Behavioral Science & Human Services

BSHS Mission:

To foster intelligent and compassionate students capable of critical thinking.

Sociology Mission:

To nurture future leaders globally, educationally, culturally and spiritually.

Psychology Mission:

To develop ethical and analytical students, skilled in communication and knowledgeable in psychology and the human experience.

We Promote:

• Excellence
• Scholarship
• The scientific method
• Social responsibility

The DEI vision for Kansas Wesleyan is to promote a diverse culture of equity, inclusion, integrity, and collaboration that deepens understanding and embraces intercultural and global experiences for students, faculty and staff.

Behavioral Sciences & Human Services Department
The Department of Behavioral Sciences and Human Services supports and accepts people from all backgrounds, statuses and experiences, and encourages our students to do the same. This diversity enhances our teaching, research, and service and helps us prepare students for service to their communities.

Updated September 2023

BSHS Vision:

To provide the best behavioral science education

BSHS Values:

• To challenge students academically
• To be open, honest and fair
• To change in order to improve

Psychology Program (Addiction Counseling Track-CHART
Psychology Program (Addiction Counseling Track)-MANUAL

KWU Psychology Program

Addictions Track

The Psychology program at Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) has a track in Addiction Counseling. As such, this particular baccalaureate degree with the Addiction Counseling track is offered with the understanding that the degree can only lead to licensure at the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) level within the State of Kansas and is not intended to be used within interstate compacts or reciprocity agreements.

For more information about becoming an Addictions Counselor in the State of Kansas please visit Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board at: https://www.ksbsrb.ks.gov/professions/addiction-counselors/faqs

BSHS 100 Introduction to Political Science — Even Year Fall

A comparative study of the theories of world politics, levels of political analysis, international law and international political economy. A strong emphasis will be placed on current situations and future projections of international issues.

BSHS 105 Foundations of Addiction —  Fall

This introductory course introduces information on the use and abuse of various drugs, including alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and others. Areas studied include, models of addiction and treatment, the disease concept and its relationship to current psychological thought on learning associated with addictive behavior, and other issues involved in the problem of substance abuse and addiction.

BSHS 110 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services — Fall

This course introduces student to the field of social work and human services. The student will gain a basic knowledge of meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, which focuses on prevention as well as remediation of problems and improving the overall quality of life of service populations. The student will develop an understanding of the work of social work and human services professionals to improve accessibility, accountability and coordination among professionals and agencies in service delivery.

BSHS 200 Public Policy – Even Year Spring

This course is an introduction to the public policy process in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on policy making at the national level, but the state and local process will also be explored. Students will be able to glean why public policies are adopted or rejected and how they affect individuals, families and community.

BSHS 210/MATH 210 Statistical Analysis — Fall & Spring

The course is a study of requisite mathematical foundations of statistics, followed by extensive coverage of statistical techniques used in research and data analysis. The mathematical foundations include scales of measurement, probability, the binomial and normal distributions, and sampling theory. The statistical techniques include descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics covered include at least through correlation. Inferential statistics covered include at least through simple ANOVA designs. Assumptions, logic and interpretation of statistics are emphasized over calculation. Prerequisite: MATH120 or ACT score of 21 or above. This course will have a mathematics/basic algebra review test during the first week of class.  Students not achieving 70 percent or better will be strongly advised to drop the class and take a course to improve mathematics/algebra skills.

BSHS 210L SPSS Lab — Fall & Spring

This course provides students opportunity to conduct statistical analysis using computer software common to the behavioral and social sciences. Prerequisite or co-requisite: BSHS 210

BSHS 220 Gender — Alternate Even Year Fall

This course explores the physical, sociocultural, and mental differences between men and women, and the research methods used to determine them. Stereotypes, attitudes and health and wellness implications are also discussed.

BSHS 231 Marriage & Family — Even Year Spring

This course offering is a study of the contemporary family, its historical roots, its variability and its problems. Social relationships within marriage and the family will be emphasized.

BSHS 232/SPES 232 Human Sexuality — Even Year Fall

The course examines the interplay of the biological, psychological, social and cultural aspects of sexuality, including sexually transmitted diseases, sex offenses and sexual dysfunctions, their treatments and prevention.

