Course Descriptions
PSYC 100 General Psychology (3 units)
Introduction to major topics, theories, and research methods of psychology. Topics covered include the biological basis of behavior, human development, learning, memory, intelligence, perception, motivation, cognition and consciousness, emotion, personality, social behavior, abnormal behavior and methods of therapy.
PSYC 106 Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination (3 units)
This course focuses on psychological theories and research studies of prejudice and discrimination. The nature of discrimination is examined in relation to prejudice behavior and the variables which influence the psychological development, adjustment and coping strategies of ethnic minority groups in the United States. The development of prejudice in children is examined. Economic, educational, political, and legal issues are analyzed for their psychological impact specifically on Americans of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American descent. However, other ethnic minority groups are included.
PSYC 200 Developmental Psychology (3 units)
This course examines human development across the lifespan, from conception through death by focusing on theories and methods of psychological research; including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes throughout the lifespan. Emphasis on development as an on-going process understanding the interaction of development issues: nature vs. nurture, continuity vs. discontinuity, and stability vs. instability. This course is designed as a foundation for careers in educational, social, psychological, and medical fields as well as providing a better understanding of one's own development process.
PSYC 205 Social Science Research Methods (3 units)
Equivalent to SOCI 205. This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of social science research. Various sociological and psychological research methods are examined that include experimental research, survey research, field research, and comparative-historical research. Procedures to evaluate the soundness of research designs are examined. Ethical issues related to research techniques are also considered.
PSYC 300 Social Psychology (3 units)
Study of human interaction, with emphasis on how thoughts, feelings, and behavior of individuals are influenced by actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. Focus of course is on social factors that influence human behavior; ourselves and other people, institutions and social and physical structures people create. A review of various perspectives unique to social psychologists including attitude formation, interpersonal attraction, and aggression is examined.
PSYC 340 Introduction to Human Sexuality (3 units)
Human Sexuality is a broad field in which many cultural, psychological and physiological variables interact in relation to sexual development, attitudes and behaviors. Methods of scientific psychology are utilized to improve understanding of a broad range of behaviors ranging from healthy to dysfunctional within mainstream modern American culture as well as other cultures. Discussion of differing cultural and moral perspectives is utilized to assist students in making a critical assessment of the nature of the sexual self as well as intimate human relationships within their own community and the world.
PSYC 410 Abnormal Psychology (3 units)
Introduces the scientific study of psychopathology and atypical behaviors, broadly defined. Students investigate abnormal behavior from a variety of perspectives including biological, psychological, and sociocultural approaches. An integrative survey of theory and research in abnormal behavior, and intervention and prevention strategies for psychological disorders are also introduced.
PSYC 695 Independent Study (0.5- 3 units)
Designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge via self-paced, individualized instruction provided in selected areas or directed study to be arranged with instructor and approved by the division dean using the Independent Study Form. Varying modes of instruction can be used -- laboratory, research, skill development, etc. For each unit earned, students are required to devote three hours per week throughout the semester. Students may take only one Independent Study course within a given discipline.