Behavioral Sciences (Human Services and Psychology

College of Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement. In addition to completing courses described under the University Studies program, students with a major sponsored by a department in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete one course in Historical Studies and one course in Literature according to the following directions: a. Historical Studies. Learning Goals; Students will be able to express in oral and written form their understanding of major issues and intellectual theories within the discipline of history. Students will demonstrate their ability to research and analyze objectively any historical or social and cultural topic and generate an independent and original point of view.

Any one course offered by the history department (prefix: HI), an approved course in philosophy (PH223 Scientific Revolutions, PH300 Ancient Philosophy, PH301 Modern Philosophy, PH303, History of Ethical Thought, PH 310 Political Philosophy); MA320 History of Mathematics; an approved course offered within the University Studies curriculum (designated sections of IN250, 251, 350, or from within the ICS distribution requirement), or another course approved by the College.

b. Literature. Learning Goals; Students will examine literary genres and historical/cultural contexts of literature. Students will analyze literary texts using a variety of analytical methods and develop their own analysis of those texts.

Any one course in literature from among EN120, 220, 222, 231, 232, 233, 234, 241, 242, 250, 321, 322, 325, 331, 340, 350, 360, 366, 420; SP320, 321, 323, 324, 481, 482; an approved course offered within the University Studies curriculum (designated sections of HN203, IN250, 251, 350, or from within the ICS distribution requirement), or another course approved by the College.

A current list of approved liberal arts distribution requirement courses will be maintained in the office of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Either the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is offered for each major program in the College as indicated above. Some majors allow the student to choose which degree they prefer. Please see the Graduation Requirements for specific Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree requirements.

Behavioral Sciences

The Department of Behavioral Sciences has majors in Human Services and Psychology.

Dr. Melissa Scircle, Chair

Behavioral Sciences Department Faculty

Full-Time: Linda Collinsworth, Laura Feriozzi, Sydney Garlitch, Melissa Scircle

Human Services

Major in Human Services

This program leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree, and is designed for the student who intends to pursue a career in the Human Services professions. It will provide a strong background for those students who wish to enter the human services field immediately after graduation at the bachelor’s level. It will also provide an excellent preparation for those students seeking a master’s degree in social work, counseling and related fields. Students will participate in performance learning experiences in several classes as well as a capstone experience in their area of selected interest in the field.

Human Service Major GPA Requirements

All course work required for the human service major, listed below, as well as all required human service courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better to advance in the major of study curriculum. In order to continue in the human service major the student must maintain a grade of C- or better in all courses required by the major of study curriculum.

If at any time after declaring a human service major the student earns below a C-in a required human service class, the student must repeat that course and obtain a grade of C- or better before progressing to the next sequential human service course. If a student, who repeats a class on the second attempt, earns below a C-, they must request in writing a meeting with all Human Service faculty who will determine the student’s eligibility to continue within the major course of study.

Required Courses

SO100. Intro to Sociology - 3 PS130. Intro to Psychology - 3 PS201. Statistical Methods - 3 HM100. Introduction to the Helping Professions – 3 HM214. Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare - 3 HM215. Human Behavior and the Social Environment - 3 HM317. Practice with Diverse Populations - 3 HM320. Poverty – 3 HM370. Methods of Intervention: Individuals – 3 HM371. Methods of Intervention: Groups & Families - 3 HM470. Understanding Professional, Public and Personal Ethics – 3 HM472. Pre-Internship Seminar - 1 HM475. Capstone Internship – 7 to 9

Electives (3 cr): only 1 course is required from the following list of options:

HM260. Child Welfare – 3 HM260. Human Services Policy – 3 HM260. Social Entrepreneurship - 3 HM316. Social Issues in Health Care - 3 HM318. Social Gerontology - 3 HM319. Introduction to Child Welfare - 3 HM321. Mental Health Services - 3 HM480. Advanced Internship – 1 to 6 PS305. Social Psychology - 3 SO330. Sociology of Gender - 3 CO330. Interpersonal Communication - 3 CO331. Relational Communication - 3 CO332. Gendered Communication - 3 CO343. Communication and Conflict - 3

Additional Opportunities for Majors

Independent Study. (1-3 credits) For students having specific needs or desiring additional growth and learning not covered in any of the regular courses that are available, independent study may be taken. Course content and requirements for course completion are arranged with the supervising human services faculty.