BSHS 245 Forensic Psychology — Alternate Odd Year Fall

Applications of psychology to the criminal and civil justice system. Topics include expert testimony, risk assessment, sex offenders, competence, commitment, criminal responsibility, child custody, personal injury, discrimination and jury design. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

BSHS 310/CRIM 310 Violence — Even Year Fall

A foundational exploration of violence and the motivational purposes behind aggression.  Examination of key factors contributing to violent behaviors, including the correlation and impact of the media, community and family on violence, resulting in ability to create specific strategies for minimizing the occurrence of violence in a variety of settings.

BSHS 315/CRIM 315 Domestic Violence — Odd Year Fall

Explores the law, policy, history and theory of domestic violence. Studied will be such topics as the dynamics of abusive relationships; the history of the criminal justice system’s response to domestic violence; physical, sexual (including marital rape), psychological (including stalking), and economic deprivation. In addition, the course examines the causes and characteristics of abusers, their pattern of behavior and escalation signs as well as power and control techniques.

BSHS 337 Cross-Cultural Psychology – Even Year Fall

Cross-Cultural Psychology attempts to understand human cultures and their relationship to psychological processes. The course provides a survey of mainstream topics in psychology through the lens of cultural similarities and difference. Topics include development, cognition, emotion, language, gender, personality, social behavior, abnormal diagnosis and treatment, and health. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or instructor permission.

BSHS 386 The Wesleyan Journey —  On Demand

This course combines service learning with travel, either domestic or abroad, to provide students an opportunity to strengthen values and abilities, in addition to learning specific academic content. The service projects will be linked to the academic content of the class, and the course may require a co-requisite or stand-alone as its own special topics course. Credit varies based on the length of the journey and may involve additional fees for travel. Prerequisite: INTD 110 is recommended but not required for this course.

BSHS 499 Independent Research Project: Senior Thesis – On Demand

In this course, students will engage in a social science research project of their own design. With faculty supervision, they will formulate a research question, conduct necessary literature review, design a project, obtain ethical clearance from the appropriate university committee, collect and analyze data, write an APA style manuscript for potential publication, and do a formal presentation of the research on campus and/or at an appropriate convention. Prerequisite:  PSYC 390 or SOCI 331.

PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology: The World of You — Fall & Spring

This course offers an introduction to the areas, findings, problems and methods which constitute the discipline of psychology. Areas studied include neuropsychology, sensation, perception, learning, memory, development, personality, psychopathology, therapy and social behavior.

PSYC 120 Positive Psychology: Voyage of Self-Discovery — Odd Year Spring

Transitioning to college, and from college to the rest of life, can be a challenge. This course explores the psychological knowledge related to motivation, goal-setting, and personal happiness and well-being. Students complete a number of self-assessments to explore their strengths and potentials as well as their goals and directions in life.

PSYC 200 Professional Ethics in Psychology — Odd Year Spring

This course will involve an in-depth exploration of the ethical, legal and behavioral issues facing the professional psychologist. The student will learn about confidentiality rules and regulations; rights and responsibilities of practitioners, researchers, clients, and participants; codes of ethics; and avenues for addressing ethical problems that arise in a variety of clinical, supervisory, consultative and research settings.

PSYC 201 Social Psychology — Odd Year Fall

This course reviews the relationship between the individual and others, including interpersonal perception, attitude formation, social influence, prejudice, aggression, romantic relationships, group processes and other topics. Areas studied include the application of experimental methods to social processes, and current and historical theoretical perspectives on social processes.

PSYC 202 Professional Seminar in Psychology – Spring

This course offers students the opportunity to explore the career possibilities in psychology and to develop plans to achieve them. Activities include career exploration, interviews/shadowing, producing a vita, crafting a personal statement of goals and purpose, and developing curricular plans and a personal timeline for applying to graduate school or a job.

PSYC 210 Psychology of Mass Communication – Alternate Odd Year Spring

This course is an exploration of the psychological effects of mass communication on behavior and thought of the individual in society. Psychology of Mass Communication examines the role that media (TV, movies, newspapers, radio, magazines, etc.) play in today’s society. The course explores different types of media (news, advertising, sports, etc.) as well as the impact that media has on topics like stereotyping, gender roles, sexual and/or violent behaviors, education, values and the transmission of culture.

