Lower Division
PSYC 1000 Sexual Behavior (3 units)
The biological, psychological, and cultural origins of sexuality are reviewed within the context of human evolution and development. Satisfies G.E. area E1.
PSYC 2010 Introduction to Psychology (3 units)
Scientific study of human behavior. This course or its equivalent is a prerequisite to all upper-division courses in Psychology. Satisfies G.E. area D2. (CAN PSY?2)
PSYC 2020 Introduction to Psychological Methods (3 units)
Basic techniques and procedures for making systematic observations in a wide variety of psychological situations, both laboratory and field. Psychological methods demonstrated through topics of current research and application, and through demonstration–lab projects. Prerequisite: PSYC 2010 or equivalent.
PSYC 2030 Psychology of Adjustment (3 units)
A review of issues in personal and social adjustment to prepare students for a lifelong understanding of themselves as integrated persons. Topics include a study of personal development through the life cycle, psychological and physical aspects of stress, personal coping skills and stress management, interpersonal communication, family relationships, effective integration of work and leisure. Satisfies G.E. area E1.
Upper Division
PSYC 3000 Experimental Methods and Design (4 units)
Provides a working knowledge of fundamental scientific methods in psychology, stressing the integration of laboratory methods, measurement theory, and inferential statistical techniques, including introduction to analysis of variance. This course is a prerequisite to the 4000-level research seminar required of Psychology majors. Corequisite: PSYC 3002. Prerequisites: PSYC 2020 and MATH 1600 or consent of instructor. (Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours)
PSYC 3010 Child Abuse and Neglect (1 unit)
(Same as CDEV 3010) (Formerly PSYC 4140) Child maltreatment will be examined from a variety of perspectives, including those of victims, perpetrators, mental health professionals, childcare workers and teachers, the legal system, and public policy makers. Issues addressed will include definitions, causes, consequences, assessment, reporting, treatment, and prevention of child abuse and neglect. Course content will cover all areas required by the State of California under AB 141.
PSYC 3090 Comparative Animal Behavior (3 units)
A comparative study of behavior systems in animals and humans. Stress is upon the social and developmental aspects of behavior. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010 or ZOOL 1050.
PSYC 3100 Introduction to Physiological Psychology (3 units)
Relationship between behavior and physiological processes, particularly neurophysiological processes. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010 or ZOOL 1050. (Lecture,
3 hours)
PSYC 3140 Human Development I: Childhood (3 units)
(Same as CDEV 3140) Basic principles of human development as they apply to infancy and childhood. Discussion of current developmental research and applications. Prerequisite: PSYC 2010 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 3160 Introduction to Psychological Testing (3 units)
Basic, widely applicable principles of psychological testing presented in a nontechnical way, plus descriptions of representative types of psychological tests in common use. Prerequisite: PSYC 2020 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 3240 Human Development II: Adolescence (3 units)
(Same as CDEV 3240) Examines basic developmental issues in adolescent development, including physical and psychological effects of puberty, cognitive, social and personality development, and psycho-social problems. Discussion of current developmental research and application. Prerequisite: PSYC 2010 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 3310 Introduction to Social Psychology (3 units)
Survey of interpersonal relations and behavior from a psychological perspective. An emphasis will be placed on the role of social cognition and attitudes. Topics to be covered include images of self and others; social motives such as affiliation, altruism, and aggression; and dyadic and group relationships. Prerequisites: PSYC 2010 and 2020 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 3320 Introduction to Personality (3 units)
Survey of the most influential approaches to the study and understanding of personality with emphasis on comparison of critical, theoretical issues. Prerequisite: PSYC 2010 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 3340 Human Development III: Adulthood and Aging (3 units)
(Same as CDEV 3340) Basic principles of adult development and aging from maturity to death are examined. Biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of development and aging are considered through discussion of relevant theory, research, and application. Satisfies G.E. area F3. Prerequisite: PSYC 2010 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 3350 Introduction to the Study of Abnormal Behavior (3 units)
Abnormal behavior in humans, stressing symptoms and dynamics of neuroses and psychoses. Prerequisites: PSYC 2020 plus two additional courses in psychology. PSYC 3140 and 3320 are recommended.
