This course introduces students to doctoral education in Psychology and the requirements for a Ph.D. in Psychology at Liberty University. This course is an introduction to our doctoral program with an emphasis on biblical worldview, critical thinking skills, scholarly writing, and evaluating empirical research biblically to equip students for success in their doctoral education.

The purpose of this course is to understand the key components of doctoral education in Psychology. This course will set a foundation for students’ doctoral program and assist them in understanding the skills they will develop as they pursue their Ph.D. Key topics will include the history of ideas, the relationship between Christianity and Psychology, how to actively and critically read research, and becoming a thought leader in their research area. 

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (7)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided topic for each discussion. Discussion threads that answer the question(s) presented must be at least 300 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the main thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 150 words.

Five Views: Part 1 – Spreadsheet Assignment

In Johnson’s (2010) text, he writes about five viewpoints on the relationship between psychology and Christianity. He also outlines five key issues that distinguish the five viewpoints. To help the student prepare the Five Views: Part 2 – Paper Assignment, the student must complete the Five Views: Part 1 – Spreadsheet Assignment, in which the student must describe how each viewpoint addresses the five issues outlined.

Five Views: Part 2 – Paper Assignment

The student must write a 3 – 5 page paper in current APA format that discusses the five viewpoints presented by Johnson (2010).

Understanding Research Paper Assignment

Using the suggestions given by Jordan and Zanna (1999), the student must actively read an empirical article on a topic of interest in his or her subfield of psychology, and then write a 2 – 3 page paper in current APA format on the experience.

Narrated PowerPoint Assignment

For this presentation, the student must prepare a narrated PowerPoint presentation explaining which one viewpoint from Johnson’s (2010) text would be most beneficial in his or her area of research interest. In the PowerPoint presentation, the student must describe the viewpoint chosen and present how it would apply to the student’s research area. The presentation must include sources cited and referenced in current APA style. The student must narrate the presentation and post it for the class to view.

The Consequences of Ideas Paper Assignment

The student must write a 3 – 5 page paper in current APA format that summarizes the main thesis of R.C. Sproul’s book The Consequences of Ideas.