Human Services Certificate (15 hours)

The purpose of the Human Service certificate is to provide foundational skills necessary for entry level professionals to deliver essential services to individuals experiencing barriers related to mental health, substance use, poverty, etc. The certificate requires successful completion of HM 214, HM 215, HM 370, HM 371, and HM 470 with a final course grade of a C- or better. This program is available to traditional or flexible learning students who are pursuing any major at Millikin. Part-time non-degree seeking students or community members may complete this program as well (and may have an academic degree including high school diploma, associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree in any field except Human Services). For additional details on this certificate, please contact the Behavioral Sciences department.

Human Services Courses (HM) (Cr)

HM 100. Introduction to the Helping Professions (3)

This course will offer a comprehensive look into various helping professions allowing students the chance to explore professions and gain perspectives as they investigate career opportunities within the helping field. Exploration of topics including personal and professional values, self-awareness, career paths, salaries, supervision, education and credentialing requirements, and demographic information of various professions. Special focus will be given to confidentiality and documentation within the helping professions. Helping professionals from various training backgrounds currently in practice will be include into course curriculum as guest speakers.

HM 214. Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (3)

This course provides a detailed study of social work practice, including a review of values, ethics and theoretical perspectives supporting intervention strategies and methods of the field. Attention will also be paid to interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills required for professional social work.

HM 215. Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3)

This course, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, introduces social systems theories, psychological theories and developmental theories to examine why people behave as they do and to apply this knowledge to generalist social work practice across the life span. The course integrates major concepts from the social and behavioral sciences with micro, mezzo and macro social work practice approaches. The impact of culture and environmental conditions on individuals, families, small groups and communities is examined.

HM 260. Special Topics in Human Service (3)

Selected topics in human services. Offered on demand. May be repeated with a different topic.

HM 316. Social Issues in Healthcare (3)

The purpose of this course is to introduce the changing role in health care in our country. The identification of key issues involving interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of strategic interventions with other health care professionals and teams is explored. Roles in social work, discharge planning, case management, home care, hospice care, and the historic and current policies that affect health care will be studied. An overview of health care payment systems will be covered.

HM 317. Practice with Diverse Populations (3)

This course presents concepts for understanding, measuring, and evaluating cultural competence for working with persons from cultures other than one's own. Focus is on the impact of discrimination and oppression on the development and delivery of social work services to people of color and other marginalized populations. The course will also explore why cultural competence is important to human service professionals and will identify skills necessary to become culturally competent.

HM 318. Social Gerontology (3)

This course provides an introduction to the field of Social Gerontology and the services available to meet the needs of the geriatric population. The processes and realities of aging in contemporary American society will be examined. Some topics will include health care, social roles, community life, personal aging, death and dying and the community/social program that support the aging population. Community professionals who provide services to seniors will be included in classroom presentation and site visits to senior programs will be completed.

HM 319. Introduction to Child Welfare (3)

This course provides an introduction to Child Welfare in the United States and examines current child welfare policies and practices. The course explores the rights of children, the rights and responsibilities of parents and society and their points of conflict. It provides relevant content for students considering careers in child welfare, schools, juvenile justice and family.

HM 320. Poverty (3)

This course is designed to expand students’ awareness and understanding of poverty. This course will particularly examine the nature and extent of poverty that exists within the United States. Particular attention will be given to the views of poverty, characteristics of poverty population, and causes of poverty and government policies that address poverty. Focus on understanding the impact of poverty related to children and families, women, older adults and the working poor.

HM 321. Mental Health Services (3)

This course will focus on mental health policy, programs, services, funding, organization structure and populations served. Additionally there will be guest speakers and opportunities for students to visit sites to gain first-hand and knowledge of the community mental health field

HM 370. Intervention: Individuals (3)

Introduction to generalist practice. Students begin to learn the skills and ethics required for practice with individuals. Interviewing skills for assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, termination and follow-up phases of the problem-solving process are developed.

HM 371. Intervention: Groups & Families (3)

Generalist practice with a focus on families, small groups, and individuals in a group context. Skills of assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, termination and follow-up phases of the problem-solving process are developed.

HM 470. Understanding Professional, Public and Personal Ethics (3)

This course is designed to develop and expand students understanding of ethics as they related to professional, public and personal arenas. Students will learn to identify and mange ethical issues and dilemmas as well as gain an appreciation and understanding of the values and ethics within the human service field. Students will acquire knowledge about professional and ethical standards of practice and their role in competent, ethical practice, increase self-awareness and develop and awareness of how personal values and professional behaviors interact, increased ability to recognize ethical issues and to apply ethical decisionmaking models. Students will utilize critical thinking skills to recognize and accept the impact of diversity and social justice in understanding and addressing ethical dilemmas.