PSYC 3400 Introduction to Perception (3 units)
Basic phenomena in the area of perception. Simple and complex responses to stimuli. Topics include form perception and organization, color, illusions, space perception, motion perception, perceptual development. Basic phenomena are demonstrated and interpretations considered. Prerequisite: PSYC 2020.
PSYC 3405 Research Seminar in the Psychology of Perception (2 units)
Examines research methods used in the psychology of perception. Students design and conduct an original study. Prerequisites: PSYC 2020 and completion of PSYC 3400, or PSYC 3100, or PSYC 4400, or consent of instructor.
PSYC 3550 Early Intervention with High-Risk Children (4 units)
(Same as CDEV 3550) Overview of early intervention theory and methodology. Rationale of home-and school-based efforts for infant and preschool children to become successful in an academic setting. Direct application of home-based interventions. Co-requisite: PSYC 3553. Prerequisites: PSYC 2010, CDEV or PSYC 3010, and CDEV or PSYC 3140. (Lecture 2 hours; activity 4 hours; Training, 16 hours — first two Saturdays of the semester.)
PSYC 3610 Applied Behavior Analysis Research Seminar (2 units)
Examines single-subject research methods from applied behavior analysis with a range of clinical problems and client populations. Teaches students about the scientist-practitioner model including a functional analysis of behavior problems and empirically validated treatment plans. Students design and conduct an original study in an applied setting that may include special populations such as developmentally disabled or autistic populations. Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 2020 and one of the following: PSYC 3140, 3700, 4130, or 4150.
PSYC 3660 Psychology of Women (3 units)
(Same as GEND 3660) Provides a psychological examination of the nature and experiences of women in contemporary society. Topics to be discussed include women and power, the meaning of sexuality, stress and conflict surrounding women’s roles, and male–female relationships.
PSYC 3700 Introduction to Learning and Motivation (3 units)
Basic phenomena of learning and motivation are covered, including classical and operant conditioning, the roles of reinforcement in learning, transfer of learning, and retention. Various theoretical viewpoints are covered, including cognitive, behavioral and Gestalt theories of learning and motivation. Utilization of these concepts in classroom situations and society is demonstrated. Prerequisite: PSYC 2020 or concurrent enrollment.
PSYC 3705 Research Seminar in Human Learning (2 units)
Examines various research issues in human operant learning. Students will read primary research articles on a topic from journals reporting studies in human operant learning and participate in the design of an original experiment to address a research question related to that topic. They will collect experimental data from human subjects, analyze these data and present them in a research report. Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSYC 3700 or PSYC 4790 and prior completion of PSYC 2020.
PSYC 3790 Introduction to Counseling Theory (3 units)
Introduction to major theories of counseling. Demonstrations and review of current literature. Prerequisite: PSYC 3320.
PSYC 3800 Experimental Psychology Research Seminar (2 units) Examines experimental design and other research methods commonly used to gain better understanding of human perception, cognition, and behavior. Students design and conduct an original study. Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 2020 and one of the following: PSYC 3140, 3310, 3400, 4400, or 4440.
PSYC 4020 History of Psychology (3 units)
Trends of thought, development of psychology as a discipline with leaders, schools, and issues. Prerequisites: PSYC 2020 and two upper-division courses in psychology, or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4102 Research Seminar in Neuroscience (WP) (3 units)
Examines research methods used in neuroscience. Students design and conduct an original study. Satisfies upper-division writing proficiency requirement. Corequisite: PSYC 4103. Prerequisites: Completion of the Writing Proficiency Screening Test with a passing score, PSYC 3000, and completion of PSYC 3100 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4110 Behavior Genetics (3 units)
Evaluation of the genotypic contribution to human and animal behavior. Special emphasis on the interaction between genotype and environment during development. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010 or ZOOL 1050.
