Academic Catalog

Psychology (PSYC)

PSYC 1013.0 UNITS
General Introductory Psychology

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

The content focuses on the exploration of major psychological theories and concepts, methods and research findings in psychology. Topics include the biological basis of behavior, perception, development, learning, memory, cognition and consciousness, motivation, emotion, personality, psychological disorders and therapeutic approaches and applied psychology.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
C-ID: PSY 110
PSYC 1033.0 UNITS
Critical Thinking In Psychology

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or or ENGL 100S or equivalent with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass".
This course covers the nature of critical thinking from a psychological perspective. Focusing on the nature of thinking, the course emphasizes the development of critical thinking applied to scientific inquiry. Through an interactive classroom environment that includes lecture/discussion, debates, and writing exercises, critical thinking skills such as problem solving, determining cause and effect relationships, analyzing arguments, fallacies in thinking, comparing facts with opinion, an understanding probabilities are developed. There will be an emphasis on the application of critical thinking skills to everyday issues.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
PSYC 1503.0 UNITS
Personal and Social Adjustment

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

Recommendation: PSYC 101, and Courses taught at the level of Introduction to College Composition with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass" or equivalent or appropriate placement based on the college’s multiple measures process with eligibility for ENG 100 or ENGL 100S.
This course presents an applied focus on how psychology is used in everyday life. Different theoretical perspectives are applied across the lifespan with an emphasis on culture, gender, ethnicity, personality, and relationships. Applications of the concepts taught in this course help students understand themselves better, change behaviors, and enhance relationships. An understanding of how scientists, clinicians and practitioners study and apply psychology is emphasized.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
C-ID: PSY 115
PSYC 2104.0 UNITS
Elementary Statistics

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture / 3.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture / 54 Laboratory

Prerequisite: Courses taught at the level of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass" or equivalent or appropriate placement based on the college’s multiple measures process This course emphasizes the calculation and interpretation of the basic statistical measures, with major emphasis upon the meaning, limitations, and applicability of statistical procedures. It is intended for majors and minors in the behavioral sciences, especially in psychology and sociology. The course will include the theory of parametric and non-parametric statistical methods and its application to psychological data. Topics will include descriptive statistics, probability and sampling distributions, statistical inference and power, linear correlation and regression, chi-square, t-test, and one-way analysis of variance. Application of statistical software to psychological data is required.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC*
C-ID: MATH 110
*UC: credit limits may apply. PSYC 210 combined with MATH 112: maximum credit, one course.
PSYC 2204.0 UNITS
Research Methods

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture / 3.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture / 54 Laboratory

Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and PSYC 210 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass"
Recommendation: Courses taught at the level of Introduction to College Composition with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass" or equivalent or appropriate placement based on the college’s multiple measures process with eligibility for ENG 100 or ENGL 100S.
Prerequisite: PSYC 101, and PSYC 210, or equivalent with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass". An introduction to the scientific study of psychological principles, this course is intended primarily for prospective psychology majors and other students who plan further work in psychology. Independent projects are developed, performed and reported with emphasis on laboratory and naturalistic techniques of observation and investigation.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
C-ID: PSY 205B
PSYC 2413.0 UNITS
Introduction to Psychobiology

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass."
This course is a study of the biology of behavior, covering cells and what they do; and the structure, function, and development of the nervous and hormone systems. It also covers sensory processes, the neurological basis of motivated and emotional behavior, along with a series of specific behavioral categories, such as pain, aggression, sleep, dreaming, sexual behavior and mental illness. In addition, it explores the biological basis of the higher cerebral functions crucial to human beings as Homo sapiens, learning, memory, intelligence, thought and language.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
C-ID: PSYC 150
PSYC 2453.0 UNITS
Drugs and Behavior

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

This course entails a detailed survey of the issues involved in substance abuse and it relevance to health. The pharmacological, neurological, physiological and psychological behavioral issues of substance abuse and dependence will be the focus. Epidemiologic data on prevalence, incidence and trends of drug dependency in the U.S. will be covered, including the risk factors and safety factors involved in drug use, misuse and abuse. The societal and cultural influences on drug use/abuse, recovery, treatment and prevention, including a survey of local resources, as well as the history, laws, and ethics will be covered in this course. This course is not open to students who have enrolled or received credit in HO 245.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
C-ID: PHS 103
PSYC 2513.0 UNITS
Developmental Psychology