HM 472. Pre-Internship Seminar (1)

This course will prepare students for their capstone internship experience in the upcoming semester covering a variety of areas including details of the Human Service capstone internship expectations and projected experiences. Specifically, students will focus on the development of career goals, how to research and secure an internship, and the identification of personal, academic and professional skills as a foundation for goal development during the capstone experience. Further, students will learn how to effectively develop a professional resume and capstone internship goals as well as gain understanding of professional development and professionalism in the workplace so students are prepared for their entry into the professional world of human services.

HM 475. Capstone Internship (7-9)

Students are placed as an intern in selected learning sites including community, state, social service, or welfare agencies based on the student’s interest and agency acceptance. These placements, which are supervised by a faculty member and an agency/site supervisor, are considered pre-professional experiences, and the expectation is that students will be using the knowledge, skills, and values, learned while pursuing their major course of study. Students work on site will be based upon an individually developed learning plan that integrates and applies previous course content and clinical skills. Through concurrent class participation on campus, clinical reports of field experience, paper assignments, clinical intervention presentations, and group discussion in their classroom time during this semester, students will integrate their experiences and their previous academic knowledge with their practical experience.

HM 480. Advanced Internship (1-6)

This course is to follow successful completion of HM 475. Student may select to expand their experience in the field by obtaining a second internship experience or by expanding their role and function at their initial internship site. Additional learning experiences and classroom assignments will enhance continued performance learning.

Psychology

Major in Psychology

Psychology is the scientific discipline with diverse domains that encompass variables from the most basic (e.g., neuroanatomy and neurochemistry) to the interactional (e.g., sociocultural) levels. The discipline employs the scientific method to understand mind and behavior, and also deliver clinical services derived from this empirical base. A major in psychology leads to a Bachelor of Science Degree and is designed for the student seeking a liberal arts degree or graduate study leading to a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in experimental (e.g., cognitive, learning, physiological, quantitative, industrial/organizational, memory, etc.) or clinical (e.g. psychotherapy, psychological assessment, child and adolescent counseling) areas of psychology. This degree is the preferred path to a career as a practitioner, researcher, or psychology professor. Emphasis is in the scientific skills and basic research areas of psychology. A total of 33 hours are required; 21 of which have to be at the 300 level or above.

The following courses are required:

Discipline Foundation

PS130. Introductory Psychology

Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis

PS201. Statistical Methods in Behavioral Sciences PS202. Experimental Psychology PS301. Advanced Statistical Methods PS304. Advanced Experimental Psychology PS450. Psychology Research Capstone

In addition, students must declare a concentration from one of the four options explained below.

Students must choose among four (4) concentrations: 1) General; 2) Clinical; 3) Experimental; 4) Social. If desired, a student may elect to complete multiple concentrations of Clinical, Experimental, and Social. The following requirements are in addition to the courses listed above as Discipline Foundation and Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis.

1) The General Concentration allows a student to select courses from the other three concentrations without choosing emphasis in any particular area. This concentration allows for exploration of multiple areas that will allow a student to have flexibility in determining future studies or careers. Students must complete 15 hours in psychology in addition to those listed above required of all majors. To complete this concentration, students must complete three (3) hours from each of the three other concentrations (total of 9 hours), and then six (6) more hours from any concentration (electives).

2) The Clinical Concentration is an option to students who are considering graduate studies in Clinical Psychology. The coursework is based i\on the ScientistPractitioner model that utilizes the interface between clinical research and clinical practice. In the best of worlds, each informs the other. Scientist-Practitioners and Practitioner-Scientists must embrace controversy and maintain an environment that is conducive to constant questioning, change, and exploration; what we accept as fact today will be overturned and replaced by a new understanding tomorrow through this process of challenge, research, and re-examination. Without this process of questioning, there is no science—merely a system of beliefs. This concentration option allows recognition that one’s elective options have focused on clinical psychology coursework.

