164 Graduate course descriptions
CO/CD616 Young and Middle Adult Development and Discipleship (3) Explores varied theoretical models that provide a conceptual itinerary for the young and middle adult years, focusing on the prominent issues that surface and change during these decades of life (e.g. love and intimacy, the meaning of work, responsibility and care, mending and making of identity, and reconciliations in familial and marital contexts), and enjoining theological reflection on how life’s curriculum can move one toward a deeper valuing of steadfast love, care for future generations, justice in the world and movement toward the shalom community. Focusing primarily on a North American context, this course considers how such dynamics as: changing patterns in life expectancy, women in the work force, wealth and plasticity in adult roles, family structural changes, and increased psychological expectations have led human scientists to reconceptualizations about what constitutes development in the adult years. Part of the course entails critiquing the ways in which churches, authors and faith-based organizations offer varied new approaches to strengthen faith in young and middle aged adults. CO620/CD610 Moral Development and the Formation of Moral Community (3) Examines and calls the student to moral formation and judgment in relation to biological, cognitive and faith development. Moral development perspectives are evaluated in light of key theological concepts such as the image of God, sin, salvation, the blessed life, justice and care. Attention is given to correcting bias in developmental perspectives with respect toward better understanding diversity in gender and race. CO621 Psychology of Religion (3) An introductory study of the psychological phenomena of religion in individuals and groups. Attention is given to psychological sources of religion, problems of faith and doubt, worship, mysticism, education, and other basic aspects of religious life. CO622 Theories of Personality Development Across the Life Span (3) Reviews lifespan development and personality theories and their impact on behavioral and emotional issues. Various schools of psychological thought are studied, as well as the relevance of their insight to counseling. Prerequisite: CO600 or CO601.
2011-2012 Academic catalog
CO623 Play Therapy: Theory, Technique, and Theology (3) Reviews the history, theories, techniques and methods of play therapy and its clinical application to treat children, adolescents, adults and families. Special emphasis is placed on understanding play therapy from historical, theoretical, clinical, theological, spiritual, religious, systemic and relational perspectives. Instruction includes exercises, role playing, videos, and instructor lectures. Prerequisite: CO600 or CO601. CO624 Community Counseling (3) Designed to provide an understanding of the role that mental health professionals can play in the transformation of a community. Distinctions from traditional clinical counseling practices are highlighted as a means of enhancing the vision and skill repertoire of future professional counselors. Emphasis is placed on issues related to advocacy, serving underserved populations, preventative education and ethical issues in community counseling. The purpose, theories and practices of community counseling are examined from a Christian worldview. Examples of faith-based community programs are studied as models for community health agencies. Prerequisite: CO600 or CO601. CO625 Recognizing and Treating Addictive Disorders (3) Specifically designed to help prospective Christian counselors, pastors, and youth leaders develop the skills needed to recognize addictive disorders, evaluate effective treatment options, and grasp the essential elements required for recovery. Secular and Christian approaches for treating chemical dependency, eating disorders, compulsive gambling, and sexual disorders are examined. Prerequisite: CO600, CO601, PC510 or PC515. CO626 Couples Counseling Theory and Interventions (3) Presents a panoramic view of counseling work with couples. Students will learn historic and contemporary models of couples counseling, including application of couples counseling to special populations, problems, and issues. Students also will reflect upon theological aspects of marriage. Prerequisite: CO600 or CO601.