Online Education & Social Sciences Courses

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare the teacher for the challenge of meeting the needs of exceptional children in the regular classroom. A general study of exceptional children focuses on mainstreamed and included special education students. Various topics included are identification of exceptional children, their characteristics and special needs, delivery of services, instructional methods and techniques, and evaluation.

The student will:

• Demonstrate knowledge (In TASC 4) of:
  1. the connection between regular and special education.
  2. the relationship between inclusion and least restrictive environment (LRE).
  3. Major development theories (In TASC 1).
  4. Identification, eligibility and placement procedures for special education.
  5. Federal and state laws regarding special education.
  6. Multicultural and bilingual special education.
  7. Various categories of special education.
• Demonstrate the ability to:
  1. Plan (In TASC 2 and 7) instruction appropriate to the needs of exceptional learners.
  2. Use various resources (In TASC 8) to meet the needs of exceptional learners.
  3. Interpret basic diagnostic information (IN TASC 6).
• Demonstrate the attitude that:
  1. All children can learn and must be given appropriate instruction to foster learning.
  2. The teacher must model acceptance of all learners (IN TASC 2).
  3. The family/caregivers are essential partners in the development of all learners (In TASC 10).
  4. The input of all professionals is necessary to provide appropriate instruction for exceptional learners (In TASC 10).

• Special Education: Contemporary Perspectives for School Professionals, 5th Edition

Students do NOT need access to any online resources (myLab Education).

The course consists of learning activities, 4 module assessments, a reflective interview, case study assessments, a research paper, and a final exam.

Assignments are worth between 5 and 100 points, for a total of 667 points possible in the course.

Faculty

Tammy Mahon

• EdD, Special Education, Ball State University (2006)
• MA, Special Education, Ball State University (2001)
• BA, Elementary Education, Anderson University (1993)

Course Description

This course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive survey of the field by introducing you to its major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings. Topics include worldviews in psychology, history of psychology, current perspectives in psychology, and models of integration of psychology and Christianity. This course will provide you with a broader understanding of human behavior and how the field of psychology and its study affects our lives. The topics speak to your own experiences and behavior, and will apply to real world events and issues. Further, this course is designed for the purpose of laying the groundwork for the study of psychology. It is intended to give you an understanding of the background and philosophical ideas that influence psychology today. 

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Define psychological perspective.
• Discern how the psychological perspectives influence the collection and interpretation of psychological data.
• Understand the importance of the history of psychology on the discipline today.
• Understand important psychological concepts.
• Evaluate psychological theories and date in light of biblical revelation.
• Think about various psychological issues that Christians are concerned with.
• Gain an appreciation of the application of psychology to everyday life.
• Become knowledgeable consumers of scientific research in the field of psychology.

The course uses Macmillan Learning, Achieve: Psychology in Everyday Life (an online interactive program and e-text). The student will find specific instructions about ordering this resource within the syllabus.

The course utilizes various activities and reading in LaunchPad, as well as three papers.

14 Unit Exams in LaunchPad are worth 50 points each, and three Involvement Activities (papers) are worth 100 points each, for a total of 1,000 points in the course.

Faculty

Vance Maloney

• PhD, Counseling Psychology, Ball State University
• MA, Counseling Psychology, Ball State University
• BA, Psychology, Cedarville University

Course Description

This course deals with developmental psychology (cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional development) and
applies the subject matter to those actively working with children, including parents, teachers, coaches, etc. It
meets Taylor’s Foundational Core as we consider how a right relationship with God, others, self, and the world
equips us to minister Christ’s redemptive love and truth to a world in need. This course highlights the beauty
and nature of development while encouraging critical thinking and spiritual maturity.

By the end of the course, if you apply yourself, you can expect to:

1. Think critically and Biblically about major issues and controversies related to child development. Students will evaluate and synthesize information from diverse resources to reach an informed conclusion.
2. Understand child development from multiple theoretical perspectives, cultures, and approaches.
3. Apply theories, concepts and research findings to promote child well-being.
4. Analyze the interplay between biology, social environment, personality, cognitive and spiritual factors in shaping child development.
5. Identify major developmental milestones and developmentally appropriate behavior.
6. Apply developmental concepts in personal and professional settings.

This course uses OpenText, a free online resource. 