PSYC 4120 Human Development Research Seminar (WP) (3 units)
Examines methods and design used in human development research. Students design and conduct an original study. Satisfies upper-division writing proficiency requirement. Corequisite: PSYC 4123. Prerequisites: Completion of the Writing Proficiency Screening Test with a passing score, PSYC 3000, and prior enrollment in either PSYC/CDEV 3140 or PSYC/CDEV 3240 or PSYC/CDEV 3340, or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4130 Psychological Disorders of Children (3 units)
A review of theories and treatment techniques dealing with a broad range of childhood disorders, including autism, childhood schizophrenia, mental subnormality, and psychophysiological problems. A behavioral approach, based on empirical evidence, will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSYC 3140.
PSYC 4150 Learning Disabilities (3 units)
Overview of the major categories of learning disabilities including educationally retarded and behavior disorders. Survey of instructional programs and review of supportive data for those programs. Prerequisite: PSYC 3140 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4250 Drugs and Behavior (3 units)
Reviews the social, psychological, and physiological effects of all the major therapeutic and recreational drugs. The issues of drug use and abuse will be studied to develop effective strategies for prevention and rehabilitation of drug dependency. Satisfies G.E. area F3.
PSYC 4310 Research Seminar in Social Psychology (WP) (3 units)
Examines research methods used in Social Psychology. Students design and conduct an original study. Satisfies upper-division writing proficiency requirement. Corequisite: PSYC 4313. Prerequisites: Completion of the Writing Proficiency Screening Test with a passing score, PSYC 3000 and completion of either PSYC 3310, PSYC 4810, or PSYC 4820, or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4320 Forensic Psychology (3 units)
Explores the application of psychology to criminal justice issues. Topics to be considered include specific mental disorders and personality types related to criminal behavior, treatment of mental illness in the justice system, and practical applications of forensic psychology.
PSYC 4400 Cognitive Processes (3 units)
Introduction to the study of human information processing and such higher mental processes as thinking, attention, comprehension, imagery, memory, language, and reasoning. Prerequisite: PSYC 2010, 2020, or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4410 Research Seminar in Cognitive Psychology (WP) (3 units)
Examines research methods used in cognitive psychology. Students design and conduct an original study. Satisfies upper-division writing proficiency requirement. Corequisite: PSYC 4413. Prerequisites: Completion of the Writing Proficiency Screening Test with a passing score, PSYC 3000, and completion of either PSYC 4400 or PSYC 3400, or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4440 Psychology of Workplace Performance (3 units)
(Formerly COGS 3200; same as COGS 4440) Workplace designs that ignore the psychological abilities of workers reduce productivity, increase turnover, and in extreme cases, trigger injuries or fatalities. This course uses real-world examples to demonstrate these problems and how they can be avoided by applying current theories of human performance.
PSYC 4550 Practicum with Exceptional Children (3 units)
(Same as EDSE 4550) Acquisition and application of direct instruction teaching strategies. Students will work in small groups with children who have been identified as functioning below grade level in reading or math. Emphasis is on learning generalized direct instruction skills. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PSYC 4560 Theory of Instructional Design (3 units)
(Same as EDSE 4560) Analyzes and evaluates instructional theories as they apply to the special education aspects of curriculum and teacher-presentation strategies designed to maximize generalization and minimize errors for “high-risk” pupils. Prerequisite: EDSE 4310.
PSYC 4700 Intelligence (3 units)
(Same as COGS 4700) Examines the origins and assessment of intelligence and its role in cognitive functions within the psychometric and neuroscientific frameworks.
PSYC 4720 Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3 units)
Studies behavior principles, emphasizing respondent and operant conditioning, and their application in experimental research. Prerequisite: PSYC 2020 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4725 Experimental Analysis of Behavior Research Seminar (WP) (3 units)
Examines various research issues in the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. Students will read primary research articles on a topic from the experimental analysis of behavior and participate in the design of an original experiment to address a research question related to that topic. They will collect and analyze experimental data. Satisfies upper-division writing proficiency requirement. Corequisite: PSYC 4726. Prerequisites: Passing the Writing Proficiency Screening Test, PSYC 3000 and concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSYC 4720 (or PSYC 3700 or PSYC 4790, with instructor permission).
