Psychology Course Descriptions
Semesters in which these courses are to be offered for day majors are indicated at the end of the course description. The schedule for Pathways psychology courses is available in the Pathways office.
PSY 1000/3000 Series: Special Topics in Psychology (1 unit)
Designed to help students gain an understanding of their own life patterns and interpersonal relationships or the impact of the social world and our mental and physiological processes on our attitudes and behavior. Typically offered in a one Saturday workshop format, along with a mandatory orientation session. Can be taken either as lower or upper division. Fall, Spring Semesters; Summer Sessions.
PSY 1001/3001 Psychology of Dreams
Exploration of both research and theoretical models of sleep and dreaming; application of dream theory to aid students in understanding their own dreams.
PSY 1002/3002 Effective Communication
Practical, hands-on training in the essentials of interpersonal communication, including active listening, outgoing messages, and de-escalating conflict.
PSY 1003/3003 Human Response to Disaster
An interdisciplinary overview of disasters and the economic, social and psychological impact that such events have on human populations.
PSY 1004/3004 Psychology of Death and Dying
Introduction to models of grief and mourning, psychological understanding of the dying process and funeral rites, and an exploration of personal attitudes toward death and dying.
PSY 1005/3005 Social Influence
An introduction to classic social psychology topics such as persuasion, conformity, and obedience, with special emphasis on compliance tactics used in advertising and sales.
PSY 1006/3006 Psychology of Money
Explores the principles and psychodynamics of our relationship with money from historical, psychological, cultural, and philosophical perspectives. Disentangling emotional from financial issues in order to achieve an optimum balance of emotional well-being and financial success.
PSY 1007/3007 Psychology of Prejudice
A review of theories and research findings addressing the complex issue of prejudice.
PSY 1008/3008 Healing Relationships
Explores the principles, systems, and psychodynamics of our primary relationships, focusing on ways to understand and enhance the well-being of our relationships.
PSY 1009/3009 Stress Management
Provides understanding of a variety of relaxation techniques; students develop a personal stress management plan.
PSY 1010/3010 Psychology of Media and Pop Culture
An introduction to the cultural, societal and psychological impact of the mass media, with particular emphasis on television, film, music videos and the Internet.
PSY 1011/3011 Psychology of Personal Development
Application of developmental models of psychology to understanding one’s own psychological growth throughout the lifespan.
PSY 1012/3012 Creating Your Future
Strategies for participating fully in the design of your life: ways of living a more meaningful and deeply fulfilling life. Processes for exploring what you want and value, and developing strategies for generating these results.
PSY 1013/3013 Managing Anxiety
The physiology of anxiety and factors which perpetuate it. Students learn specific techniques for handling feelings of anxiety, and discussion topics include phobias, test anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
PSY 1016/3016 Temperament and Child Behavior
This course examines inborn traits and how temperament affects behavior and development throughout childhood. Interactions between temperament and the environment are explored in terms of “goodness of fit” in creating positive relationships.
PSY 1022/3022 Positive Psychology
An introduction to the scientific study of optimal human functioning. Topics include happiness, flow, signature strengths, optimism, characteristics of healthy relationships. Emphasis is on the application of positive psychology research findings to real-life experiences.
PSY 1028/3028 Why We Age
Explores the biological causes of aging. Introduces evolutionary, genetic and cellular theories of why organisms grow old and die. Reviews the effects of aging on the mind and brain and considers various attempts at preventing and delaying the aging process. (Note: PSY 3028 meets Group 1 requirement).
PSY 1034/3034 Behavioral Coaching
Introduction to coaching for behavioral change. Focus is on practical techniques for meeting performance and behavioral goals.
PSY 1036/3036 Psychobiology of Sex & Violence
A consideration of the biological factors involved in sexual and aggressive behaviors. We will look at the evolutionary reasons for sex and violence and the brain structures and biochemical basis for these behaviors. (Note: PSY 3036 meets Group 1 requirement).
PSY 1038/3038 Psychology and Law
Exploration of the interface between law and psychology and the role of mental health professionals in the legal system. Topics include jury selection, domestic relations, sexual harassment, competency to stand trial, etc.