PSYC 215 Health Psychology – Alternate Odd Year Fall

This course examines the ways in which the field of psychology can inform the health professions. Topics include the relationship between psychological factors and illness, coping and healing; promoting health and wellness; and effective patient-practitioner relationships. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

PSYC 244/EDUC 244 Developmental Psychology — Fall & Spring

The course offers a comprehensive study of human growth and development from conception to death. We will examine ways people change – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially across the lifespan, integrating key developmental theories and milestones, so that you may better understand yourself and those around you.

PSYC 260 Psychopharmacology — Odd Year Fall

This course examines the primary biochemical and pharmacological processes occurring with the use and abuse of psychoactive drugs. Basic knowledge of pharmacology will be covered along with the properties of drugs and their psychological, behavioral, physical and social effects. Prerequisite: PSYC 101; BIOL 110 or BIOL 221 recommended or consent of instructor.

PSYC 286 Special Topics — Lower-Level — On Demand

This course allows for the study of current topics in psychology best suited for sophomore level students. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or consent of the instructor.

PSYC 310 Learning and Behavior Modification — Odd Year Spring

This course emphasizes how to change the behavior of oneself and others (human and animal) using the principles of classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning and social learning. Students complete and present individualized research projects to apply these theories in real-world practice. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

PSYC 315 School Psychology – Odd Year Spring

The course offers an introductory exposure to the profession of school psychology. Major areas of study will include personal and career counseling, dealing with special populations, and issues of divorce, suicide, sex, substance abuse and school violence.

PSYC 325 Abnormal Psychology — Spring

This class will examine the major psychological disorders, including anxiety disorders, affective disorders, personality disorders, addictive disorders and schizophrenias. Areas also studied include the application of experimental methodology to mental disorders, current and historical theoretical perspectives, methods of assessment, classification, treatment, etiology and prognosis.

PSYC 340 Introduction to Group Counseling — Even Year Spring

This course introduces the student to the dynamics of group process involving structured and unstructured interpersonal experiences. Special emphasis is placed on experiencing group interaction via exercises, role-playing and videotaped group process for the acquisition of basic observational and process skills. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or consent of instructor.

PSYC 345 Addiction and the Family — Even Year Fall

This course introduces the general principles of family development. The student will develop a working knowledge of family systems theory, a basic understanding of what causes dysfunction within families, and knowledge of the important relationships between family life and the larger social networks and community systems of which it is associated. Special consideration will be given to the importance of cultural competence in addressing family issues and to the intervention process, as it pertains to the treatment of addictive disorder.

PSYC 351  Theories of Counseling — Odd Year Fall

The different theoretical orientations toward the helping relationship and the skill sets needed will be examined as well as review of counselor ethics and professional responsibilities in clinical and educational settings. Prerequisite: PSYC 101, PSYC 380 recommended.

PSYC 352/SOWK 352 Principles of Counseling Practice — Spring

This will be a skill development course with exposure to a variety of counseling techniques and opportunities for role playing of hypothetical therapy situations. Students will also have an opportunity to practice the counseling skills established as national standards of psychologists, social workers and substance abuse counselors, and be reviewed and examined on those skills as well as receive training in the use of assessment tools. Prerequisite: PSYC 351 or SOWK 332.

PSYC 355 Industrial/Organization Psychology – Alternate Odd Year Spring

This course is an introductory survey of the area of Industrial/Organization Psychology. Industrial/Organization psychologists apply psychological theory and research practices to the workplace setting, often employed as trainers or human resource professionals. The course includes such topics as job satisfaction and motivation, personnel selection, job assessment and performance evaluation, leadership, and group behaviors. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or instructor consent.

PSYC 360 Cognitive Psychology — Even Year Spring

This class investigates the major areas of human cognition, including perception, attention, memory, language, problem-solving, reasoning and applications in areas such as artificial intelligence. Includes lab activities demonstrating key principles. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

PSYC 365 Environmental Psychology — Odd Year Fall

This is an interdisciplinary course studying person-environment interactions. Persons are affected by their environment by pollution, noise, architecture and population density. They also have the power to impact their environments in terms of institutional and residential design, catastrophe preparedness and positive social change related to resilience and global health.