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

An integrated study of the social, emotional, cognitive, and biological foundations of the human life cycle from conception to death will be presented in this course. Attention will also be devoted to the study of research methods and the application of research findings to ongoing developmental problems. Implications for personal and professional use will be discussed.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
C-ID: PSY 180
PSYC 2613.0 UNITS
Social Psychology

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

This course emphasizes an introduction to methods and content of social psychology; theories of social behavior; communication; social influence; conformity; aggression; leadership; and, prejudice. Since emphasis will be given to practical applications of research findings, this elective course is recommended for students majoring in the social and behavioral sciences.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
C-ID: PSY 170
PSYC 2623.0 UNITS
The Psychology of Oppression

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

The goals of this ethnic studies course are to familiarize students with a psychological perspective on racism, prejudice, discrimination, and oppression, with a focus of the lived experiences on four historically marginalized groups, including: African-Americans, Asian Americans, Latinx Americans, and Native Americans. It explores psychological theories applied to the experiences of the four core groups, as well as the current social justice and equity movements and their psychological impact on people of color. In addition, this course discusses the personal and social implications of diversity for both majority and minority group members and considers how historical, political, economic, and societal factors shape the way people think about and respond to others. This course is not open to students who have enrolled or received credit in ETHN 262.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
PSYC 2653.0 UNITS
Psychology of Gender

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

This course will examine the psychological issues that are a part of each gender's experiences. An exploration of gender and sex differences and issues specific to women will also be undertaken. Topics include the psychology of reproduction, ability, achievement, work, social interactions, sexuality, growing older, violence against women, and mental illness. An emphasis will be placed on differences that exist between women as they relate to race, ethnicity, culture, religion, and class. The evaluation of these topics is relevant for all genders.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC*
*UC: credit limits may apply. PSYC 265, SOC 202, and WS 202 combined: maximum credit, one course.
PSYC 2713.0 UNITS
Abnormal Psychology

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

Recommendation: Courses taught at the level of Introduction to College Composition with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass" or equivalent or appropriate placement based on the college’s multiple measures process with eligibility for ENG 100 or ENGL 100S and courses at the level of college reading.
This course entails a detailed survey of the various types of abnormal behavior, including behavior resulting from anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance abuse, sexual disorders, personality disorders, childhood and aging disorders and schizophrenia. Investigation of different models of abnormal behavior, including biological, psychological and sociocultural approaches. Theory and research in abnormal behavior, the causes, treatment, and prevention of abnormal behavior, as well as ethical and the legal issues will also be discussed.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
C-ID: PSY 120
PSYC 2733.0 UNITS
Mental Health Worker Field Experience

Class Hours: 1.0 Lecture / 6.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 18 Lecture / 108 Laboratory

Prerequisite: INST 151, INST 152, PSYC 101, and PSYC 271, with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass".
Corequisite: INST 272 with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass"
Field experience provides the opportunity for students to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom at a direct practice training site, under the supervision of a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist. Emphasis will be placed on helping relationships, including personal/family issues, employment, finances, housing, community integration, living with mental illness, cultural/ethnic issues, and any other special population issues. While interacting with clients, students will engage in the four components of rehabilitation: hope, empowerment, self-responsibility, and obtaining a meaningful role in life. The students will develop a professional attitude in all phases of psychosocial rehabilitation, including the legal and ethical aspects of rehabilitation. Weekly seminars are held to evaluate and review clinical applications.
Transfer Credit: CSU
PSYC 2753.0 UNITS
Cultural Psychology

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

Where does cultural variation come from? How does cultural variation shape who you are? In this course we will examine the answers to such questions by examining range of topics that address the intersection of culture and psychology. Historically Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic populations have characterized the bulk of psychological research, but this is problematic as culture and an individual’s psychology are inseparable. Throughout this course, we will explore how culture influences our lives and the lives of others within the U.S. and across the world by addressing how culture shapes childhood experiences, morality, religion, justice, personality, emotions, motivation, perception, mental health, and attraction. We will also discuss techniques in cross-cultural research and living in multi-cultural worlds. This course is not open to students enrolled or received credit for ETHN 275.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
PSYC 2763.0 UNITS
Forensic Psychology