PSY1041/3041 Animal Cognition
An introduction to cognitive abilities of non-human species. A review of various examples of intelligent behavior in other species, including spatial cognition and navigation, time perception, problem solving, tool use, culture and language. We will look at empirical evidence for intelligence in the behavior of both captive and wild animals. (Note: PSY 3041 meets Group 1 requirement).
PSY 1045/3045 Hormones and Behavior
Examination of how hormones influence human behavior. Behaviors to be considered include sex and reproduction, cognition, sleep and arousal, response to stress and aggression. The role of hormones during development and throughout the lifespan will also be considered. (Note: PSY 3045 meets Group 1 requirement).
Note: Other courses in the PSY 1000/3000 Series may be offered in addition to those listed here. Consult each semester’s course schedule for current offerings.
PSY 1100 Introduction to Psychology (3 units)
Basic methods and concepts of psychology, focusing on research findings and theoretical viewpoints. Topics include theories of personality, psychological development, personality disorders, social psychology, cognition, motivation and emotion, perception and learning, biological and socio-cultural bases of behavior. Prerequisite for most upper division psychology courses. 3 hours. Fall, Spring Semesters.
PSY 3102 Counseling and Communication (3 units)
Development of individual and group counseling skills, such as effective listening, responsible self-expression, building trust, sensitivity to individual value systems. Various theoretical approaches to counseling and communication are presented through readings, films, tapes, and experiential exercises. 3 hours. Spring Semesters, Summer Sessions.
PSY 3111 Theories of Personality: History and Systems I (3 units)
The historical evolution of psychology and the various positions and theories which fall under the heading of “personality.” Emphasis on primary source readings and on comparison and contrast among various viewpoints in the growth of the discipline. Theorists include Freud, Jung, Adler, James, Watson, Skinner, the Gestaltists. Prerequisite: PSY 1100. 3 hours. Fall Semesters.
PSY 3112 Theories of Personality: History and Systems II (3 units)
The historical evolution of psychology and the various positions and theories which fall under the heading of “personality.” Emphasis on primary source readings and on comparison and contrast among various viewpoints in the growth of the discipline. Theorists include Sullivan, Allport, Murray, Mahler, Rogers, humanists, and cognitive theorists. Prerequisite: PSY 1100. 3 hours. Spring Semesters.
PSY 3120 Child and Adolescent Development (3 units)
Human growth and development, from prenatal development through adolescence, focusing on biological, cognitive, and social-emotional processes within the context of family, culture and society. This course combines theory and research with practical applications. 3 hours. Fall Semesters.
PSY 3121 Adult Development and Aging (3 units)
Human growth and development from early to late adulthood, including aging, death and dying. Includes social, biological, moral, familial, vocational, sexual, religious, and personal processes as they appear and are given significance within the developmental process. Prerequisite: PSY 1100. 3 hours. Spring Semesters.
PSY 3122 Lifespan Development (3 units)
Human development over the lifespan, from prenatal development through adolescence, adulthood, including aging, death and dying. Emphasis on theory and research regarding developmental milestones in the cognitive, social and emotional realms. (Psychology majors should take either or both PSY 3120 or PSY 3121 instead of this course). Prerequisite: PSY 1100. 3 hours. Fall, Spring Semesters.
PSY 3141 Abnormal Psychology (3 units)
Deviations of human behavior: psychoses, neuroses, and personality disorders will be explored using texts, readings, films, case histories, and tapes. Prerequisite: PSY 1100. 3 hours. Fall, Spring Semesters.
PSY 3143 Family Dynamics (3 units)
A systems approach to marriage and family relationships focusing on psychological processes and communication systems which promote or restrict intimacy and health. 3 hours. Fall Semester 2006.
PSY 3160 Social Psychology (3 units)
Social influences on perception, motives, attitudes, and behavior. Topics include attitude formation and change, aggression, altruism, prejudice, group processes, decision-making, affiliation, friendship and love. Lectures, films, and activities.. 3 hours. Fall Semesters.
PSY 3161 Small Group Dynamics (3 units)
Analysis of small group dynamics: structure, process, roles, alliances, shared assumptions, group communication, and leadership. Lectures, demonstrations, and practical group experience. 3 hours. Fall Semester 2007.
PSY 3165 Mediation, Negotiation, and Conflict Management (3 units)
The practical use of effective communication, negotiation, and mediation skills to improve interpersonal relations and to intervene in resolving conflicts. The focus is on developing skills in dealing effectively and ethically with a wide range of conflict situations. 3 hours. Spring Semester ‘07, Fall Semester 2007 Pathways Program.
