PSYC Courses

PSYC 1101. Introduction to Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Introduces the study of psychology as a quantitative science and as an aid to the understanding of self and others. Includes consideration of learning principles, personality, conflict and adjustment, tests and measurements, biological bases of behavior, and group phenomena.
Prerequisites: ENGL 0999 unless exempt.

PSYC 1101H. Honors Introducory Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

PSYC 2000. Careers in Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines career opportunities for psychology majors at the baccalaureate and graduate levels. Topics include an examination of the Psychology major, preparation for employment with a bachelor’s degree, course preparation for graduate school, and preparation for the GRE Advanced test in Psychology. There is a substantial writing component to this class.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1101 and declared psychology major or psychology minor or permission of instructor; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 2010. Psychological Studies. 3-0-3 Units.

Explores the roles of oral and written communication in psychology. Emphasis will be placed on examining the literature of specialized areas of psychology and writing papers in APA style as well as oral presentation of research literature in psychology.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1101 and declared psychology major or psychology minor or permission of instructor; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 2101. Psychology of Adjustment. 3-0-3 Units.

Surveys the dynamics of both normal and non-integrative adjustment. Includes a study of conflicts, fears, anxiety, and frustration with emphasis on mental hygiene, building emotional stability, and preventing mental illness.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 2103. Human Development. 3-0-3 Units.

Surveys human development from conception to death. Emphasizes physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and moral development expectations. Major theoretical and research contributions are also considered.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3150. Research Design and Analysis I. 3-0-3 Units.

This is the first course in a 2-course sequence that examines the methods and statistical techniques used in psychological research, including experimental, quasi-experimental, observation and survey methods. Additionally, other methods such as surveys, questionnaires, interviews, naturalistic observations, and case studies are covered. Topics will include those involving the appropriate collection of data as well as ethical considerations involved in conducting psychological research. Statistical topics covered will include measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, regression, an introduction to hypothesis testing and the t-statistic. Online data sets and lab experiences will be part of the class. APA writing style will be reviewed.
Prerequisites: PSYC 2010; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3160. Research Design & Analysis II. 3-0-3 Units.

This is the second course in a 2-course sequence that examines the methods and statistical techniques used in psychological research, including experimental, quasi-experimental, observation and survey methods. Additionally, other methods such as surveys, questionnaires, interviews, naturalistic observations, and case studies are covered. Statistical topics covered will include factorial research designs, single-subject designs, and nonparametric statistics. Online data sets and lab experiences will be part of the class. APA writing style and presentations will be reviewed.
Prerequisites: PSYC 3150; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3200. Abnormal Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the major psychological disorders. The defining characteristics of disorders as defined by DSM and the etiology of disorders will be considered.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1102, each require a C or better.

PSYC 3250. Psychology of Human Sexuality. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines human sexuality from the biological, social and clinical perspectives. Topics include the neuroendocrine processes involved in sexual behavior, theories of psychosexual development, sex roles and values, sexual orientation, sexual behavior over the lifespan, and social problems and issues related to sexual behavior, among others.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1102; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3300. Health Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the role of psychological factors in the promotion and maintenance of health. Topics include the development of acquired illness and health behaviors and the application of psychological principles to the treatment of medical problems and illness.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1102; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3325. Social Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Surveys the effects of the social environment upon the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of the individual. Discusses attitudes, influence, socialization, conformity, aggression, violence, prejudice, and discrimination.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1102; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3340. Psychology of Religion. 3-0-3 Units.

An introduction to the literature of the psychology of religion, including the functions of religiousness, types of religious experiences, religious motivation. Exploration of the relationship between religion, spirituality, belief, and mental health in personal, interpersonal, and social environments. Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PSYC 3500 or permission by the instructor.

