Courses in BA in Psychology (with a Certificate in Human Services)

After entering the program, students fulfill the Certificate and Major requirements utilizing TWU courses. We recommend students take the first Leading Courses, Introduction to Sociology, at an early point in the program. This course may be transferred in from earlier studies or taken at any time with TWU on-line or through an occasional face-to-face offering at the Bellingham campus. The other Leading Course, Lifelong Learning Strategies, is designed for all learners and will be effective in setting a strong foundation for the Adult Degree Completion Program. It, too, is offered many times during the year.

The practicum, which is fulfilled in the workplace, is a distinctive feature of the program and helps students apply the theory courses to real world settings. The practicum courses also relate directly to the Research Methods and Senior Thesis classes. Together, these courses serve as a practical thread that will provide the student with relevant skill training and theoretical application.

                                                                         

Leading Courses:

UNIV 301-Lifelong Learning Strategies (2 sem. hrs.)

Designed to prepare the adult learner for personal learning success for life, this course is essential also for becoming familiar with the Bellingham instructional format. Contents include: building a personal knowledge profile, theories of adult development and personal learning styles, advanced learning competencies, researching and writing skills (use of APA style), and internship development.

SOCIOLOGY 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 sem. hrs.)

An introduction to the major concepts, theories, and procedures of sociological inquiry. This course broadly examines the foundations of sociology, social inequality, social institutions, and social change. Students learn about the systematic study of human society and its application in everyday life.

Certificates in Human Services or Social Services:

Nine specified courses in the degree program constitute the Human Services Certificate issued to the student at the completion of the entire program.

(Note 7 Week Courses may not be offered in the exact order in which they appear below.)

Module 1:

First 7 Week Course

Sociology 201 Introduction to Human Services (3 sem. hrs.)

An examination of the basic philosophies and social influences which underlie the helping professions and a brief review of the history of professional services workers.

Second 7 Week Course

Sociology 400 Critical Issues in Human Services (3 sem. hrs.)

This seminar explores critical issues which occur across the helping professions. Basic questions concerning human nature and the influence of society are examined.

Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course

Sociology 320 Human Services Field Placement (3 sem. hrs.)

A supervised practical experience with a community or social agency related to the student's interest and /or future plans. Readings, written assignments and group meetings help students reflect on and integrate knowledge with practical experience.

Module 2:

First 7 Week Course

Psychology 301 Theories of Personality (3 sem. Hrs.)

The major theories of personality, traditional and contemporary, with a view to demonstrating their usefulness in accounting for human behavior.

Second 7 Week Course

Psychology 326 Cognitive Processes (3 sem. hrs.)

Using the “information processing” approach, higher cognitive activities such as attention, memory, language, and thinking are examined in light of current theory and research.

Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course

Psychology 322 Research Methods (3 sem. Hrs.)

Issues and methods related to the conduct and analysis of psychological research. Internal and external validity, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, research ethics, and analysis of variance. Projects involve both library and empirical research components.

Module 3:

First 7 Week Course

Psychology 305 Abnormal Psychology (3 sem. hrs.)

The symptoms, causality, and treatment of psychopathological and behavioral problems. Examination of research findings as well as theoretical explanations.

Second 7 Week Course

Psychology 408 History and Systems of Psychology (3 sem. hrs.)

Historical roots of modern psychology. Major systems of thought within the discipline in the context of a Christian view of humans and the world.

Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course

Sociology 411 Human Services Field Placement (3 sem. hrs.)

Supervised field placement in an approved social services setting.

Module 4:

First 7 Week Course

Psychology 340 Interpersonal and Helping skills (3 sem. hrs.)

Skills for developing helping relations from a Christian perspective. A problem-management approach to helping: helping theory and skills practice.

Second 7 Week Course

Religious Studies 340 Current Issues in Biblical Theology (3 sem. hrs.)

An examination of the topics currently being discussed in biblical theology, such as the possibility and methodology of a biblical theology, apocalyptic and eschatology, covenant and election, redemption and freedom, worship, church, the righteousness of God, history, society, law and gospel, faith, canon, life and death, suffering, creation, atonement and reconciliation, sin and guilt, wisdom, and worldview.

Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course

Psychology 390 Special Topics in Psychology (3 sem. hrs.)

Supervised psychology practicum/field placement in an approved helping profession setting.

Module 5:

First 7 Week Course

Psychology 331 Theories of Counseling (3 sem. hrs.)

A survey of selected theories of counseling and psychotherapy; their theoretical base, view of the nature of the person, key concepts, goals, roles of therapist and client, techniques and overall effectiveness.

Second 7 Week Course

Psychology 440 Psychology of Religion (3 sem. hrs.)

An application of the tools of empirical psychology to the study of the development and function of religious experience. An analysis of the role of religious experience in the human personality. Specific religious experiences (e.g. conversion, prayer, glossolalia, miracles) are examined with a view to understanding their function in the normal individual.

Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course

Sociology 420 Human Services Placement (3 sem. hrs.)

Supervised field placement in an approved social services setting.

Module 6:

First 7 Week Course

Psychology 342 Psychology of Adolescence (3 sem. hrs.)

The physical and psychological processes that take place during adolescence. Issues of identity formation, moral development, physical development, changes in family relationships and development of independence, sexuality in adolescence, a perspective on peer relationships and pressures and anticipation of vocation preparation.

Second 7 Week Course

Psychology 330 Leadership in Organization and Small Groups (3 sem. hrs.)

Comprehensive understanding of leadership. Theories, models, facets of leadership and characteristics of effective leaders. Leadership development and current issues.

Concurrent with First and Second 7 Week Course

Psychology 497 Senior Thesis (3 sem. hrs.)

Under the supervision of the departmental faculty, students continue to conduct a careful review of the literature on a topic of their choice as well as an empirical study of some portion of the topic.

Mini Final Module: Capstone Course

Psychology 490 Personhood: An Interdisciplinary Examination of the Individual (3 sem. hrs.)

A consideration of the function of worldviews, the meaning of a Christian worldview, and the implications of a Christian worldview for the understanding of persons and their role in modern society. Inasmuch as contemporary worldviews have been shaped by historical influences from philosophy and religion, an interdisciplinary approach is taken.