Art Therapy Studies, BA

ART 301: Color, Theory, and Application

This is a combination studio and lecture course that focuses exclusively on issues of color, its aesthetic, symbolic and psychological dimensions, as related to visual expression. 

PSY 376: Art Therapy

his course is an introduction to the field of art therapy. The modern theories, methods and systems of art therapy will be surveyed. 

DES 110: Creativity: Process and Purpose

This course provides an introduction to creativity through discussion and project-based learning. The course provides overview and practice of creative processes (e.g. ideation, research, empathy, proto-typing, etc), in-depth discussion of the theological foundations for creativity, and practice for developing creative habits.

View All Courses

• Content: Majors will demonstrate discipline knowledge and skills (theories, concepts, and terms of the discipline) through the ability to:
  1. Explain the major historical theories of psychology and their influence on developing theories, the individual and society.
  2. Understand and critique methods of critical analysis/research and articulate their influence on the field of psychology and an understanding of human behavior.
  3. Verbalize and analyze the terminology of psychology and how it relates to professional practice.
• Critical thinking: Majors will utilize skill in analysis, synthesis, and use of evidence; problem solving (reflective and analytical) through the ability to:
  1.  Think critically about psychological constructs, theories and research methodology through the use of comparison and contrast, problem solving and the integration of evidence from diverse contexts (research, professional practice and daily living) and worldviews (religious, ethnic, cultural).
  2. Use psychology concepts to explain personal experiences and recognize the limitations of personal experience in understanding psychological phenomenon
  3. Differentiate the science of psychology from pseudoscience/anecdote
  4. Use quantitative and/or qualitative analyses to argue for or against a particular hypotheses within specific contexts (research, professional practice and daily living)
• Communication: Majors will effectively use appropriate speaking and writing skills; technology literacy; research skills  as demonstrated though the ability to:
  1. Construct thorough literature reviews using APA style and applying fundamental strategies such as thesis development, revision, and correct grammar and syntax
  2. Display and communicate quantitative data clearly and concisely using basic statistics, graphs and tables
  3. Deliver effective oral presentations in a variety of communication settings appropriate to diverse audiences, integrating visual elements and professional demeanor
  4. Lead and participate effectively in group discussions, applying active listening skills and demonstrating respect for diverse views
  5. Select the most appropriate sources and databases for accessing and obtaining needed information. Evaluate the reliability, validity, quality, timeliness, potential biases, and overall credibility of these sources
• Integrity/values: Majors will synthesize academic integrity, discipline specific ethical issues; an understanding of ethics; respect for social diversity with their discipline through the ability to:
  1. Understand and demonstrate academic integrity, including honor code requirements within university, community and professional settings
  2. Apply ethical standards of the professions of psychology, sociology and anthropology to research and practice
  3. Understand the Christian worldview and apply Biblical values and moral/ethical principles to research and practice
  4. Demonstrate sensitivity to issues of social diversity and exhibit respect for socially diverse groups
• Project management: Majors will exhibit team work skills and informed participation in multiple levels of community applying academic studies to the workplace and professional environment through the ability to:
  1. Work collaboratively and respectfully with individuals with diverse backgrounds
  2. Adapt to new workplace environments and changing professional needs
  3. Develop leadership and self-management skills to work effectively in a variety of social and group contexts
  4. Respond appropriately to feedback from supervisors and team members
  5. Apply academic knowledge to a variety of work and social contexts to enhance interactions and performance
• Creative Thinking: Majors will demonstrate the ability to engage in associative/spatial thinking dynamically channeled through various media through directed formal and conceptual problems as well as self-determined projects.
• Media Fluency: Majors will demonstrate an ability to command the inherent dynamics of a variety of 2&3 dimensional media as applied to directed and self-determined expressive goals.