PSYC 380 Theories of Personality — Even Year Fall

This course investigates several major approaches to the study of personality. This course will include psychoanalytic, psychosocial, humanistic/existential, behavioristic and social learning approaches. It includes the major contributions to the study of personality by psychologists such as Freud, Erikson, Rogers, Maslow, Dollard and Miller, Skinner and others. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

PSYC 385/SPES 385 Psychology of Sport and Exercise — Fall

The course will introduce students to psychological and behavioral aspects of sport, exercise and physical activity. The course is designed to help student-athletes improve their performance and those who hope to work with amateur and/or professional athletes, or those engaged in fitness, exercise and/or rehabilitation, to effectively communicate and motivate their clients toward their goals. In addition, this course will explore factors that affect performance and psychological development in sport, exercise and physical activity, factors that influence behavior and effective goal-setting, and will examine psychological techniques for enhancing sport, exercise and physical activity. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or consent of the instructor.

PSYC 386 The Wesleyan Journey — On Demand

This course combines service-learning with travel to provide students an opportunity to strengthen values and abilities, in addition to learning specific academic content. The service projects will be linked to the academic content of the class, and the course may require a co-requisite or stand-alone as its own special topics course. Credit varies based on the length of the journey and may involve additional fees for travel. Prerequisite: INTD 110 is recommended but not required for this course.

PSYC 390 Psychological Research Design — Fall

This course examines the use of experimental designs in the systematic study of major areas in the field of psychology. As part of an embedded lab, students will learn how to write formal APA style reports, and will have the opportunity to conduct and present research projects. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, BSHS 210 and BSHS 210L, or instructor consent.

PSYC 402 Physiological Psychology — Even Year Spring

This course examines the relationship of psychological phenomena (such as sensation, motivation, and memory) to brain structure and function as well as biochemical processes. Investigative techniques such as brain lesions and stimulation, bioelectrical recordings and anatomical procedures will also be examined. Lab exercises are included to enhance student understanding. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

PSYC 403 Senior Seminar in Psychology — Even Year Spring

This course offers students the opportunity to review content areas in Psychology in preparation for the major field test, and provide assistance in preparation for career after college (i.e. graduate school or employment). Students will construct or revise resumes, personal statements and their Senior Portfolio as well as prepare for the Graduate Record Examination. Prerequisite: PSYC 202.

PSYC 410 History of Psychology — Even Year Spring

This course studies the development of psychological thought from its philosophical roots to the present time, including an examination of the schools of psychology that emerged to define the field of psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and Junior standing or consent of instructor.

PSYC 455/SOWK 455 Case Management — Spring

This class will ideally be preparatory to agency internship/field experience. The course covers aspects of client management and treatment planning, including screening, intake, assessment and referral procedures. There will be review of client support systems and issues in counseling special populations; review of legal, ethical and professional growth issues for the counselor; and examination of state services and treatment trends and programming-related issues, particularly in the fields of addictions counseling and social work. Prerequisite: SOWK/PSYC 352 or SOWK 332.

PSYC 460 Internship — Variable Credit (On Demand)

This course offers an intensive field experience with a community social service agency, treatment center or other psychological service provider. Placement will be based on the student’s career orientation. Prerequisite: Departmental approval and satisfaction of entry criteria, where applicable.

PSYC 465 Introduction to Art Therapy —  On Demand

This course examines the use of art in assessment and treatment, using a variety of theoretical perspectives. It also explores the training and ethics required for certification as a practitioner. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 (PSYC 325 recommended).

PSYC 470 Research Assistantship (On Demand)

This course offers students the opportunity to participate as part of a psychological research team. Depending on the stages of various projects in the department, students may be involved in planning, data collection, data entry, analysis or writing and presentation phases of research. Course may be repeated, preferably in adjacent semesters. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and consent of the instructor (PSYC 390 or SOCI 331 recommended).

PSYC 485 Special Topics – Upper-Level— On Demand

A focused investigation of a specialty or advanced area (or areas) of psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and PSYC 390 or consent of the instructor.

PSYC 490 Independent Study in Psychology — On Demand

With consent of the instructor, the student is allowed to pursue advanced or specialized study in a topic of special interest. See Independent Study under Alternate Means to Academic Credit for a more detailed description.

