
SW 100 (3) Introduction to Social Work—An introduction course designed to study the development of the social work profession and the role of the social worker in society. The values and attitudes of the social worker are explored. The course includes field trips in which the student has opportunity to observe various social service agencies and the role and responsibilities of the social worker within these settings. Prerequisite: Interest in major in Social Work.
SW 211 (3) Social Service Systems—A conceptual framework is established that will provide the student with the knowledge base necessary to approach the various systems in social services. The student will begin to utilize practical skills needed to serve client systems. 45 hours of volunteer service in an agency setting is required. Prerequisite: SW 100.
SW 251 (3) Human Behavior and the Social Environment I: Birth to Adolescence—Study of human growth and activity of the individual as a basis for understanding of oneself and the individuals of society. Emphasis will be on change, and growth at different stages across the life span. An interdisciplinary approach examining biological, psychological, sociological, cultural, environmental, and spiritual aspects of human behavior will be used and applied to social work practice and understanding. Several theoretical approaches to explain human behavior and personality development are included. Prerequisite: SW 100.
SW 252 (3) Human Behavior in the Social Environment II: Adolescence through Adulthood and Aging—Study of human growth and activity of the individual as a basis for understanding oneself and the individuals of society. An interdisciplinary approach examining biological, psychological, sociological, cultural, environmental, and spiritual aspects of human behavior will be used and applied to Social Work Practice and understanding. Several significant theoretical approaches to explain human behavior and personality development are included, with focus on change and growth from adolescence through adulthood and aging. Prerequisite: SW 251.
SW 302 (3) Contemporary Issues in Social Work—A study of contemporary issues and trends in social work set within an historical context of the development of the social work field. Emphasis is placed on value and ethical dilemmas of practice and policy issues encountered by the social worker. Attention is given to problem and policy analysis to a wide range of activities and events that influence the quality of life for individuals, groups and society. Prerequisites: SW 100 and 211.
SW 310 (3) Social Work Practice Theory I—Students will be expected to demonstrate an integration and utilization of the knowledge base developed in Social Service Systems. Interviewing and counseling techniques will be emphasized through video‑taped role‑playing during the first half of the course. The second half will focus on furthering skills in working with groups and families. Prerequisite: SW 211.
SW 311 (3) Social Services for Children and Families—A study of the various social services for children. This will include a historical perspective of child welfare and an awareness of societal problems which creates a need for social services to children and their families. Alternative placements outside the home, such as adoption, foster care, and institutionalization will be discussed as well as the supportive services offered to intact families and children. Prerequisite: SW 100, 211, or permission of professor.
SW 331 (3) Introduction to Research Methods (same as SOC 331)—A course directed toward introducing the student to the basic research process elementary research design, data collection procedures; analysis and interpretation of data, and the preparation of a research proposal or report. Prerequisite: Major in Social Work or Sociology or permission of the professor.
SW 340 (5) Practicum I—The student is placed for a minimum of 200 hours for the semester in an agency providing social services. Requires a two-hour weekly seminar and individual, regular meetings with both field and academic instructors. The practicum and practice seminar provide additional opportunity for the student to integrate classroom knowledge with practical experience. The practicum is designed to give the student experience in working with individuals and/or groups in an agency setting. Assigned readings, process recording, and other tools are used to enhance the field practicum experience. Must be taken either fall or spring semester. Prerequisite or concurrently: SW 310. Junior or senior social work majors only.
SW 351 (3) Family Life Education—Examines the historical development, current problems, and emerging trends in Family Life Education, with special attention to family, church, school, and community. Emphasis is given to application of knowledge of spiritual and cultural concerns in topical presentations as part of students’ preparation for family life work and ministry.
SW 385 (3) Spiritual Formation and Social Work--This course is an exploratory effort to probe the connections between spiritual formation and social work. It arises from the belief that an integrated conceptualization of Christian social work is a rich source of vision, compassion and ability; and is more efficacious than a compartmentalized model in which so-called “secular” social work is done by persons who also happen to be Christians.
SW 391 (1-3) Independent Study—Individual research and/or reading in particular fields of social work. Prerequisite: Permission of the professor. Contract.
SW 393 (1-3) Seminar—Seminars will be offered in specific subject matters as necessary to further prepare students in the social work field. These courses could be independent study or a regular class format. Course will be an elective unless stipulated for a specific option in social work.
SW 402 (3) Social Welfare Policies—To develop an understanding of the history, concepts and consequences of social welfare policies of national, state, local and agency organizations. Analyzes the effects on the functioning of social workers at various agency and governmental levels. Examines methods of achieving change in social policy as well as policy implementation. Prerequisites: SW 100, 211 or SOC major.
SW 410 (3) Social Work Practice Theory II—Designed to further the students' knowledge and competence as a skilled case worker and counselor. Designed to provide an overview of the divergent forms of counseling and therapy, the class will help students increase their knowledge and competence in the selection and use of various therapies. The course will emphasize personal dimensions as counselors. Prerequisites: SW 310, 340.
SW 422 (3) Social Work Administration—A study of administration and management principles in which students are introduced to organizing, community and organization needs assessment, goal setting, recruiting, selecting and organizing employees, securing and managing financial resources, grant writing, evaluating agency and program efforts.
SW 435 (2-3) Senior Social Work Practicum—Practicum in an area of special interest and opportunity to increase skills and knowledge. Open only to seniors who have completed SW 340 and 440. Details are to be coordinated carefully with the supervising instructor and field placement supervisor. Contract.
SW 440 (8) Practicum II—The student is placed for a minimum of 320 hours for the semester in a social services agency. Every effort will be made for a placement compatible with the student’s skills and interests. In addition the student is to meet individually on a regular basis with both field and academic instructors. The practicum and required practice seminar provide additional opportunity for the student to integrate classroom knowledge with practical experience. The practicum is designed to give the student experience with individuals, groups and organization in the agency setting. Assigned readings, process recording and other tools are used to enhance the field practicum experience. Prerequisite: SW 410 or concurrently. Senior social work majors only.
SW 475 (2) Senior Seminar—Serves as the senior capstone course for social work program for the integration of theory, knowledge, skills, and values. Case studies, readings, and final written paper will be used as learning and discussion tools. Emphasis will be on ethical and value consideration as they apply to generalist social work practice. Exit interviews and testing, and resume preparation are a part of the course.
Bulletin 2011-2012 Revised 8/26/2011
