Psychology
PSY 1180: General Psychology: Individual in Growth (5)
Offerings
General psychology introduces students to the scientific study and assessment of mental processes and behavior. The course is a survey of the diverse field of psychology, which includes an overview of the major sub-fields of the discipline. Topics include: a brief history of psychology, the physiological foundations of behavior, sensation and perception, psychological development throughout the lifespan, learning theory, motivation and emotion, personality theory, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and treatment of psychological disorders. Readings and class discussions will consider the interplay between psychology and faith. Additionally, the science of psychology and its ways of knowing will be explored throughout the quarter with writing assignments and a research requirement.
Attributes: Social Science A, WK Social Sciences
Restrictions: Senior students are excluded.
PSY 1181: General Psychology: A Health Sciences Approach (5)
Offerings
With an intentional focus on the behavioral and social sciences competencies expected within the health sciences, this course introduces students to the scientific study and assessment of mental processes and behavior. The course is a survey of the diverse field of psychology, which includes an overview of the major sub-fields of the discipline. Topics include: a brief history of psychology, the physiological and biological foundations of behavior, sensation and perception, psychological development throughout the lifespan, learning theory, motivation and emotion, personality theory, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and the biological underpinnings of psychological disorders as well as treatment. Readings and class discussions will consider the interplay between psychology, biology, and faith. Additionally, the science of psychology and its ways of knowing will be explored throughout the quarter with interactive activities/assignments and a research requirement.
Attributes: WK Social Sciences
PSY 1200: Psychology as Vocation (1)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Provides an overview of the various career paths in psychology within the context of the concept of vocation, for the purpose of helping students discern their calling in psychology and psychology-related fields. Major topics are specialization within the sub-disciplines of psychology and preparation for those sub-disciplines, including volunteer or research experience, testing requirements, the application process, and necessary education or coursework. In addition to describing the practical aspects of the different sub-disciplines of psychology, the course will address the meaning of calling and vocation and the implications of being called to serve one's community as a psychologist. This course is required of all psychology majors, but is open to any student interested in psychology.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 2360: Introduction to Statistics in Social and Behavioral Sciences (5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: A C- or better in PSY 1180, and Math Placement Level B or a C- or better in MAT 0145. Presents an introduction to data analysis and research in social and behavioral science. Explores, at an introductory level, descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., correlation, regression, hypothesis testing, chi-square, experimental / ANOVA analyses) and research applications of those techniques. An emphasis is placed on analysis and handling of real data, processes of discovery in social and behavioral science, understanding published research, and developing professional skills with statistical software.
Equivalents: SOC 2360
Attributes: Mathematics (MAT), WK Quantitative Reasoning
Restrictions: Psychology, Sociology Majors only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND (Math Placement Level: B or better
OR MAT 0145: C- or better)
AND (Math Proficiency Exam: 36 or better
PSY 2361: Research Experience in Psychology (1-3)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Provides introductory experiences in the conduct of actual empirical research in social and behavioral science. Credit variable up to a maximum of three per term. May be repeated for credit up to 6 credits.
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 2402: Psychology and Christian Faith (3)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. This course examines potential relationships between theories of psychological science and Christian theology. A variety of topics will be considered from the perspectives of each discipline. For example, the course will consider psychological theory and research about the self-conscious emotions of guilt and shame, as well as Biblical analyses of these experiences. We will also consider recent insights from trauma theory, religious coping research, and research about spiritual struggle, in light of theological analyses about suffering and Biblical portrayals of anger toward God. Other topics may include the relationship between religion / spirituality and health, as well as the psychology of evil and Christian portrayals of sin.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 2422: Psychology of Personal Growth and Civic Development (3)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Provides an introduction to principles of human growth and holistic character development, building upon positive psychological research into happiness, well-being, and virtues. Emphasis is on practical application toward personal development that involves civic engagement with significant social issues.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 2470: Lifespan Developmental Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Surveys human development from conception to death, focusing on the interacting processes of physical, cognitive, social, emotional and moral development within social and cultural contexts, including developmental tasks and transitions associated with developmental stages.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 3360: Abnormal Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Examines the history, causes, and symptoms of abnormal behavior with reference to modern methods of assessment and treatment. Emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding maladaptive behavior.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Applied Human Biology, Exercise Science, Indiv and Fam Development, Music Therapy, Psychology Majors only. Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 3388: Brain and Behavior Exploration (5)
Offerings
This course provides an introduction to functional neuroanatomy. Students will explore the brain and its important roles in human behavior through systematic dissection of the sheep brain and the use of interactive computer software. Students will engage in discussion of case studies, newsworthy events, and other real life examples to illustrate the functionality and behavioral relevance of the brain regions explored in the course.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only.
