Introduction to Psychology

The social science of psychology lays the foundation in career fields such as education, business and marketing, health care, sports, counseling, politics, pastoral careers, along with the avocations of family, home education, and friendship. Although Psychology is usually taught from an humanistic and evolutionary perspective, we will explore historical and current psychological theories and practice through the lens of the special revelation of Scripture. Along with Psychology, a dose of philosophy and theology will be thrown in for good discussion. Students should come prepared to discuss these topics and learn to discern the fact from the fiction in this broad discipline of social science. Chapters in our text, Psychology from a Christian Perspective by Dr. Tim Rice version 2 or 3, include: What is Psychology A Christian Worldview; Psychology’s History and Worldview; The Brain and Nervous System; Sensation and Perception; Motivation and Emotion; Learning and Memory; Human Development; Consciousness, Thinking, Language, and Intelligence; Personality; Abnormal Psychology; Treatment; Social Psychology; and Research Methods. Since this class covers sensitive content and can move quickly over a lot of material, it is recommended for Juniors and Seniors or advanced Sophomores. It may be appropriate for some highly motivated, self-directed and mature Freshman. If a student completely absorbs chapters 3-15 in the text, they should (based on former student results) be prepared to pass the Introductory Psychology CLEP exam earning an honors credit on their high school transcript and 3 Introduction to Psychology credits at most colleges.