PSY (Psychology)
PSY 1013 Introductory Psychology
Three hours
A scientific study of the principles underlying human behavior. The student is introduced to the theory, research, and practice that characterize modern psychology.
Offered each semester
PSY 1093 Honors: Introductory Psychology
Three hours
A scientific study of the principles underlying animal and human behavior, focusing on the development of psychology in relation to other academic disciplines. Critical thinking and integrative themes are stressed by using in-class exercises and formal projects. Prerequisite: admission to the Honors Program or permission of the Honors Committee.
Offered fall semester
PSY 1101 Orientation to Psychology
One hour
Designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills that will enable them to make intelligent choices about their future in the discipline. Topics for discussion include the changing nature of psychology, departmental resources and goals, career development, and graduate school. Not required of majors who upon matriculation to JBU have completed more than 12 transferable hours in psychology.
Offered fall semester
PSY 2123 Psychology of Relationship Development
Three hours
A foundation course that integrates biblical and psychological literature in the area of interpersonal, marriage, and family relationships. Course work includes analysis and application of current theory and psychological research on gender differences, family of origin issues, sexuality, personality types, communication styles, forgiveness, dating, and emotional intelligence. This course may not be audited. (Same as FAM 2123).
Offered spring semester
PSY 2203 Theories of Personality
Three hours
A study of the development, organization, and dynamics of personality with references to theories of personality developed in the 20th century. Prerequisite: PSY 1013.
Offered spring semester
PSY 2233 Theories of Counseling
Three hours
A study of major counseling theories. Includes dynamic, existential, humanistic, gestalt, cognitive-behavioral, reality, and family systems theories of counseling and the most useful strategies from each. For the beginning student of counseling. Prerequisite: PSY 1013.
Offered fall semester
PSY 2243 Introduction to Therapeutic Interviewing
Three hours
Basic elements of interviewing, setting conditions for psychological growth, and the development of effective action plans for healthy psychological change. Prerequisite: PSY 1013.
Offered spring semester
PSY 2383 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Three hours
A general statistics course that stresses a conceptual understanding of statistical procedures, and their appropriate use and interpretation. The course uses spreadsheet applications, current behavioral research publications, and examples from current events to teach critical thinking skills. Topics include descriptive statistics, the normal distribution, probability, and inferential statistics. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and either an ACT Math score of at least 19, or an SAT score of at least 480, or MTH 0153.
Offered each semester
PSY 2393 Research Methods
Three hours
An introduction to research methods in psychology that stresses critical thinking about methodological issues. Research skills are developed in hypothesis construction, research design, interpretation of statistical results, scientific writing, library and internet research, and presentation of results to a professional audience. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and 2383.
Offered each semester
PSY 2413 Developmental Psychology
Three hours
A study of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of the human from conception through adulthood. (Same as FAM 2413). Prerequisite: PSY 1013.
Offered each semester
PSY 3203 Psychological Testing
Three hours
An examination of the theory, interpretation, and appropriate use of individual and group tests of personality, mental ability, aptitude, achievement, and interest. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and 2383.
Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years)
PSY 3383 History of Psychology
Three hours
A study of the historical and theoretical development of psychology. Emphasis is placed on persons, concepts, problems, and systems from which current psychology evolved. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and 2393.
Offered spring semester
PSY 3411, 3412, 3413 Selected Topics
One to three hours
Topics chosen from a variety of topics related to psychology. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is studied. Prerequisite or corequisite: PSY 1013.
Offered upon sufficient request
PSY 3423 Social Psychology
Three hours
An investigation of how the behavior, feelings and thoughts of an individual are influenced or determined by the behavior and characteristics of others. Topics for discussion include attraction, attitudes, aggression, persuasion, and group behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 1013.
Offered spring semester
PSY 3493 Research Seminar
Three hours
An opportunity for students to develop research skills in a content area. May focus on specific areas such as social or cognitive psychology, with the goal of completing and presenting an empirical research project. Prerequisites: PSY 2383 and 2393.
Offered fall semester
PSY 4213 Abnormal Psychology
Three hours
The nature, causes, and treatment of maladaptive behavior including personality disorders, psychoses, reactions to stress, anxiety disorders, and other dysfunctions. Prerequisite: PSY 1013; PSY 2233 recommended.
Offered fall semester
PSY 4262, 4263 Field Experience
Two to three hours
Placement in a variety of off-campus settings to gain practical exposure to the professional field. Open to Psychology majors. May be repeated once for credit with consent of instructor. A student may receive a letter grade for a maximum of 3 credit hours; any additional hours will be graded 'S' or 'U'. Students must supply transportation to the field placement sites. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and 2233; PSY 2243 recommended.
Offered fall semester
PSY 4333 Cognitive Psychology
Three hours
A study of the major principles, research methods, and empirical findings of cognitive psychology, including attention, memory, imagery, categorization, language, and problem solving. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and 2393.
Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)
PSY 4343 Theories of Learning
Three hours
A study of the major theories, research methods, and empirical findings of animal and human learning. Classical and operant conditioning paradigms are emphasized. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and 2393.
Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)
PSY 4353 Behavioral Neuroscience
Three hours
A study of the biological bases of behavior. Topics for consideration include neuroanatomy, neuropsychology, learning and memory, emotion, drug effects, and the biological correlates of mental disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 1013; PSY 2393 strongly recommended.
Offered fall semester
PSY 4411, 4412, 4413 Independent Research in Psychology
One to three hours
Student-directed research supervised by a member of the psychology faculty. Prerequisite: PSY 3493 and consent of a supervising instructor.
Offered upon sufficient request
PSY 4493 Seminar in Psychology
Three hours
A capstone in the discipline emphasizing contemporary issues and an approach to psychology from a Christian perspective. Prerequisites: PSY 2393 and six hours of BBL. Prerequisite or corequisite: PSY 3383.
Offered spring semester