PSYC 3370. Indust/Organizational Psych. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the application of psychological principles, concepts, theory, and research to the work setting. Emphasis will be placed on the individual in the work environment and the processes required for organizational effectiveness.(Offered occasionally)
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1102; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3450. Cross-Cultural Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines psychological principles from a global cultural perspective. A variety of classic psychological issues, such as development, perception, personality, emotion and language will be presented in the context of differing cultural orientations of people of the world. Intercultural interactions and communication in the workplace and school will be considered.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1102; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3500. Personality. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the classic and current theories of personality that reflect the primary perspectives in psychology. The psychodynamic (and derivatives), behavioral, humanistic and existentialistic, cognitive and biological perspectives will be presented.
Prerequisites: PSYC 2010 and PSYC 2103; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3600. Motivation. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines current theoretical formulations and research in motivation with an emphasis on real-world applications.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1102; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3710. Child Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines theories and research on physical, cognitive, personality, and social development in infancy and childhood. This course emphasizes normal development but also includes aspects of childhood psychopathology.
Prerequisites: PSYC 2103 and ENGL 1102; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3720. Adolescent Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines theories and research on physical, cognitive, personality, and social development in adolescence. This course emphasizes normal development but also includes aspects of adolescent psychopathology.
Prerequisites: PSYC 2103 and ENGL 1102; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3850. Forensic Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the relationship between psychology and law, focusing on the roles of psychologists in legal settings. Focuses on the applicability of various psychological theories to criminal justice processes. Topics include competence evaluations, rehabilitation potential, accuracy of eyewitness testimony, the psychology of jury selection, bystander apathy, the insanity defense, and the effectiveness of the polygraph, among others.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1102; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3940. Learning and Behavior. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the various learning mechanisms that are involved in the establishment, maintenance and the reduction of behaviors. Topics include Pavlovian conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning in humans and animals. Online lab experiences will be part of the class.
Prerequisites: PSYC 2010 and 2103; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 3950. Cognitive Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines mental processes such as attention, mental representation, categorization, problem solving, pattern recognition, imagery, and short-term and long-term memory. Online lab experiences will be part of the class.
Prerequisites: PSYC 2010 and 2103; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 4250. Sensation and Perception. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the various models of psychophysiological models of sensation and perception. Topics include the five primary sensory systems and the physical properties of stimuli. The processing of stimuli at the physiological and perceptual levels will be examined.
Prerequisites: PSYC 3150 with a C or better.

PSYC 4300. Applied Behavior Analysis. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the principles that underlie behavior modification and behavior therapy. Includes the application of learning principles and procedures used to modify complex human behavior in the natural environment and in clinical situations. Ethical issues concerning behavior modification will be considered.
Prerequisites: PSYC 3150 and PSYC 3200 and PSYC 3940; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 4400. Clinical/Counseling Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Introduces contemporary counseling and clinical psychology practice and treatment methods. Both historical and current theories and treatment models will be examined. Topics include research design, diagnosis and treatment methods, psychotherapeutic techniques, effectiveness of treatment and training for clinical and counseling professions.
Prerequisites: PSYC 3150 and PSYC 3200; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 4500. Drugs and Behavior. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the way in which psychoactive drugs operate in the central nervous system to impact behavior, thought and emotion. The use, misuse and abuse of the varieties of psychoactive drugs and the psychological, social and biological influence on drug use will be examined. Online lab experiences will be part of the class.
Prerequisites: PSYC 3150 with a C or better.

PSYC 4600. Brain and Behavior. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the relationship between underlying biological, particularly brain, processes and behavior, thought and emotion. The anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the nervous system are presented and used in an examination of basic psychological processes such as sleep, memory, stress, learning, reproductive behavior and abnormal psychology. Both animal models and human models of brain and behavior will be used. Online lab experiences will be part of the class.
Prerequisites: PSYC 2010 and PSYC 2103; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 4650. Comparative Psychology. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the methods, theories and research in animal behavior with an emphasis on underlying adaptive mechanisms and their role in understanding human behavior.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1102; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 4700. Tests and Measurements. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the theory and practice of psychological assessment as it relates to ability, interests, achievement and traits. Topics include the principles that underlie the development, use and interpretation of psychological assessment tools. Historical and current assessment techniques will be presented.
Prerequisites: PSYC 3150 with a C or better.

PSYC 4825. History & Systems in Psych. 3-0-3 Units.

Examines the history of psychology from ancient to modern times. The background of formal psychology as found in philosophy and physiology, primary early systems in psychology, major historical figures and the historical and cultural context in which psychology developed will be presented.
Prerequisites: PSYC 3160.

PSYC 4850. Special Topics in Psychology. 1-0-1-3 Unit.

This course will address selected topics of special interest to faculty and students. Offered occasionally.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and ENGL 1102; all prerequisites require a C or better.

PSYC 4860. Research Assistanship in Psych. 0-1-1-3 Unit.

This is a course for supervised research experience in psychology. The course enables advanced majors to receive academic credit for serving as assistants to faculty members who are conducting research projects or by conducting independent research projects themselves under the direction of a faculty member. Variable 1-3 credit hours. Repeatable for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

PSYC 4870. Practicum in Psychology. 0-10-3 Units.

Provides advanced psychology majors the opportunity to apply psychology in supervised field experiences in organizations associated with psychology and psychological issues. Application must be made by mid-semester prior to the field experience. This class is repeatable for a maximum of 6 credit hours and is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Prerequisites: PSYC 3160 with a C or better, junior level status in Psychology, 3.0 GPA.

PSYC 4900. Senior Capstone Seminar/Psyc. 3-0-3 Units.

Designed to be the capstone course for psychology majors. Students will integrate their prior academic experiences in psychology into an overview of the area of study. Contemporary issues, problems, research and theories from the various areas in the psychology curriculum will be examined. Students will research and complete a project in which they integrate various aspects of their program.
Prerequisites: Senior status as a Psychology major.