PSYC 4750 Applied Behavior Analysis in the Classroom (3 units)
(Same as EDSE 4750) Application of learning principles to educational and behavioral problems of individuals, enabling the student to design and implement programs for special education populations. Gives the student skills in program management and evaluation.
PSYC 4770 Introduction to Counseling Techniques (3 units)
Training in basic counseling skills. Prerequisites: PSYC 3790, senior standing, and consent of instructor.
PSYC 4790 Analyzing and Changing Human Behavior (3 units)
(Formerly Behavioral Engineering) Consists of the basic principles and terminology of behavior analysis applied to a variety of human settings. Behavior change, program design, and evaluation will be discussed. Examples will be drawn from parent training, child management, self-management, clinical psychology, and everyday social interactions. Prerequisite: PSYC 2010 or equivalent.
PSYC 4810 Intimate Relationships (3 units)
(Formerly Social Psychology of Personal Relationships) Social psychological analysis of close relationships such as friendships, marriages, and gay and lesbian relationships. Processes such as attachment, conflict, and commitment will be examined. Prerequisite: PSYC 3310 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4820 Group Dynamics: Theory and Application (3 units)
(Formerly Group Dynamics and Interpersonal Behavior) Reviews factors that shape and influence interpersonal behavior in small groups. Interventions for improving group leadership and decision making will be examined. Prerequisite: PSYC 3310 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4850 Stereotyping and Prejudice (3 units)
In-depth examination of theory and research on the causes and consequences of stereotypes and prejudice. Students learn to critically evaluate the issues and research in the prejudice literature through extensive class discussions and structured debates. Prerequisite: PSYC 3310 or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4900 Advanced General Psychology (3 units)
Review of the major content areas of psychology. Synthesis of concepts, facts, and methods studied in specialized upper-division courses. Prerequisites: At least two 4000-level psychology courses and senior standing or consent of instructor.
PSYC 4910 Cooperative Education (2-4 units)
Provides an opportunity to acquire relevant, practical experience in supervised paid employment within the discipline. Students are placed in private or public sector positions under the supervision of the employer and departmental Co-op coordinator. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. See catalog headings, “Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, Child Development” or “Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, Psychology” for details regarding application to the respective major. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and consent of departmental coordinator.
PSYC 4930 Psychology Colloquium (1 unit)
Review of research in areas of psychology of current interest. Topics will include both applied and basic research. May be repeated for a total of 6 units, 2 of which can be applied to the major.
PSYC 4940 Fieldwork in Psychology (1-2 units)
Work of a psychological nature performed in schools, agencies, and institutions under joint supervision of the department and agency where assigned. May be repeated for credit. See catalog headings “Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, Child Development” or “Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, Psychology” for details regarding application to the respective major. Prerequisites: PSYC 2020 and consent of instructor.
PSYC 4950 Selected Topics in Psychology (1-5 units)
(Topics to be specified in Class Schedule) Development of a specific area in Psychology. Topics will vary depending on instructor. Different topics may be taken for a total of 6 units. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PSYC 4980 Individual Study (1-4 units)
For students capable of independent work and desirous of undertaking specialized study. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. Prerequisite: Prior consent of instructor.
PSYC 4990 Senior Honors Thesis (3 units)
The Senior Honors Thesis is an independent research project in Psychology and is limited to qualified majors in their senior year. It is supervised by a committee of at least two faculty and is expected to be of publishable quality. Can be taken for a maximum of 6 units total, 3 of which may count toward the major. Prerequisites: Major in Psychology, senior standing, and invitation of instructor.
PSYC 4995 Seminar in Psychopharmacology (3 units)
Familiarizes students with basic terminology and models of psychopharmacology. An overview of clinical syndromes is provided, with a focus on medications typically prescribed, their properties, effectiveness, and side effects. Prerequisite: PSYC 3100 or consent of instructor.
