Psychology (PSYC)
PSYC 101 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Examination of psychological theories, principles and methods. Focus on biological, psychological, social, and developmental foundations of emotion, cognition and behavior; individual differences; and application of concepts. Students who have successfully completed the honors version of this course (PSYC 102) will not receive additional credit for this course. Core: Social & Behavioral Sciences.
PSYC 102 HONORS INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3)
In-depth examination of psychological theories, principles and methods. Focus on biological, psychological, social, and developmental foundations of emotion, cognition and behavior; individual differences; and application of concepts. Honors College course. Students who have successfully completed the non-honors version of this course will not receive additional credit for this course. Core: Social & Behavioral Sciences.
PSYC 201 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Examination of how people learn in educational settings, with emphasis on cognitive, behavioral, and psychological factors influencing the learning process and including topics on individual differences in learning, motivation, and assessment. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 203 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (3)
Introduction to research and theoretical perspectives on human development with focus on development across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains throughout the lifespan. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 205 INTRODUCTION TO THE HELPING RELATIONSHIP (3)
Introduction and overview of current concepts that describe and explain the helping relationship and exploration of the conditions and skills helpful in facilitating and maintaining an effective therapeutic relationship. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 212 BEHAVIORAL STATISTICS (4)
Analysis of data using descriptive and inferential statistics, focused on frequency distributions and graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, standard scores, t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation/regression techniques using statistical software. Not open to students who have successfully completed PSYC 213 or PSYC 313. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and Core 3 (Mathematics) course with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better.
PSYC 213 RESEARCH DESIGN AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY I (4)
Methodologies for gathering observational and self-report data, be analysis of data using descriptive statistics and correlation/regression procedures. Discuss ethics and feasibility of different research designs. Successful completion is required to enroll in PSYC 313. Students who have successfully completed PSYC 212 or PSYC 314 will not receive additional credit for PSYC 213. Prerequisite: Core 3 (Mathematics) course with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better.
PSYC 225 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Introduction to theory and research of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another, with emphasis on social cognition, attitudes, aggression and helping. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 261 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (3)
Introduction to the study of major psychological and behavioral disorders including mood, anxiety, psychotic, personality, and substance use disorders, with emphasis on etiology, prevalence, symptoms, assessment, and treatment approaches. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 285 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Introduction to the biological correlates of behavioral and psychological processes with focus on basic neurophysiology and neuroanatomy of sensory, motor, and psychological processes. Students who have completed PSYC 465 will not receive additional credit for PSYC 285. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
PSYC 305 PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING (3)
Overview of major theories and research in human and animal learning, including classical and operant conditioning, observational learning, reinforcement, punishment, and verbal learning on behavior. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is recommended.
PSYC 309 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (3)
Mechanisms of drug action including effects on brain areas and neurotransmitter systems; drug effects on behavior; recreational and therapeutic uses of drugs, substance use disorder. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is recommended.
PSYC 311 BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION (3)
Examination of the basic principles of behavioral and social learning and of the experimental analysis of behavior. Emphasizes application of theories, principles, and methodologies to school and work settings, interpersonal relations and behavior. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 313 RESEARCH DESIGN AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IN PSYCHOLOGY II (4)
Methodologies for gathering observational and self-report data, analysis of data using descriptive statistics and correlations/regression procedures. Discuss ethics and feasibility of different research designs. To receive Psychology major credit, PSYC 213 must also be successfully completed. Not open to students who have successfully completed PSYC 212 or PSYC 314. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core requirement. Prerequisites: ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent, PSYC 101, and PSYC 213. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.
PSYC 314 RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY (4)
Examination of various research designs, research ethics, analysis and evaluation of data, and communication of research findings in an APA formatted paper. Three hours of lecture, two hours laboratory per week. Not open to students who have successfully completed PSYC 213 or PSYC 313. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core requirement. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent, and PSYC 212. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.
PSYC 315 MOTIVATION (3)
Examination of the interaction between physiological, neurological, and pharmacological aspects of motivation and environmental influences such as culture, learning, and social dynamics. Topics include aggression, sexuality, achievement (competence), and cognitive-social factors. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is recommended.
PSYC 317 SENSATION AND PERCEPTION (3)
Examination of how sensory information from the visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory systems is received and processed, and how the brain interprets this input to create conscious experiences of the environment. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 327 INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Examination of theories, psychological concepts, and research applied to industrial and organizational workplace settings. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 350 PERSONALITY (3)
Introduction and examination of theoretical perspectives and research aimed at understanding personality processes and individual differences in thought, emotion, behavior, and personality disorders. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 361 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (3)
Psychological disorders and their etiologies, with introduction to relevant psychotherapeutic treatment approaches. Students who have successfully completed PSYC 261 will not receive additional credit for PSYC 361. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 units of PSYC.
PSYC 377 EMOTION (3)
An introduction to the science of emotion and its role in understanding behavioral and psychological processes. Topics include emotion expression and regulation, and the influences of biological, cognitive, and social processes. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is recommended.