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

The goals of the course are to familiarize students with the nature and scope of forensic psychology, to describe in more detail some of the specific responsibilities and activities of forensic psychologists, and to familiarize students with the theory and empirical evidence that guide forensic psychologists in their work within the legal system. Forensic psychology is the combined subfield of psychology and law, applying the concepts and practices of psychological research and study to the legal system and its many components. This course will familiarize students with the contributions of psychology to the criminal justice system, the theory, principles, and research applied to legal issues, and the nature and scope of practice for forensic psychologists. Examination topics may include a range of ethical, moral, and professional issues, including but not limited to insanity in the commission of offenses, competency, eyewitness testimony, offender profiles, psychopathy, violent and sexual behavior, jury selection, and psychopathology.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
PSYC 2783.0 UNITS
Psychology of Wellness

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

How do thoughts and behaviors relate to your state of wellness? This course will provide a general survey of the ways in which theory and empirical research in psychology explain processes relevant to wellness and illness, interconnections between the mind and body, and dynamics in the medical context. Constructs from a variety of research areas within psychology will be applied to topics such as the biopsychosocial model, coping with stress, managing serious and chronic disease, palliative care, death and dying, physician-patient communication, making medical decisions, adherence to treatment regimens, and technology and the health care system. Students will be taught to critically evaluate medical research from a psychological perspective and to analyze representations of medical findings in publications and the popular media.
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
PSYC 2813.0 UNITS
Careers in Psychology

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture

This course focuses on career planning and development issues for psychology majors. Using a combination of lecture, readings, interviews, guided small group activities and exercises, students will be exposed to information designed to assist in preparation for and pursuit of a career in psychology or a related field. Topics will include an overview of the undergraduate major in psychology, transferable skills that are mastered in psychology courses and how to market these skills, career options in psychology and related fields, preparation for employment with different degrees, and preparing for and succeeding in graduate school. This course will help students make informed decisions about their degree and career goals.
Transfer Credit: CSU
PSYC 2981.0 UNITS
Directed Studies
A course to provide opportunity for individual research and field projects under the direction of a faculty member in a given department. With the guidance of the faculty member, students prepare and carry out a written learning agreement describing the purposes and outcomes of the project. Students should expect to meet with the supervising faculty member one to two hours each week for conferences. Credit is based upon the number of hours in the semester expected to complete the project (1 unit for 54 hours). This course may be taken a maximum of 2 times. For selected disciplines, UC transfer credit may be possible after admission to a UC campus, pending review of appropriate course materials by UC staff. See a counselor for an explanation.
Transfer Credit: CSU
PSYC 2992.0 UNITS
Directed Studies
A course to provide opportunity for individual research and field projects under the direction of a faculty member in a given department. With the guidance of the faculty member, students prepare and carry out a written learning agreement describing the purposes and outcomes of the project. Students should expect to meet with the supervising faculty member one to two hours each week for conferences. Credit is based upon the number of hours in the semester expected to complete the project (2 units for 108 hours). This course may be taken a maximum of 2 times. For selected disciplines, UC transfer credit may be possible after admission to a UC campus, pending review of appropriate course materials by UC staff. See a counselor for an explanation.
Transfer Credit: CSU
PSYC 4104.0 UNITS
Advanced Statistics

Class Hours: 3.0 Lecture / 3.0 Laboratory
Total Contact Hours: 54 Lecture / 54 Laboratory

Prerequisite: PSYC 210 or MATH 112 or MATH 112S or equivalent with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass"
Advanced theory and statistical concepts will be discussed, including the use of hypothesis testing and parameter estimation. Descriptive and inferential techniques will be covered, both univariate and bivariate, including t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, single and multiple regression, and non-parametric tests, such as chi-square. This course is only open to California Community College baccalaureate students.
Transfer Credit: CSU