PSY 3410: Cross-Cultural Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Surveys research and theories on culture and psychology. Focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of Western and non-Western worldviews and their relation to various psychological topics, such as mental health, personality, spirituality, and emotion. Highlights both empirical and experiential approaches to studying cultural issues in psychology. When offered as a study abroad course, this class will include mandatory excursions.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Global Development Studies, Psychology Majors only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 3438: Social Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Examines human thought, emotion, and behavior in social contexts. Major topics include impression formation, social cognition, attribution, self, attitudes, persuasion, prejudice, conformity, group behavior, aggression, helping, attraction, and interpersonal relationships. SOC 4440 may be substituted for PSY 3438 in the psychology major, although PSY 3438 is the recommended course. Students may not receive credit for both PSY 3438 and SOC 4440.
Equivalents: SOC 4440
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Psychology, Sociology Majors only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 3439: Motivation and Leadership (5)
Offerings
Presents the theories and principles of motivation and leadership with practical applications in business, church, community and educational settings.
Equivalents: BUS 3439
Attributes: Upper-Division
PSY 3442: Personality and Individual Differences (3)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Personality psychology is the study of the individual characteristics that make each person unique. This class will focus on major theories in personality science and the ways those theories are evaluated. An emphasis will be placed on personality research and how personality can be studied scientifically. We will then use this as a way to understand topical areas psychology, such as well-being, emotionality, religiosity, preferences, and more. Students will have the opportunity to explore personality through application exercises and projects.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 3448: Tests and Measurements in Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: PSY 1180 and PSY 2360 or equivalent. Explores the nature and use of measurement and evaluation, psychometric theory and standardized testing. Develops concepts and skills in the development, selection, administration and interpretation of psychological and educational tests and nontesting means of evaluation.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: D or better
AND (PSY 2360: D or better
OR SOC 2360: D or better)
PSY 3460: Child Developmental Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Surveys child development from conception through late childhood, focusing on physical, cognitive, social, emotional and moral development. Child development within various social and cultural contexts will be explored. Students will have the opportunity to examine the main theories and concepts in relation to applied challenges and controversies in child development. Finally, students will gain an understanding of various methodologies used to assess child development.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 3588: Psychological Research Methods (5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: A C- or better in PSY 1180 and PSY 2360 (or equivalent course). Explores the nature of scientific inquiry, the variety of psychological research methods, the design of internally and externally valid studies, and the application to designs of statistical techniques. Develops skills in locating, interpreting and evaluating published research.
