Introduces specific issues that arise in conducting therapy with religious persons, including criteria for evaluating healthy and unhealthy forms of religious belief. Moral Development and Religious Experience Psychological and theological studies of the meaning of moral character and of the relationship between processes of moral development, religious faith, and the experience of God. Emphasis is placed on understanding moral developmental determinants of religious experience, and on the application of psychotherapeutic principles in facilitating moral character change. A multi-disciplinary approach is taken to encourage integrative scholarship in the areas of faith development, spiritual formation, and character change. Integration within the Wesleyan theological tradition is emphasized.
Course is designed to help students develop a research interest and begin independent study.
Students completing sophomore or junior years especially encouraged. Offered summers only. Practicum Students are placed in local mental health or social service agencies to obtain training in specific psychological skills. May be repeated up to seven units. Special Studies Detailed study of selected individual topics in psychology.