Psychology / Religion Major

Intensive analyses of the ideas and literary patterns of the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, Song of Solomon, and certain other selections from the inter-testamental literature of the Hebrews. Meets the general education biblical studies requirement.

Studies in the epistolary form as it appears in the New Testament, focusing particularly on the issues which arise in the Pauline Letters and the broader cultural milieu of the first century church. Meets the general education biblical studies requirement.

Intensive study of the three synoptic Gospels as they interpret the works and words of Jesus Christ. Meets the general education biblical studies requirement.

A philosophical approach to and analysis of the basic concepts of religion, together with its implications for theism and Christianity. Meets the general education writing intensive requirement.

An analysis of personal and social ethics, with particular attention to the problems of Christian ethics in contemporary society. Criteria for ethical judgments will be examined and an attempt made to establish certain theological norms that ought to be met in Christian ethics. Meets the general education writing intensive requirement.

This lifespan development course examines human growth and development from prenatal life through old age. Advances in research illumine the intellectual, emotional, social, moral, and religious developmental processes in persons across cultures and socio-economic strata. Group presentations as well as written reflections and reading reports assess student mastery of this course.

This course examines the social and psychological factors involved in attitude formation, anger, frustration, and prejudice. The social organization of groups, the development of values, the motivational changes brought about by cultural, and familial rituals are examined. In this course students learn through field observation, social psychological inquiry through empirical investigations, and public service involvement. Cross listed with SOC 304.

Theories of personality form the perspectives through which students explore their own nature as a human being. Each major theory is examined in terms of its philosophical assumptions, major concepts, research regarding its validity, and resulting therapies. Recent neuropsychological evidence regarding the formation of the core self, the function of the autobiographical self, and the capacity for moral choice are included in the curriculum. Students experience theories and therapies through the roles of client and therapist through live-vignette work in the classroom.

Current theories of psychological counseling and the techniques commonly used in therapies are the focus of this course. Role-play with peers allows students the opportunity to practice counseling skills and develop a personal counseling style. Special emphasis is given to examining how faith and values influence the theory and practice of counseling.

This course provides an introduction to abnormal behavior and addresses the different perspectives on what constitutes ‘abnormality.' A vulnerability-stress-coping model of maladaptive behavior is emphasized within the course text and in class discussions. Causes, developmental courses, treatments, and outcomes of the major categories of mental disorders are studied from epidemiological, clinical, and phenomenological perspectives. This course typically includes involvement with community based mental health programs.

This interactive course explores moral and ethical issues commonly faced by psychologists. Students develop personal vocational mission statements, present their portfolios, and prepare for job interviews and/or graduate school admissions interviews. Working in teams of two or three, students prepare and present an educational workshop for a target audience within the campus and community on a topic of their choice.

A historical and philosophical study of the development of Christian theology over the centuries.

Analysis of methodology in the development of certain historically important systems of Christian theology with a focus upon doing theology in the 21st century. A consideration of how the student may do theology today.