The WLC Psychology Department offers the following rationale for its course numbering. Generally, students should take 100-level classes before 200-level classes, and 200-level classes before 300-level classes, and finally, 300-level classes before 400-level classes.
100-Level Courses
100-level courses (PSY 101 "Introduction to Psychology" and PSY 120 "Human Growth & Development") introduce the conceptual framework, vocabulary and theory that unifies the diverse areas of the discipline. Though these courses are designed for freshman and sophomore students, they are open to anyone. These courses have no prerequisites and focus on helping students acquire the language and terminology in the field of psychology.
200-Level Courses
200-level courses build on 100-level courses by providing greater depth to select areas of psychology. PSY 210 introduces the scientific methodology and research skills important in understanding evaluating the research methods and design psychology uses to acquire information. It is a good idea to take MAT 117 "Statistics" while enrolled in PSY 210 "Psychological Research Methods". The two courses reinforce each other and it is important to remember that MAT 117 "Statistics" is required prior to taking PSY 411 "Experimental Psychology".
300-Level Courses
300-level courses provide advanced content in the dominant areas in the discipline of psychology. Students must complete PSY 210 prior to completing any 300- or 400-level course. These courses provide junior and senior psychology students the opportunity to apply the methodology and scope introduced in the 200-level courses to defined topics in the field. Students practice the applying and synthesizing theory and research as begin to critically evaluate the empirical support for psychological assumptions and research observations in light of God's Truth.
400-Level Courses
400-level courses extend on content introduced throughout the psychology curriculum. PSY 411 "Experimental Psychology" expands on the statistics and design introduced in PSY 210 and is required prior to taking any other 400-level course. Junior and senior students in these courses complete a lab which serves to integrate the science and practice of psychology by requiring students to complete and publically present an original research project (for the lab courses) or serve in the community through an internship. These courses demand that students practice and demonstrate those evaluative and synthesizing skills related to thinking scientifically about behavior and mental processes in light of God's Word.
Required Courses
- PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
Take freshman year first or second semester - PSY 210 Psychological Research Methods
Take after PSY 101 & PSY 120 as a freshman or sophomore - PSY 260 Personality Theories
Take after PSY 101 as a freshman or sophomore - PSY 395 History & Systems
Take after PSY 411 as a junior or senior - PSY 411 Experimental Psychology
Take after PSY 210 as a sophomore or junior
Electives
- PSY 120 Human Growth & Development
Take as a freshman first or second semester
The following courses require PSY 101 (take as a second semester freshman or as a sophomore)
- PSY 240 Sport Psychology
- PSY 250 Introduction to Learning and Memory
- PSY 285 Psychobiology
- PSY 290 Child Abnormal Psychology
The following courses require PSY 210 (take as a sophomore or junior)
- PSY 300 Abnormal Psychology
- PSY 310 Psychological Counseling
- PSY 321 Child Development
- PSY 324 Adult Development
- PSY 350 Memory and Cognition
- PSY 390 Social Psychology
The following courses require PSY 411 (take as a junior or senior)
- PSY 430 Adv. Adolescent Development
- PSY 470 Psychological Testing
- PSY 490 Psychology Internship
- PSY 492 Topics: __________