Special Topics in Psychology – PSYC 497

Course Description

This course offers an examination and evaluation of moral and ethical concepts and principles as they relate to the field of psychology. A wide range of subjects will be discussed, and students will apply psychological theories, biblical worldview, and a personal reflection.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The course provides observation of helping persons with special needs; enhances awareness of the responsibilities and skills needed for professional employment in the psychological services; and requires a synthesis of human development in spiritual, social, emotional, and cognitive behavior patterns. Encountering clinical settings at a distance allows for prior academic knowledge to be applied and evaluated for the purpose of readying the student to enter the work force.  

Course Assignment

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1.

Discussion Board Forums (1)

The student will submit a 250-word thread demonstrating course-related knowledge in each forum. In addition to the thread, the student will reply to the threads of at least 2 other students. Each reply must be 150 words.

Training Opportunities

The student will create a list of relevant training opportunities that exist within the community, organization or online.   The list will focus on a specific training need, will consist of at least 5-10 training opportunities, and will be presented in a professional format.

Community Resources

The student will create a list of relevant resources that exist within the community, organization or online. The list must contain a minimum of 10 resources and must be presented in a professional manner.

Biblical Worldview Application Paper

Students will attend no less than two AA/ NA/ Al-Anon Meetings and provide a history of the organization, summary of the meetings, personal reflection and biblical worldview applications. This paper must be 3-4 pages and include at least 2 scholarly references, and will be presented in a professional format.

Theoretical Application Paper

Students will attend no less than two AA/ NA/ Al-Anon Meetings and provide a history of the organization, summary of the meetings, personal reflection and theoretical applications. This paper must be 3-4 pages and include at least 2 scholarly references, and will be presented in a professional format.

Interview Reflection Paper

Students will interview a local professional who has a degree in psychology and/or is working in the field. Student will then write a 2-3 page paper reflecting the details of the interview and what he/she learned through the interview and will be presented in a professional format.

Observation Paper

Students will watch the counseling videos below and write an 8-10 page reflection paper on their observations. The paper will cover a summary of each session, application of theory, biblical worldview integration, and applications for his/her professional career. Must include at least 5 peer reviewed citations and will be presented in a professional format.

Research Article Review

Students will read and analyze an identified research article and provide a 2-3 page summary, reflection, and clinical implications paper and will be presented in a professional format.

Quiz (1)

The student will complete a quiz after viewing a Resume Presentation from a Career Center representative. 

Resume

The student will complete a Resume Draft and Final Resume after receiving feedback.