Online · School of Behavioral Sciences · Psychology
General Psychology
PSYC-101
CG Section 8WK 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 Modified 06/26/2023
 Course Description
Introduction to Psychology as a scientific discipline concerned with the study of behavior. Consideration will be given to such topics
as human development, motivation, emotion, perception, learning, personality, intelligence, measurement and applied areas.
Requisites
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog
(https://catalog.liberty.edu/).
 Rationale
This course is a survey of the many different areas covered within the field of psychology. It introduces the student to the way
psychology affects him or her as a person as well as its ability to help the student understand, predict, and control behavior for the
betterment of people. It is offered as a general education course in light of its impact on our society through the research that is being
conducted and the theories that are presented.
 Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Evaluate psychological phenomena from a biblical perspective.
Describe the major concepts in psychology.
Analyze problems related to behavior and mental processes.
Apply psychological theory to everyday life.
General Education Foundational Skill Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. SSI 1: Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of science on the world in which we live.
2. SSI 2: Demonstrate a biblical understanding of human behavior within various social structures.
3. SSI 3: Apply solutions for a social and/or scientific question experienced in nature or society.
 Course Resources
Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are registered: Liberty University Online Bookstore
(https://bncvirtual.com/liberty).
Additional Materials for Learning
A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment
B. Internet access (broadband recommended)
C. Canvas Recommended Browsers (https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/What-are-the-browser-andcomputer-requirements-for-Canvas/ta-p/66)
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D. Microsoft Word
E. Online Writing Center (https://www.liberty.edu/online/casas/writing-center/)
F. APA Academic Writer (https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https%3A%2F%2Facademicwriter.apa.org)
 Course Assignments
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations (https://www.liberty.edu/institutional-effectiveness/studentexpectations/), the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Biblical Worldview Indicator Report Assignment
The student will complete and submit the Biblical Worldview Indicator (BWVI) assessment and upload a copy. (CLO: A, B, C, D;
FSLO: SSI 2)
Essay Assignments (6)
The student is required to write an essay using a provided prompt. Each essay must be at least 400 words, be in current APA
format, and cite the course text. (CLO: A, B, C, D; FSLO: SSI 1, 2, 3)
Quizzes (9)
Quiz: Research Overview
This quiz will assess the student's understanding of basic concepts related to research, theories, and worldview. The student will
have 30 minutes to answer 10 questions (true and false or multiple choice). You may consult the Research Overview Presentation
at any time during the quiz. (CLO: C; FSLO: SSI 1, 3)
Quizzes (8)
The student will complete 8 quizzes. Each quiz will have a 1-hour time limit to answer 35 multiple-choice questions. Quizzes are
open-book/open-notes. The student is allowed one retake of each quiz (taken within the Module: Week it is assigned). When a
student retakes a quiz, the highest score will be retained. (CLO: A, B, D; FSLO: SSI 1, 2, 3)
 Course Grading
Course Requirements Checklist
10
Biblical Worldview Indicator Report
Assignment
10
Essay Assignments (6 at 70 pts each)
420
Quizzes (1 at 10 pts, 8 at 70 pts ea)
570
Total
1010
 Policies
Late Assignment Policy
Course Assignments, including discussions, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.
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If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email.
Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:
1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.
2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.
3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted outside of special
circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by
the instructor.
4. Group projects, including group discussion threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date
outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a
case-by-case basis by the instructor.
Disability Assistance
Students with a disability and those with medical conditions associated with pregnancy may contact Liberty University’s Online
Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu for accommodations. Such accommodations
require appropriate documentation of your condition. For more information about ODAS and the accommodations process,
including how to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodationsupport/ (https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation-support/). Requests for accommodations not related
to disabilities or pregnancy must be directed to the Registrar’s Office, which generally handles medical needs support.
If you have a complaint related to disability discrimination or an accommodation that was not provided, you may contact ODAS or
the Office of Equity and Compliance by phone at (434) 592-4999 or by email at equityandcompliance@liberty.edu. Click to see a
full copy of Liberty’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy
(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Liberty+University+Discrimination,+Harassment,+and+Sexual+Misconduct+Policy) or
the Student Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures (https://www.liberty.edu/disability-support/wpcontent/uploads/sites/106/2022/01/Disability-Grievance-Procedures.pdf).