Equivalents: SOC 3751
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Psychology, Sociology Majors only. Freshman students are excluded.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND (PSY 2360: C- or better
OR SOC 2360: C- or better)
OR (MAT 2360: C- or better
OR MAT 1360: C- or better)
PSY 3700: Learning and Behavior (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. This course explores the contribution of biological influences on the development of behaviors and the effects of learning on adaptations in behaviors. Topics includes habituation and sensitization, classical conditioning, instrumental or operant conditioning, social learning, stimulus control, foraging and choice, motivation and verbal learning. Course content will be presented using both human and animal research models. Discussion includes biological and neurological explanations of learning and behavior. In addition, special attention will be paid to the relevance of learning principles to applied settings such as education and therapy.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 3800: Cognitive Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. This course examines mental processes and their relationship to behavior from a cognitive psychology perspective. Topics include sensation and perception, memory, encoding and retrieval, concept formation, choice, decision making, problem solving, language, and metacognition. Course content will be presented using both human and animal research models. Discussion includes biological and neurological explanations of cognitive processes. In addition, special attention will be paid to the application of cognitive processes to therapy.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 4100: Advanced Research Methods:Social Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: A C- or better in PSY 1180 and in PSY 3588. The objective of this course is to further students' knowledge of research methods in psychology by requiring students to conduct ethically sound research with human participants. Students will draw from material learned in previous psychology classes, especially Psychological Research Methods, Introduction to Statistics and Social Psychology to design, implement, and present unique empirical research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member. This course is designed for Seniors who have already applied to graduate. Banner must reflect that the student has applied to graduate by summer of the year they register.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Senior students only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND (PSY 3588: C- or better
OR SOC 3751: C- or better)
AND (PSY 3438: C- or better
OR SOC 4440: C- or better)
PSY 4101: Advanced Research Methods: Animal Behavior (5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: A C- or better in PSY 1180 and in PSY 3588. The objective of this course is to further students' knowledge of research methods in psychology by requiring students to conduct ethically sound research with nonhuman subjects. Students will draw from material learned in previous psychology classes, especially Psychological Research Methods, Introduction to Statistics, Learning and Behavior, and Cognitive Psychology to design, implement, and present unique empirical research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member. This course is designed for Seniors who have already applied to graduate. Banner must reflect that the student has applied to graduate by summer of the year they register.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Senior students only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND PSY 3588: C- or better
Fees:
Lab Fee - Comparative Neuro (refundable)
PSY 4102: Advanced Research Methods: Cognitive Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: A C- or better in PSY 1180 and in PSY 3588. The objective of this course is to further students' knowledge of research methods in psychology by requiring students to conduct ethically sound research with human participants. Students will draw from material learned in previous psychology classes, especially Psychological Research Methods, Introduction to Statistics and Cognitive Psychology to design, implement, and present unique empirical research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member. This course is designed for Seniors who have already applied to graduate. Banner must reflect that the student has applied to graduate by summer of the year they register.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Senior students only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND PSY 3588: C- or better
PSY 4103: Advanced Research Methods: Cross-Cultural Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: A C- or better in PSY 1180 and in PSY 3588. The objective of this course is to further students' knowledge of research methods in psychology by requiring students to conduct ethically sound research with human participants. Students will draw from material learned in previous psychology classes, especially Psychological Research Methods, Introduction to Statistics and Cross Cultural Psychology to design, implement, and present unique empirical research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member. This course is designed for Seniors who have already applied to graduate. Banner must reflect that the student has applied to graduate by summer of the year they register.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Senior students only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND PSY 3588: C- or better
PSY 4104: Advanced Research Methods: Psychology and Christian Faith (5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: A C- or better in PSY 1180 and in PSY 3588. The objective of this course is to further students' knowledge of research methods in psychology by requiring students to conduct ethically sound research with human participants. Students will draw from material learned in previous psychology classes, especially Psychological Research Methods, Introduction to Statistics and Psychology and Faith to design, implement, and present unique empirical research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member. This course is designed for Seniors who have already applied to graduate. Banner must reflect that the student has applied to graduate by summer of the year they register.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Senior students only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND PSY 3588: C- or better
PSY 4105: Advanced Research Methods: Personality and Preferences (5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: A C- or better in PSY 1180 and in 3588. Restricted to Psychology majors who have applied to graduate in the current academic year. The objective of this course is to further students' knowledge of research methods in psychology by requiring students to conduct ethically sound research with human participants. Students will draw from material learned in previous psychology classes, especially Psychological Research Methods, Introduction to Statistics and Personality and Individual Differences, to design, implement, and present unique empirical research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member. This course is designed for Seniors who have already applied to graduate. Banner must reflect that the student has applied to graduate by summer of the year they register.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Freshman, Junior, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND (PSY 3588: C- or better