PSY 3166 Organizational Psychology (3 units)
The application of social psychology to organizational settings. Topics covered include: motivation of workers; group decision-making; leadership styles; career management and organizational development. Experiential exercises combined with lecture, discussion, and demonstration. 3 hours. Spring Semesters, Pathways Program.
PSY 3167 Cross-Cultural Communication (3 units)
Examination of ethnic, racial, cultural, socio-economic, and sexual diversity as they influence and determine effective and appropriate communication strategies and processes in counseling or management practices. Summer Sessions.
PSY 3170 Psychological Testing and Assessment (3 units)
Principles of psychological test construction: norms, reliability, validity, item analysis; ethical issues in psychological testing; survey of intelligence, aptitude, achievement, personality, interest, and clinical measures. Prerequisite: PSY 1100. 3 hours. Spring Semester 2008.
PSY 3171 Psychology of Learning (3 units)
A comprehensive look at how the study of learning changed and impacted psychology, including a review of the research on classical conditioning conducted by Pavlov and the work on operant conditioning conducted by Skinner. Applications of this research in everyday contexts and clinical settings will be examined. Prerequisite PSY 1100. 3 hours, Spring 2007.
PSY 3172 Introduction to Cognitive Processes (3 units)
Explores the psychological processes involved in pattern recognition, attention, memory, human learning, problem solving, language development, verbal communication and decision making. Emphasis is placed on the process of conducting research to support theory, and how new evidence leads to modifications in old theory. Prerequisite PSY 1100. 3 hours. Spring Semester 2008.
PSY 3173 Sensation and Perception (3 units)
Analysis and comparison of the several theoretical approaches explaining sensation and perceptual processing. Topics include the physiological correlates of perception, cognitive influences on perception, perceptual illusions, perception of space and form, and how the modalities are integrated in forming our perceptions. Prerequisite PSY 1100, 3 hours. Fall Semester 2006, 2008.
PSY 3175 Physiological Psychology (3 units)
The biological foundations of human behavior and psychological processes; the physiological basis of emotional disturbance, language, hemispheric specialization of the brain, emotion, aggression, hunger, sleep, and dreaming. Prerequisite: PSY 1100. 3 hours. Fall Semester 2007.
PSY 3181 Psychology of Career Choice (1 unit)
The role of skills, personality, and values in assessment of career possibilities and establishing successful career goals. This course is designed for sophomore psychology majors and non-majors interested in exploring career choices. 1 hour. Fall, Spring Semesters.
PSY 3182 Junior Seminar (1 unit)
Analysis of research, fieldwork, career, and graduate school opportunities in psychology. Course design includes lecture, discussion, and interviewing assignments. Prerequisite PSY 1100. Limited to junior psychology majors. 1 hour. Fall, Spring Semesters.
PSY 3187 Statistics for the Health and Behavioral Sciences (4 units)
Descriptive and inferential statistics as they are applied to a variety of research designs in the health and behavioral sciences. Topics include data summary and presentation, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and regression, probability, sampling and hypothesis testing and using a computer software package to analyze data sets. Prerequisite–Day: MATH 1210 or 1300 with a grade of ‘C’ (2.0) or better, an approved comparable course from another institution, or appropriate placement test score. Pathways: MATH 2000 with a grade of ‘C’ (2.0) or better, or appropriate placement test score. 4 hours. Fall, Spring Semesters; Summer Sessions.
PSY 3191 Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences (4 units)
Methods of investigation in the behavioral sciences. Includes experimental, observational, survey, and unobtrusive methodologies. The course focuses on the major steps in the research process, research design, and ethics. Prerequisite: PSY 1100, PSY 3187. 4 hours. Fall, Spring Semesters.
PSY 3192 Advanced Experimental Design (1 unit)
Review of methodology and procedures for testing causal hypotheses. Topics covered will include experimental design, confound control, and advanced statistical analyses used in psychological research. Prerequisites: PSY 3187, PSY 3191. 1 hour. Spring Semester 2008.