This course consists of 5 quizzes, one observational assignment, one Big Idea assignment, and video assignments. 

Course Description

This course is designed to provide a general overview of the developmental process in humans from conception through death and dying. Included is attention to the physical, cognitive, spiritual and psychosocial developments.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Think critically about major issues and controversies related to human development. Students will evaluate and synthesize information from diverse resources to reach an informed conclusion.
2. Compare, contrast, and evaluate human development from multiple theoretical perspectives and approaches throughout prenatal, child, adolescent, and adult stages of development.
3. Apply theories, concepts, and research findings in promoting well-being.
4. Analyze the interplay between biological, social, personality, cognitive, and spiritual factors in shaping development.
5. Identify major developmental milestones and developmentally appropriate behavior.
6. Apply developmental concepts in personal and professional settings.
7. Appraise and interpret research related to psychological concepts, its limitations, and research strategies.
8. Identify the effects of sociocultural contexts and diversity on human development.
9. Understand and distinguish between changes in biological, cognitive, and socioemotional development throughout the lifespan.
10. Develop an understanding of nature versus nurture as it relates to development. 

• A Topical Approach to Life-Span Development, 10th Edition

Types of Assignments Points per Assignment

Total Points of Assignments

• 8 Chapter Discussion Boards 20
• 4 Reflective Discussion Boards 25 
• 4 Exams 50 200
• Moral Dilemmas 40 
• Lifespan Review Project Preparation 100 
• Lifespan Review Paper 100 
• Total Points = 700 

Faculty

Laura McClelland

• PhD, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Clemson University 
• MA, Applied Psychology—Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Clemson University
• BS, Psychology, Iowa State University

Course Description

A study of the nature, causes and treatment of maladaptive behavior with special consideration given to the symptoms and dynamics of psychological disorders.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the historical background and research methods in abnormal psychology.
• Use the DSM5-TR as a basic tool to classify and understand the symptoms of various mental disorders.
• Apply biblical principles to the understanding and treatment of abnormal behavior.
• Read and write about the impact of stress on daily life and health.
• Analyze and discuss anxiety and panic disorders, and biblical approaches to understanding and dealing with stress and anxiety.
• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of mood disorders, somatoform, and dissociative disorders.
• Evaluate the causes, consequences, and resources of eating disorders.
• Discuss personality disorders and analyze their impact on everyday life and work.
• Investigate substance abuse and dependence issues and evaluate treatment approaches, including the church’s role in ministering to people with substance-related disorders.
• Demonstrate an understanding of sexual variants in modern society.
• Evaluate the impact of sexual abuse and dysfunction.
• Analyze the origin, treatments, and outcome of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
• Survey issues related to cognitive disorders and analyze their impact on older adults.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the common disorders of childhood including developmental disorders, and evaluate the role of church and community in assisting people with disabilities and their families. 

• Fundamentals of Psychological Disorders 

This course consists of 13 modules utilizing readings, the textbook, and short videos. 

Evaluation includes completion of class notes, learning activities, quizzes and a final project.  

Faculty

Terry Portis

• EdD, Argosy University (2003)
• MS, North Carolina A&T State University (1996)
• BS, Covenant College (1989)

Course Description

A study of the major current systematic psychological theories of personality. Consideration is given to their underlying assumptions and usefulness for research and therapeutic process.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Define personality as the underlying cause within the person of individual behavior and experience.
• Address three areas by personality theory: description, dynamics, and development.
• Describe personality in terms of broad types or more numerous, and narrower, traits.
• Gain an understanding of the importance of personal responsibility for self-development (including spiritual development) and community participation.
• Consider the role that spirituality plays in the development of the healthy personality.
• Evaluate and analyze prominent theoretical approaches to personality development utilizing psychological concepts, personal experience and understanding, and a Biblical worldview.
• Develop an appreciation for cultural diversity by considering personality psychology principles across gender, ethnicity, and culture.

• Theories of Personality: Understanding Persons, 7th Edition

This course consists of 12 assignments and one final project. 

Each assignment is worth 70 points with the final project worth 160 points, for a total of 1,000 points for the course.

Faculty

Terry Portis

• EdD, Argosy University (2003)
• MS, North Carolina A&T State University (1996)
• BS, Covenant College (1989)