Course Attendance
In an effort to comply with U.S. Department of Education policies, attendance is measured by physical class attendance or any
submission of a required assignment within the enrollment dates of the course (such as examinations, written papers or projects,
any discussion posts, etc.) or initiating any communication with one’s professor regarding an academic subject. More information
regarding the attendance policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Online+Attendance+and+Non-Attendance) can be found in
the Academic Course Catalogs (https://www.liberty.edu/academics/course-catalogs/). Regular attendance in online courses is
expected throughout the length of the term. Students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting a
required academic assignment (such as the Course Requirements Checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion
post, or other academic activity) will be dropped from the course. Students who wish to re-engage in the course are encouraged
to contact Academic Advising to discuss their enrollment options. Students who begin an online course, but at some point in the
semester cease attending, and do not provide official notification to withdraw, will be assigned a grade of “FN” (Failure for NonAttendance (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Unofficial+Withdrawals)). Students wishing to withdraw from courses after the
official start date should familiarize themselves with the withdrawal policy.
Grading Scale
A
B
C
D
F
900-1010
800-899
700-799
600-699
0-599
For courses with a Pass/NP final grade, please refer to the Course Grading section of this syllabus for the assignment
requirements and/or point value required to earn a Passing final grade.
Add/Drop Policy
The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory
(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Dropping+and+Adding+Online+Classes).
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Honor Code
Liberty University comprises a network of students, Alumni, faculty, staff and supporters that together form a Christian
community based upon the truth of the Bible. This truth defines our foundational principles, from our Doctrinal Statement to the
Code of Honor. These principles irrevocably align Liberty University’s operational procedures with the long tradition of university
culture, which remains distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth. Our desire is to create a safe, comfortable
environment within our community of learning, and we extend our academic and spiritual resources to all of our students with the
goal of fostering academic maturity, spiritual growth and character development.
Communities are predicated on shared values and goals. The Code of Honor, an expression of the values from which our
Doctrinal Statement was born, defines the fundamental principles by which our community exists. At the core of this code lie two
essential concepts: a belief in the significance of all individuals, and a reliance on the existence of objective truth.
While we acknowledge that some may disagree with various elements of the Code of Honor, we maintain the expectation that our
students will commit to respect and uphold the Code while enrolled at Liberty University.
Adherence to the principles and concepts established within facilitates the success of our students and strengthens the Liberty
community.
The Code of Honor can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/
(https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/).
 Additional Items
Bibliography
Adams, K. & Carnes, P. (2011). Silently Seduced: When Parents Make Their Children Partners. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health
Communications, Inc.
Ainsworth, M. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. . Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates.
Arehart-Treichel, J. (2011 ). 90th birthday finds pioneer undertaking new challenges. Psychiatric News, 46(14) 1-22.
Beck, A.T., Freeman, A., Davis, D., and Associates. (2004). Cognitive therapy of personality disorders. New York: Guilford Press.
Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, b. & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. New York: Guilford Press.
Beck, J. &. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond, 2nd edition. New York: Guilford Press.
Bowlby, J. (1988). Bowlby: A secure base. Great Britian: Routeldge.
Browning, D. & Cooper, T. (2004). Religious thought and the modern psychologies. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.
Carson, D.A., Schreiner , T.R., Piper,J. & Grudem, W. (2006). Recovering biblical manhood & womanhood: A response to
evangelical feminism. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Cassidy, J. & Shaver, P.R. . (1999). Handbook of attachment: Theory, research and clinial applications. New York: The Guilford
Press.
Corey, G. (2011). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy, 9th edition. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Corsini, R.J. & Wedding, D. (2011). Current psychotherapies, 9th edition. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Cozolino, L. (2006). The neuroscience of human relationships:Attachment and the developing social brain. New York, NY: W.W.
Norton & Company.
Erickson, M. (2001). Christian theology, 2nd edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
Erikson, E. (1963). Childhood and Society. New York: Norton.
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Farber, B. A. (2007). On the enduring and substantial influence of Carl Rogers' not-quite necessary nor sufficient conditions.
Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice Training, 44(3), 289-294.
Faw, H. W. (1995). Psychology in Christian perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
Freud, S. & Strachey, J.(editor). (1927/2011). The future of an illusion. Seattle, Washington: Pacific Publishing Studio.
Freud, S. (1924/1960). A general introduction to psychoanalysis. New York: Washington Square Press.
Freud, S. (1933/1964). New introductory lectures on psychoanalysis. New York, NY: W.W. Norton.
Hathaway, W. & Tan, E. (2009). Religiously-oriented mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology , 65(2),
158-171.
Hentschel, U. (2004). Defense Mechanisms : Theoretical, research and clinical Perspectives. Boston: Elsevier.
John, O., Robins, R., & Pervin, L. (2008). Handbook of personality: Theory and research, 3rd edition. New York, NY: The Guilford
Press.
Jones, S. L. & Butman, R.E. (2011). Modern Psychotherapies: A comprehensive Christian appraisal. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity
Press.