The requirements for Clinical Concentration are Introduction to Clinical Psychology PS206, three (3) hours from Experimental offerings, three (3) hours from Social offerings, and a total of six (6) hours from the following courses:

PS206 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (required) PS208 Psychology Research Group (if research is associated with Clinical Psychology) PS306 Tests and Measurement PS310 Principles of Psychopathology PS318 Personality Theory PS342 Child and Adolescent Psychology PS344 Adulthood and Aging PS406 Clinical Psychology Practicum PS260; PS360 Special Topics (specifically designated Clinical Concentration)

3) The Experimental Concentration encompasses three main areas. Sensation and Perception examines how we know about the world through our senses and the conscious representation of the world that builds on sensory input. Cognitive Psychology involves the experimental study of the basic aspects of mental life, including memory, attention, and executive function. Cognitive Neuroscience explores the neural underpinnings of sensation, perception, and cognition and how they arise from the activity of the brain and other neural structures.

The requirements for Experimental Concentration are three (3) hours from Clinical offerings, three (3) hours from Social offerings, and nine (9) hours from the following courses:

PS208 Psychology Research Group (if research is associated with Experimental Psychology) PS303 Cognitive Neuroscience PS306 Tests and Measurement PS315 Sensation and Perception PS332 Memory and Cognition PS260; PS360 Special Topics (specifically designated Experimental Concentration)

4) The Social Concentration focuses a branch of psychology concerned with how social influences affect how people think, feel, and act. The way we perceive ourselves in relation to the rest of the world plays an important role in our choices, behaviors, and beliefs. Conversely, the opinions of others also impact our behavior and the way we view ourselves.

The requirements for Social Concentration are three (3) hours from Clinical offerings, three (3) hours from Experimental offerings, and nine (9) hours from the following courses:

PS208 Psychology Research Group (if research is associated with Social Psychology) PS305 Social Psychology PS309 Social Cognition PS334 Stereotyping and Prejudice PS318 Personality Theory PS260; PS360 Special Topics (specifically designated Social Concentration)

Minor in Psychology

A minor must meet the following requirements: PS130. Introductory Psychology PS201. Statistical Methods in the Behavioral Sciences or its equivalent, e.g. Mathematics 120 PS202. Experimental Psychology

Four additional courses in psychology

Independent Study

For students in any program having specific needs that are not covered in any of the regular courses that are available, independent study may be available. These Independent Study courses may take the form of tutorials, directed readings or special independent projects. The student may enroll for up to two such projects in the department (with the approval of the supervising faculty member and the Chair of the Department) for one to three cr each. The numbers used are in sequence: i.e., the first independent study course in psychology for a particular student is numbered 391; the second is 392, etc.

Capstone Research Project

All students are required to take PS450, Psychology Research Capstone, during which they undertake a research project with the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students will then present their findings at the Behavioral Sciences Student Research Symposium or the Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium.

Teaching Psychology in Secondary Schools

Students interested in teaching psychology in high schools should see the program in social sciences described in the History Department section of this Bulletin.

Psychology Courses (PS) (Credits)

PS130. Introductory Psychology (3)

Introduction to study of behavior and mental processes derived from application of scientific method. Topics range from biological bases of behavior, levels of consciousness, development, memory, abnormality to motivation and emotion. Examination of psychology as a profession and its relevance to everyday life.

PS201. Statistical Methods in the Behavioral Sciences (3)

Application of elementary statistical methods to psychological and sociological data. Lecture and laboratory course in techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics and research design.

PS202. Experimental Psychology (3)

Introduction to philosophy of science, theory development and testing, professional and research ethics, and a systematic study of a variety of descriptive and experimental research methods through lecture and class exercises. American Psychological Association writing style through a variety of writing exercises.

PS206. Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the science and profession of clinical psychology. Course topics will provide students with an understanding of psychopathology, the diverse activities in which clinical psychologists are engaged, the education and training required to become a clinical psychologist, and current issues in the field. In addition, students will be introduced to different methods of assessment, and different approaches to the practice of therapy in clinical psychology. Finally, specialty areas within the field of clinical psychology will be discussed. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on an empirical approach to the science and practice of clinical psychology.

PS240. Lifespan Development (3)

Study of human development through the lifespan. Emphasis is on theories of development, normative development, and changes in psychological processes including cognition, memory, and intelligence. The changes in family and social interactions are also considered. Important note: This course will not count toward the major or minor in Psychology. It is designed only for non-majors and non-minors.

PS260; PS360. Special Topics in Psychology (3)

Selected topics in psychology. May be repeated for with a different topic.

PS280. Psychology Research Group (1)

This course is designed to offer experience designing and implementing a psychological research project from start (literature review) to finish (data analysis and disseminating results). The goal of this course is to give students hands-on experience - similar to that of masters and doctoral students and professional psychologists – in conducting research while working with professors.