OR SOC 3751: C- or better)
PSY 4106: Advanced Research Methods: Developmental Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: A C- or better in PSY 1180 and in 3588. Restricted to Psychology majors who have applied to graduate in the current academic year. The objective of this course is to further students' knowledge of research methods in psychology by requiring students to conduct ethically sound research with human participants. Students will draw from material learned in previous psychology classes, especially Psychological Research Methods, Introduction to Statistics and the various Developmental Psychology offerings, implement, and present unique empirical research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member. This course is designed for Seniors who have already applied to graduate. Banner must reflect that the student has applied to graduate by summer of the year they register.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Senior students only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND (PSY 3588: C- or better
OR SOC 3751: C- or better)
PSY 4420: Adolescent Developmental Psychology (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Provides an overview of adolescent development focusing on the interaction of the physical, cognitive, emotional, moral, social, familial, educational and vocational dimensions within social and cultural contexts. Includes an introduction to the observation, measurement and evaluation of adolescents.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 4428: Advanced Statistical Analysis (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180 and in PSY 2360. An advanced course in statistical analyses, particularly relevant for students with interests in conducting social and behavioral research. Topics include multiple regression, factor analysis and advanced applications of analysis of variance.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Junior, Post-Baccalaureate, Senior students only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND (PSY 2360: C- or better
OR MAT 1360: C- or better)
PSY 4470: Counseling Theory and Practice (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Provides an overview of the major approaches and techniques of psychological counseling, incorporating research on the process and efficacy of counseling interventions. Incorporates experiential introduction to basic counseling strategies through the use of guided role play with peers.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 4485: Psychobiology of Women (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Addresses how endocrinology, anatomy and physiology influence female behavior, affect and quality of life during several time segments across the life span. Issues such as the physical and psychological development of the female, the bi-directional relationship between hormones and behavior, pregnancy, childbirth and lactation, and menopause will be addressed in both a physical and social context.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 4488: Behavioral Neuroscience (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. The biological bases of behavior are explored through essential concepts in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology within the context of behavioral processes. Introduction to sensation and perception provided. The nervous and endocrine systems are presented as a foundation for behavior.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 4899: Senior Seminar in Psychology (3)
Offerings
Prerequisites: A C- or better in PSY 1180 and in PSY 3588 or SOC 3751 and at least 40 credits completed in psychology. A capstone experience in psychology integrating psychological theories and research in the context of the liberal arts and the Christian faith.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Post-Baccalaureate, Senior students only.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND (PSY 3588: C- or better
OR SOC 3751: C- or better)
PSY 4900: Independent Study (1-5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180. Students will carry out an extensive exploration of a topic in psychology. Study is under supervision of a psychology faculty member in the Department of Psychology, and builds on previous course preparation in psychology. Objective is to provide greater depth in analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the topic of interest. Substantial reading and writing expected. Credits may not be applied toward the minimum 30 needed to complete the minor.
May be repeated for credit up to 15 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 4910: Topical Seminar in Psychology (1-5)
Offerings
Seminar style course designed to consider contemporary and controversial issues in psychology. Not offered every year.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 4930: Practicum (1-5)
Offerings
Practicum May be repeated for credit up to 5 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
PSY 4940: Internship in Psychology (1-5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: A C- or better in PSY 1180 and a minimum of 15 credits in psychology. Provides psychological field experience in the community. Arrangements with internship sites must occur before the quarter of participation (see www.spu.edu/depts/spfc/undergradpsych/internships/index.asp for further details). The internship must involve learning about application of a specific psychology subfield (e.g. abnormal, developmental, cross-cultural psychology) in community settings. It must be supervised by someone with graduate training in a psychology-related field (or comparable expertise, as permitted by the director of internships). Twenty-five hours of field work will be completed for each credit, with a minimum of 50 total on-site hours required during the first quarter one interns at a particular site. Participation in a biweekly seminar with the faculty director of internships is also required. Credit variable up to a maximum of three per term. May be repeated for credit up to 15 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
PSY 4970: Independent Research (1-3)
Offerings
Prereqisites: A C- or better in PSY 1180, PSY 2360 or equivalent, PSY 3588. Student will carry out empirical research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member and synthesize the findings in a written research report. Objective is to apply skills in research methods and data analysis. Credits may not be applied toward the minimum 30 needed to complete the minor. Credit variable up to a maximum of three per term. May be repeated for credit up to 9 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Psychology Majors only. Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: PSY 1180: C- or better
AND PSY 3588: C- or better
AND (PSY 2360: C- or better
OR SOC 2360: C- or better)