Course Detail :

PSYC 497 is a capstone course that junior and senior students may take as a course substitution for their internship experience when it is not possible for the student to attend an internship site. Selected topics in psychology will be treated at an advanced level and require the application of psychological theories, biblical worldviews, and personal reflection. Observation experience will be acquired in clinical settings via online meetings and recorded counseling sessions.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Liberty University

Rationale :

The course provides observation of helping persons with special needs; enhances awareness of the responsibilities and skills needed for professional employment in psychological services; and requires a synthesis of human development in spiritual, social, emotional, and cognitive behavior patterns. Encountering clinical settings at a distance allows for prior academic knowledge to be applied and evaluated for the purpose of readying the student to enter the workforce.

Measurable Learning Outcomes :

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

1. Apply psychological explanations for behavior patterns observed in online clinical settings.
2. Identify psychological theories present in clinical observations.
3. Evaluate the integration of faith and practice within a clinical setting.
4. Demonstrate personal reflection and professional development related to the field of psychology.
5. Develop resources for the career field with community training opportunities and professional resumes.

Course Assignment :

Discussion Board Forums (1) :

The student will submit a 250-word thread demonstrating course-related knowledge in each forum. In addition to the thread, the student will reply to the threads of at least 2 other students. Each reply must be 150 words.

Training Opportunities :

The student will create a list of relevant training opportunities that exist within the community, organization, or online.   The list will focus on a specific training need, will consist of at least 5-10 training opportunities, and will be presented in a professional format.

Community Resources :

The student will create a list of relevant resources that exist within the community, organization, or online. The list must contain a minimum of 10 resources and must be presented in a professional manner.

Biblical Worldview Application Paper :

Students will attend no less than two AA/ NA/ Al-Anon Meetings and provide a history of the organization, a summary of the meetings, personal reflection, and biblical worldview applications. This paper must be 3-4 pages and include at least 2 scholarly references and will be presented in a professional format.

Theoretical Application Paper :

Students will attend no less than two AA/ NA/ Al-Anon Meetings and provide a history of the organization, a summary of the meetings, personal reflection, and theoretical applications. This paper must be 3-4 pages and include at least 2 scholarly references and will be presented in a professional format.

Interview Reflection Paper :

Students will interview a local professional who has a degree in psychology and/or is working in the field. The student will then write a 2-3 page paper reflecting the details of the interview and what he/she learned through the interview and will be presented in a professional format.

Observation Paper :

Students will watch the counseling videos below and write an 8-10 page reflection paper on their observations. The paper will cover a summary of each session, application of theory, biblical worldview integration, and applications for his/her professional career. Must include at least 5 peer-reviewed citations and will be presented in a professional format.

Research Article Review :

Students will read and analyze an identified research article and provide a 2-3 page summary, reflection, and clinical implications paper which will be presented in a professional format.

Quiz (1) :

The student will complete a quiz after viewing a Resume Presentation from a Career Center representative.

Resume :

The student will complete a Resume Draft and Final Resume after receiving feedback.