PS301. Advanced Statistical Methods (3)

Systematic study of multi-factor analysis of variance techniques, regression analysis and other advanced analytic techniques, including computer skills for data analysis.

PS303. Cognitive Neuroscience (3)

The biological bases of behavior. Consideration of the neuroscience approach to understanding psychological functioning. Includes neurological and endocrine mechanisms which direct and support behavior.

PS304. Advanced Experimental Psychology (3)

Advanced study of major areas of psychological research. Emphasis on psychology as an empirical science. Students design, perform, analyze and report on experimental projects. Readings in current psychological research are discussed.

PS305. Social Psychology (3)

Systematic study of social behavior of the individual as well as the group. Social perception, motivation, learning, attitudes, and values. Dynamics of social groups and interaction among groups. Emphasis on research methods and projects.

PS306. Tests and Measurements (3)

An introduction to basic psychometric principles underlying test construction, evaluation, and interpretation; methods of collecting, evaluating, and reporting psychometric data; major psychological and educational measurements currently in use, their application, theoretical and empirical basis, and their historical significance. Basic legal and ethical issues in psychological measurement are addressed.

PS309. Social Cognition (3)

An approach within social psychology: a way in which we can understand many social psychological phenomena. Topics may include modes of processing, attention and encoding, memory, the self, attributions, heuristics, and the interplay between affect and cognition.

PS310. Principles of Psychopathology (3)

An introduction to pathological personality development and the behavior disorders. Emphasis on causal perspectives and major theories of psychopathology. Assessment and diagnostic systems are broadly reviewed.

PS315. Sensation and Perception (3)

Examination of traditional and contemporary psychophysical models of sensation and perception, overview of the senses, sensory development and learning, and applications of sensation and perception research.

PS318. Personality Theory (3)

Development, dynamics and structure of personality. Survey of major contributions to methodology, theory and empirical research.

PS332. Memory and Cognition (3)

Consideration of experimental approaches to the study of higher mental processes. Emphasis on the major developments in the study of memory acquisition, storage and retrieval. Survey of concept formation, knowledge representation, language comprehension and problem solving.

PS334. Psychology of Stereotyping & Prejudice (3)

Examines stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, and minority experience from a social psychological perspective. Traditional and contemporary theories of social psychology will be used to learn about the phenomena and processes associated with one’s beliefs about members of social groups (stereotypes), attitudes towards group members (prejudice) and behaviors towards group members (prejudice) and behaviors towards group members (discrimination) as well as studying how these issues impact social group members.

PS342 Child and Adolescent Psychology (3)

An overview of normal child development from prenatal through adolescence. Topics include learning, social and emotional development, cognition, and language development, as well as discussion of major psychological theories of early development (behaviorism, cognitive, social cognitive learning, and biological influences).

PS344 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging (3)

An introduction to the field of aging and gerontology. The processes and realities of aging in contemporary American society will be examined with focus on the challenges of this population, the identification of programs and services available to meet the needs of this group, aging and programs in other industrialized nations, aging issues of LGBTQ, grandparents who parent and some of the ethical issues facing our society and helping professionals as we attempt to provide programs and services to this growing population. Topics will include, but are not limited to health status/insurance, financial issues of the long lived, social roles, personal aging, and death and dying.

PS380. Psychology Advanced Research Group (1)

Offer experience designing and implementing a psychological research project from start (literature review) to finish (data analysis and disseminating results). The goal of this course is to give students hands-on experience – similar to that of masters and doctoral students and professional psychologists – in conducting research while working with professors.

PS391, 392, 393. Independent Study (1-3)

Readings, directed study in-depth, individual research and field study in areas of interest to the student.

PS406. Practicum in Clinical Psychology (3)

An upper-level psychology course designed for juniors and seniors who have an interest in pursuing a graduate degree in clinical or counseling psychology. Placement on the psychiatric units of local medical centers will provide students the opportunity to interact with inpatient individuals who are experiencing significant psychological symptoms of psychopathology. Clinical issues involved in inpatient hospitalization will be encountered including diagnosis, treatment, interventions, and ethics.

PS450. Psychology Research Capstone (3)

A required capstone course for Psychology majors. Students in this course will conduct independent research, and write a final paper in APA format. This paper will then be presented at the Behavioral Sciences Research Symposium or the Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium in the Spring.