PSY 4000 Series: Contemporary Issues in Psychology (3 units)
A series of seminars examining critical issues in contemporary psychology. 3 hours, Fall, Spring Semesters; Summer Sessions. Rotating courses to include such topics as:
PSY 4002 Life Coaching
Coaching for success in one’s work and personal life. Skills for assisting people to discover what they want in life; processes and tools for achieving goals.
PSY 4003 Natural Disasters: Societal and Individual Reactions to Risk
The social, economic, political and psychological impact of natural hazards on human populations; topics include the natural forces which cause such disasters, areas that are most at-risk from certain hazards, risk perception, disaster preparedness, coping and recovery.
PSY 4005 Health Psychology
Focuses on the psychological influences that affect our physical health and susceptibility to illness; an analysis of the complex interactions between mind and body.
PSY 4006 Environmental Psychology
The impact of the natural or physical environment on behavior and health, including topics such as crowding, privacy, territoriality and personal space.
PSY 4008 Psychology of Religion
Psychological analysis of religious and transcendent experience. Topics include meditation, conversion, women’s spirituality, cults and other current issues.
PSY 4009 Sports Psychology
This course explores the application of psychology to the understanding of sports. Other topics covered include the Psychology of Play and Stress Management. The use of various strategies to enhance peak performance in sports will be extrapolated into other areas such as business, art, education, dance, teaching, relationships and basic life skills.
PSY 4011 Psychology of Women
Analysis of the psychological realities of women’s lives organized around critical issues and events in women’s experience from infancy to adulthood and aging.
PSY 4012 Psychology of Men
A survey on the experience of being male, including historical, biological, social, psychological and anthropological perspectives on topics such as sexuality, interpersonal relationships, fatherhood, power and aggression, and health.
PSY 4013 Human Sexuality
A survey of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of sexuality, including topics such as gender identity, sexual orientation, reproduction, sexually transmitted diseases, sex in the media, sexual problems and sex therapy.
PSY 4016 Psychopharmacology
Examines the effects of psychoactive drugs on neuro-chemical, mental, and behavioral processes. Major depressant, stimulant, narcotic, and hallucinogenic drugs will be studied, as will drugs used to treat mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and schizophrenia. Prerequisite: PSY 1100.
PSY 4017 Evolutionary Psychology
The application of evolutionary theory to human behavior. Topics include the evolution of sexual behavior, and the adaptive basis of various human behaviors such as different sexual strategies, aggression and altruism. We will explore the role of evolutionary processes in the development of human cultures and cultural practices.
PSY 4018 Comparative Psychology
Explores the biological basis of animal behavior through the natural selection of specific traits, and compares this to the behavior of humans. Topics include physiological, genetic, developmental, and environmental mechanisms controlling behavior in various animal species (including humans) from an evolutionary perspective. Prerequisite: PSY 1100.
PSY 4940 Field Placement (3 units)
Application, development, and refinement of assessment, counseling, communication and consulting and/or research skills. Seminar and supervised fieldwork in an agency setting appropriate to the student’s ability and interest. Two semesters of field placement are highly recommended for students who wish to be adequately prepared for careers in psychology and/or intend to apply to graduate school. Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 3182 and senior status. Fall, Spring Semesters.
PSY 4994 Teaching Assistantship (1-3 units)
PSY 4996 Internship (1-3 units)
For full description see General Description – ART 4996 – All Internships at end of Art Course Descriptions.
PSY 4997 Directed Research I (3 units)
Focuses on writing a review of the psychological literature relevant to the student’s senior thesis research topic, and designing an appropriate and ethical research design for the thesis project. Class structure includes lectures, discussion, group exercises and support, individual appointments and behavioral contracting. Note: no incomplete grades are given for PSY 4997. Prerequisites: PSY 1100, PSY 3187, PSY 3191. 3 hours. Fall Semesters.
PSY 4998 Directed Research II (3 units)
Supervised completion of the senior thesis project, with an emphasis on data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of research findings, and completion of the thesis manuscript in proper American Psychological Association format. Class structure includes lectures, class discussion, individual appointments, oral and poster presentations of thesis findings. Note: no incomplete grades are given for PSY 4998. Prerequisite: completion of PSY 4997. 3 hours. Spring Semesters.
PSY 4999 Independent Study: Selected Topic (1-3 units)
Directed reading on a topic of special interest to a student and faculty member. 1-3 hours. Fall, Spring Semesters.
