An examination of the relationship between psychology and Christianity, including basic assumptions, methods of inquiry, and areas of possible agreement and conflict. This course will compare psychological and Christian perspectives on topics such as guilt, self-worth, values, morality, self-change, counseling, human nature, evil, and sex. It will evaluate how psychology can influence Christianity, how Christianity can influence psychology, and how people have attempted to integrate psychology and Christianity.
This course will explore the cognitive, emotional, and social lives of children, as they interact with their multiple environments (family, peer groups, school, and community networks). Students will learn research and theory that informs our understanding of children, and will also investigate practical ways of applying this knowledge to improve children's lives, through in-class activities, visits from local professionals, and a weekly service-learning commitment.
An in-depth study of behavior modification and assessment, its major assumption and issues, basic principles and methods, and applications. In addition, the student is required to design and carry out behavior modification projects under direct supervision of the instructor.
A consideration of fundamental conceptual and technical issues in psychological measurement. These issues include scaling, classification, reliability, validity, and utility. The DSM diagnostic system will be evaluated critically, along with a general discussion of issues of diagnosis and assessment in applied settings. A number of measures commonly used in applied and research settings will be surveyed.
This course will focus on the theory and techniques of developing and maintaining authentic interpersonal relationships from the viewpoints of humanistic psychology, communication skills training, and family systems theory. Topics include communication barriers, effective listening, self-disclosure, assertiveness skills, conflict resolution, family systems, and interpersonal patterns. Functional and dysfunctional aspects of intimate relationships will be studied. Students will participate in experiential lab sessions and self-analytic work.
An interdisciplinary approach to basic social science research methods. The course introduces students to the several research methodologies used within the social sciences. Students participate in all stages of a research project.
A study of the human strengths and virtues that enable people to thrive, this course surveys the emerging field of Positive Psychology, focusing on major theories and latest research findings. This course will examine research on topics such as happiness, purpose and meaning in life, growth through adversity, forgiveness, humility, and humor. Students will read and discuss research, try out and analyze practical ways of promoting psychological wellbeing, and design and carry out a research project.
Supervised field experience in settings where psychology is practiced or applied.
Junior Standing; Instructor permission
Students will be involved in carrying out one or more empirical research projects currently being conducted by the supervising faculty member. Students will meet regularly with the faculty member, read relevant research articles and collect, enter, code, or analyze data. Required application and recommendation forms for this course are available from the supervising faculty member or on the Psychology Department's website at: www.augie.edu/dept/psych/research.html. Preference will be given to students who plan to apply to graduate school.
PSYC 271; Approval of Supervising Faculty Member
Students will be involved in carrying out one or more empirical research projects currently being conducted by the supervising faculty member. Students will meet regularly with the faculty member, read relevant research articles and collect, enter, code, or analyze data. Required application and recommendation forms for this course are available from the supervising faclty member or on the Psychology Department's website at: www.augie.edu/dept/psych/research.html.
PSYC 271; Approval of Supervising Faculty Member
Special Topics in Psychology.
Individual study and research under direction of department faculty.
Permission of the Instructor and Department Chair