PSYC 381 READINGS IN PSYCHOLOGY (1-2)
Readings in an area of psychology selected by the student in consultation with and under the direction of a faculty member. Counts as an experiential learning course for the Psychology major. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 units. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, 6 units of PSYC and consent of instructor.
PSYC 383 PROCTORING IN PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Students serve as teaching apprentices or proctors in a course which they have already completed (such as Introduction to Psychology), and which they must relearn to 100 percent mastery. Students will manage the learning and evaluate individual progress of the members of the class assigned to them. The experience includes guidance, support and motivation of the assigned students, all in a supervised situation. Only 3 units may be earned in one term. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. For 6 units, students must serves as proctor for two separate courses. Grade S/U. Prerequisites: successful completion of five or more psychology courses or: introductory, educational and child, or adolescent psychology, and principles of education and be a junior or a senior standing plus permission of instructor. NOTE: Psychology majors and minors will not receive psychology elective credit for this course.
PSYC 391 DIRECTED RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY (1-3)
Qualified students gain research experience by assisting faculty members with research projects. Counts as an experiential learning course for the Psychology major. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 units. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, 6 units of PSYC, and consent of instructor.
PSYC 402 COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT (3)
Examination and application of lifespan changes in thinking. Exploration of age-related change and individual differences, theories that explain change, and interventions to effect change. Topics range from basic cognition (e.g., perception) to complex cognition (e.g., reading), and may be applied to: students, educators, caregivers, practitioners, lawmakers, etc. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 203, and 3 additional units in PSYC; PSYC 313/ PSYC 314 is recommended.
PSYC 403 INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (3)
Examination of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of infants and children, focusing on key theories, research methods, and approaches to understanding and supporting children's development. Not open to those students who have successfully completed ECED 315. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 203, and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 404 ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Examination of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of adolescents, focusing on key theories, research methods, and approaches to understanding and supporting adolescent development. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 203, and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 405 PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING (3)
Examination of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of older adults, focusing on key theories, research methods, and approaches to understanding and supporting older adult development. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 203, and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 410 PSYCHOLOGY OF SLEEP & SLEEP DISORDERS (3)
Introduction and examination of the biological and environmental mechanisms of sleep, sleep disorders, and the effect of sleep on psychological disorders and human experience. This course has been offered as a special topic; students who have earned credit for this course as a special topic will not receive additional credit for PSYC 410. Recommended: PSYC 205, PSYC 285, PSYC 313/ PSYC 314. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 additional Psychology units.
PSYC 411 TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS (3)
Overview of psychological testing and assessment, including the construction, administration, interpretation, and application of tests measuring intelligence, aptitude, achievement, personality, mental health, and vocational interests. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 212 and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 419 DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Exploration of theories and topics in traditional and contemporary psychology through a variety of philosophical and cultural perspectives, focusing on psychodynamic and behaviorist traditions, and existential, positive, transpersonal, and mind-body approaches. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 430 SYSTEMS AND TECHNIQUES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY (3)
Review of major theories of psychotherapy and therapeutic techniques and application of these approaches to the treatment of psychopathology. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 205, and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 431 GROUP DYNAMICS (3)
Examination of group types, formation, structure, and interactions, including norms, power, motivation, leadership, and development theories as well as reciprocal group influence on behavior and application of communication and decision-making skills. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 432 CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Systematic study of behavior and experience across cultures, examining how culture influences and interacts with development, social behavior, self and identity, emotions, personality, cognition, communication, physical and mental health. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 435 INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY (3-6)
Placement in a community agency for practical learning experiences relevant to topics in psychology. Counts as an experiential learning course for the Psychology major. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 units. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 20 units of PSYC, minimum PSYC GPA 3.00 and consent of instructor.
PSYC 436 SERVICE LEARNING IN PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Integration of theory and practice through supervised direct experiential service with a partnering organization through tailored programming that includes reflection, community engagement, and skill development. Counts as an experiential learning course for the Psychology major. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units. This course has been offered as a special topic; students who have earned credit for this course as a special topic will not receive additional credit for PSYC 436. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 units of PSYC and instructor consent.
PSYC 439 THE INITIAL INTERVIEW (3)
Examination and development of clinical observation and interview skills through practicum experience. Emphasis on dynamics between interviewer and interviewee, with the use of recorded sessions, seminars, and individual supervision. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 205, 3 units of PSYC, and admission to the Clinical Psychology Area of Focus.
PSYC 441 PSYCHOLOGY OF THE BLACK EXPERIENCE (3)
Examination of the cultural and psychological experiences of people of African descent and Black Psychology, focusing on historical and cultural aspects of the Black experience from an African-centered perspective on social systems and structures, identity development, adjustment and adaptation, and culturally responsive counseling and intervention strategies. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 additional units of PSYC; or AFST 201 and 3 additional units of AFST.
PSYC 444 SEXUAL WELL-BEING AND LIBERATION: SOCIOCULTURAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES (3)
In-depth examination of human sexuality from a psychological perspective. Topics include diverse sexual identities, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors throughout the lifespan, with particular attention towards the sociocultural issues involved in human sexuality. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 additional units in PSYC; PSYC 314/ PSYC 313 and PSYC 261 recommended.