King, L. (2011). The science of psychology. New York: McGraw Hill.
Kuyken, W., Watkins, E., Holden, E., White, K., Taylor, R.S., Byford, S. (2010). How does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy work?
Behaviour Research and Therapy , 48, 1105 - 1112.
LaHaye, T. & Noebel, D. (2000). Mind siege: The battle for truth in the new millennium. Nashville, TN: Word publishing.
Lewis, R. & Hendricks, W. (1998). Rocking the roles: Building a win-win marriage. Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress.
McMinn, M. (1996). Psychology, theology, and spirituality. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
McMinn, M. R. (2004). Why sin matters. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
McMinn, M. R. (2008). Sin and grace in Christian counseling. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.
McMinn, M.R. & Phillips, T.R.( editors). (2001). Care for the soul. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press.
McMinn, M.R. &Campbell, C.D. (2007). Integrative psychotherpay: Toward a comprehensive Christian approach. Downers Grove,
IL: IVP Academic.
Meichenbaum, D. (1977). Cognitive-behavior modification. New York, NY: Plenum.
Mitchell, S., & Black, M. (1995). Freud and beyond: A history of psychoanalytic thought. New York: BasicBooks.
Nicholi, A. (2002). The question of God: C.S. Lewis and Signmund Freud debate God, love, sex, and the meaning of life. New York:
Free Press.
Noebel, D. (2006). Understanding the times: The collision of today's competing worldviews, 2nd edition. Manitou Springs, CO:
Summit Press.
Piaget, J. & Inhelder, B. (1969). The psychology of the child. New York, NY: Basic Books.
Piaget, J. (1954). The construction of reality in the child. Great Britain: Routledge.
Pogue-Geile, M. a. (2010). Current research on the genetic contributors to schizophrenia. Current Directions in Psychological
Science , 19(4), 214-219. doi: 10.1177/0963721410378490.
Rafaeli, E. (2009). Cognitive-behavioral therapies for personality disorders. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci, 46(4), 290-297.
Rogers, C. (2007). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research,
Practice, Training, 44(3), 240-248.
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S.Y., T. (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: A Christian perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
Santrock, J. (2011). Essentials of lifespan development, 2nd edition. New York: McGraw Hill.
Tan, S. Y. & Takeyesu, A. (2011). Sigmund Freud (1856–1939): Father of psychoanalysis. Singapore Med J , 52(5), 322-323.
Teitelbaum, J. (2001). From fatigued to fantastic. New York: Avery.
The Holy Bible (KJV). (n.d.).
Vitz, P. (1993). Sigmund Freud's Christian unconscious. New York: Guilford Press.
Worthington, E. L. (1982). When someone asks for help: A practical guide for counseling. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Zinbarg, R.E., Mashal, N.M., Black,D.A., & Flückiger, C. (2010). The future and promise of cognitive behavioral therapy: A
commentary. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(3), 711-727.
 Schedule
When
Topic
Notes
Course Overview
Student Acknowledgements
Course Requirements Checklist
Technology Integration Set-Up
VitalSource Student Resources
Learn
Read: 2 items
Module 1: Week 1
Watch: 2 items
Interact: 2 item
Listen: 1 item
Apply
Biblical Worldview Indicator Report Assignment
Quiz: Research Overview
Quiz: The Science of Psychology
Module 2: Week 2
Learn
Read: 1 item
Watch: 2 items
Interact: 1 item
Apply
Essay: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Assignment
Quiz: The Biology of Behavior
Module 3: Week 3
Learn
Read: 1 item
Watch: 4 items
Interact: 1 item
Apply
Essay: You be the Developmental Psychologist Assignment
Quiz: Developmental Psychology
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When
Topic
Notes
Module 4: Week 4
Learn
Read: 1 item
Watch: 4 items
Interact: 1 item
Listen: 1 item
Apply
Essay: What I Say Versus What I Do Assignment
Quiz: Personality and Social Psychology.
Module 5: Week 5
Learn
Read: 1 item
Watch: 1 item
Interact: 1 item
Apply
Essay: Motivation, Values and Purpose Assignment
Quiz: Motivation and Emotion
Module 6: Week 6
Learn
Read: 1 item
Watch: 3 items
Interact: 1 item
Apply
Essay: You be the Professor Assignment
Quiz: Learning, Memory, and Intelligence
Module 7: Week 7
Learn
Read: 1 item
Watch: 2 items
Interact: 1 item
Apply
Essay: That’s Your Perception Assignment
Quiz: Sensation and Perception
Module 8: Week 8
Learn
Read: 1 item
Watch: 2 items
Interact: 1 item
Apply
Quiz: Psychological Disorders and Treatments
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