SOCI 108 Cultural Anthropology — 3 Credit Hours (Odd Year Spring)

Cultural Anthropology is the study of man’s adaptation to his natural and social environments. The subfields of ethnology and archaeology will be emphasized, with the major focus given to the developing areas of the world.

SOCI 131 The Sociological Imagination — 3 Credit Hours (Odd Year Fall & Odd Year Spring)

This course will introduce the student to sociology’s basic ideas, research and insights. The topics studied include the major theoretical approaches used in sociology, culture, socialization, stratification, social institutions and social change. Global culture in comparison of American culture.

SOCI 200 Global Demography — 3 Credit Hours (Even Year Spring)

This course offers a multidisciplinary view of the complex and contentious relationships between population, politics, environmental change and economic development. This course is designed so students can use the concepts gleaned to better understand the world and their place in it.

SOCI 240/SOWK 240 Inequity and Stratification —3 Credit Hours (Spring)

This course examines the economic diversity found in the United States, paying particular attention to the three key dimensions of inequality: gender, race and class. The course studies the fundamental sources of inequality as well as the consequences that arise from life in different parts of the inequality structure. Students will be expected to take a critical look at how inequality issues affect their lives, their families and the community around them as well as examine their own and others’ responses to various types of inequality.

SOCI 250 Racial & Ethnic Minorities — 3 Credit Hours (Fall)

This course studies cultural diversity in America. Emphasis will be placed on both the history and present circumstances of all racial/ethnic groups, including white ethnics. It is expected that each student will complete an exhaustive review of their own family history.

SOCI 286 Special Topics – Lower-Level — Variable Credit (On Demand)

This course allows for the study of current topics in sociology and criminal justice best suitable for sophomore level students. The faculty will seek student input in the development of the topics.

SOCI 290 Independent Study — Variable Credit (On Demand)

This course allows for the study of current topics in sociology and criminal justice. The faculty will seek student input in the development of the topics. Possible topics include special offender issues, police operations, urban sociology, social deviance, formal organizations and social problems. See Independent Study under Alternate Means to Academic Credit for a more detailed description.

SOCI 331 Methods of Research — 3 Credit Hours (Fall)

The course surveys the major research designs and their implementation. Some field work will be required. Typically, this course is for students with advanced standing. Computer applications should be anticipated.

SOCI 375 Environmental Sociology — 3 Credit Hours (Odd Year Spring)

This course is designed to be an overview of the major sociological theories, concepts, principles and experiences that shape human-environment interaction. The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of the ways in which human societies have an impact on the natural world, how the natural world affects human societies and individuals, and the ways in which we can understand this relationship. In order to accomplish this goal, we will examine the historical trends and patterns of the consequence of human behavior on the environment and the social response to such information.

SOCI 386 The Wesleyan Journey — 1-6 Credit Hours (On Demand)

This course combines service learning with travel to provide students an opportunity to strengthen values and abilities, in addition to learning specific academic content. The service projects will be linked to the academic content of the class, and the course may require a co-requisite or stand-alone as its own special topics course. Credit varies based on the length of the journey and may involve additional fees for travel. Prerequisite: INTD 110 is recommended but not required for this course.

SOCI 404 Sociological Theory — 3 Credit Hours (Even Year Spring)

This is an advanced course for seniors, which will attempt to integrate and make more coherent the theories, concepts and methodologies of classical and contemporary sociology.

SOCI 460 Internship — 1 — 10 Credit Hours (On Demand)

The student is offered an intensive field experience in a community organization. Placement will be based on the student’s career orientation. Prerequisite: Departmental approval and satisfaction of entry criteria where applicable.

SOCI 485 Special Upper-Level Topics — Variable Credit (On Demand)

This course allows for the study of current topics in sociology and criminal justice. The faculty will seek student input in the development of the topics. Possible topics include special offender issues, police operations, urban sociology, formal organizations, urban planning and demography.

SOCI 490 Independent Study — Variable Credit (On Demand)

This course allows for the study of current topics in sociology and criminal justice. The faculty will seek student input in the development of the topics. Possible topics include special offender issues and police operations. See Independent Study under Alternate Means to Academic Credit for a more detailed description.