PSYC 447 PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER (3)
Examination of gender-related topics from biological, social, cultural, and developmental psychological perspectives. Explores similarities and differences among gender groups, the relationship between sex and gender, intersections with other cultural identities, and a focus on gender diversity and the implications of the gender binary. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 451 INTRODUCTION TO THE EXCEPTIONAL CHILD (3)
Examination of children with diverse learning, developmental and behavioral needs, including disabilities and giftedness, exploring identification, assessment, and effective educational practices. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 203, and 3 additional units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is recommended.
PSYC 452 PSYCHOLOGY OF LANGUAGE (3)
Principles of psycholinguistics, language perception, comprehension, production and acquisition; exploring syntax, lexicon, morphology, pragmatics and language disorders as they inform language processing. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 3 additional units in PSYC or consent of instructor.
PSYC 453 ISSUES IN MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTION (3)
Overview of contemporary issues in applied mental health including history and systems of mental health interventions, culturally responsive counseling, and professional development. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, 6 additional units of PSYC, and admission to the Clinical Psychology Area of Focus.
PSYC 454 INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOTHERAPY (3)
Techniques of psychotherapeutic intervention. Seminars and individualized readings as well as intensive clinical supervision will be offered. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, 6 additional units of PSYC, and admission to the Clinical Psychology Area of Focus.
PSYC 457 GENDER IDENTITY IN TRANSITION (3)
Examination of the psychological consequences of evolving definitions of femininity, masculinity, and personhood, using contemporary theories of gender identity formation. Topics include androgyny, sex-role transcendence, with a focus on psychological adaptation to social change. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 447 and 3 additional units of PSYC.
PSYC 460 ETHOLOGY AND COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Survey of major behavioral adaptations of humans and non-human animals through the lens of evolutionary theory, examining the roles of evolutionary pressures, genetics, development, learning, and social influences across species, with relevant cross-species comparisons. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 additional units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is recommended.
PSYC 461 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Introduction to the scientific study of mental processes underlying human thought and behavior. Topics include perception, attention, memory, reasoning, language, problem solving and decision making. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 additional units in PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is recommended.
PSYC 465 PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)
An introduction to the physiological bases of behavior. The topics to be considered are basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, sensory and motor systems, motivational systems, and "higher-order" behavioral systems. Three units of lecture per week. Students who have successfully completed PSYC 285 will not receive additional credit for PSYC 465. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is recommended.
PSYC 467 MIDLIFE DEVELOPMENT (3)
Examination of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of middle adulthood, focusing on key theories, research methods, and approaches to understanding and supporting middle-aged adult development. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 203, and 3 units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is also recommended.
PSYC 470 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY (1-3)
Survey and critical evaluation of modern literature pertaining to selected problems in psychology. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 units provided a different topic is covered each time. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and 6 additional units of PSYC; PSYC 313 or PSYC 314 is recommended.
PSYC 486 ADVANCED RESEARCH DESIGN (3)
Descriptive and inferential statistical methods and design considerations useful in behavioral scientific research including correlation, regression, and factor analysis. Prerequisite: PSYC 497 with a grade of “B” or better.
PSYC 491 INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION IN PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Qualified students conduct independent research according to their interest and training under the direction of a faculty member. Counts as an experiential learning course for the Psychology major. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 total units. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 313 or PSYC 314, PSYC 391, and consent of instructor.
PSYC 494 TRAVEL AND STUDY ABROAD / AWAY IN PSYCHOLOGY (1-3)
Selected topics, issues, programs, projects and/or facilities related to the field of psychology. Locations and topics to be selected by Department and instructor sponsoring the program. There is no foreign language skill requirement. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
PSYC 497 HONORS SEMINAR IN PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Issues of current and historical interest in psychology, examined from clinical, developmental, experimental, and other relevant points of view, as it relates to individual student projects. Seminar format, including discussions, based on readings from primary sources and group projects. Development of a research proposal, including literature review, proposed method and data analysis. Emphasis on appropriate format and style with both written and oral presentation. Prerequisites: admission to Psychology Honors Thesis Program and successful completion of PSYC 212 and PSYC 314 or PSYC 213 and PSYC 313 with a grade of "B" or better.
PSYC 498 HONORS CAPSTONE PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Advanced coursework in psychology focused on preparation and presentation of Psychology Honors Thesis to thesis committee and peers. Honors College course. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: admission to Psychology Honors Thesis Program and successful completion of PSYC 313 or PSYC 314, PSYC 486, PSYC 497 with a grade of "B" or better.
PSYC 499 HONORS SENIOR THESIS IN PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Student research project focused on specific topic in Psychology under direction of faculty advisor approved by Honors Thesis Director culminating with a written report and presentation at end of semester. Honors College course. Prerequisites: admission to Psychology Honors Thesis Program and successful completion of PSYC 313 or PSYC 314, PSYC 486, PSYC 497, and PSYC 498 with a grade of "B" or better.