Course descriptions for Psychology

It addresses the scientific study of behavior and mental processes through the exploration of major theories and concepts, methods, and research findings in the field of psychology. Topics covered span across the various subfields in psychology and include: biological bases of behavior, perception, cognition, learning, emotion and motivation, development, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapies, and the application of psychology to contemporary social issues.

Various laboratory exercises and training in psychology. Concurrent enrollment in PSY100 is required. The lab component of the course provides students with opportunities to experience psychological research first hand by participating in psychological studies on campus.

An overview of human evolution, human anatomy and physiology, and holistic view of the study of human behavior. Students will learn how their bodies normally function and how different systems contribute to homeostasis and good health. Topics focus on a biopsychosocial model for understanding human behavior and health management. Satisfies CSU GE Breadth Area B2.

Various laboratory exercises and training in human biology and behavior. Concurrent enrollment in PSY110 is required. This is a laboratory course to accompany PSY 110 that involves supplemental activities and exercises related to animal and human behavior.

Introduction to the design, analysis, and critique of different experimentation methods in psychology. Students will demonstrate the ability to assess published research and express arguments orally and in writing according to the professional standards, such as the APA Publication Manual. Students will demonstrate the ability to conduct hypothesis testing using the scientific process and appropriate statistical data analyses. Concurrent enrollment in PSY200L (1 unit) is required. Part of Psychology Major/Minor lower division core.

Computer laboratory to accompany PSY 200. Various research laboratory exercises and training in statistics and computer data analyses. Concurrent enrollment in PSY 200 is required. Part of Psychology Major/Minor lower division core.

An overview of health issues from a psychobiological perspective that includes different theoretical perspectives of the eating disorders and the interdisciplinary biopsychosocial research approach to the study of obesity, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Satisfies CSU GE Breadth Area E. Formerly PSY 201.

Various laboratory exercises and advanced training in assessing and measuring normal and aberrant eating. Concurrent enrollment in PSY210 is required. This is a laboratory course to accompany PSY 210 that involves supplemental activities and exercises related diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of obesity and eating disorders.

The study of the drug development and testing, drug action, and drug use and abuse on human behavior. General topics include: basic principles of pharmacology and drug action, "new" drug development, theories of psychopharmacology, theories of emotion/motivation/reward, drugs and the nervous system, psychostimulants, alcohol, hallucinogens, psychiatric medications, and substance abuse treatment.

Experimental Psychology and Human Assessment :The capstone process for juniors who are Psychology Majors begins in PSY 300. Students develop a broad understanding of the science, ethics and application, and social responsibilities of psychologists. Students plan their academic careers and goals for attaining the entry-level qualifications for using their psychology theories and undergraduate skills. Together with a faculty advisor, a scholarly Individual Learning Plan is developed for attaining future professional and career goals. Required for all juniors who are Psychology Majors in their first semester.

Advanced Psychological Statistics: Students learn traditional, scientific strategies for the statistical evaluation of psychological laboratory experimental designs and methodology primarily using human subjects. Emphasis is on using computer application of statistical models that use multi-group paradigms and linear analyses including the t-test, Analysis of Variance, and regression. These technological learning experiences help to prepare students for the 21st century research world. Nonparametric statistics and evaluation of quasi-experimental designs are also included.

Advanced Psychological Statistics Lab: Computer laboratory to accompany PSY 301. Various advanced research laboratory exercises and training in statistics and computer data analyses.

Psychology Research Methods and Data Analysis: This is a cornerstone course for Psychology Majors emphasizing the science of the studying human behavior and mental processes. Students learn traditional, scientific strategies for the statistical evaluation of laboratory experimental designs and methodology used in Psychology. Students learn how to construct and evaluation strengths and limitations of experimental paradigms, including quasi-experimental designs. Each student is required to also write an American Psychological Association (APA) style research proposal.

Computer laboratory to accompany PSY 302. Various advanced research laboratory exercises and training in statistics and computer data analyses.

Students learn the process of test and questionnaire construction. Student learn traditional laboratory experimental designs and methodology and critical thinking skills in evaluation and interpretation of construct validity in intelligence and ability tests, personality and adjustment questionnaires, ratings and behavioral observation techniques.

Computer laboratory to accompany PSY 305. Various advanced research laboratory exercises and training in statistics and computer data analyses.

The study of the biological bases of behavior and psychological processes. Topics include: biological theories and scientific principles related to the understanding of brain-behavior relationships; general neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurotransmission and brain function; invasive and non-invasive research techniques and ethical standards for human and animal research.

This is a laboratory course to accompany PSY 310 that involves supplemental activities in biological psychology, including basic neuroanatomy and laboratory skill training exercises.

The study of the drug development and testing, drug action, and drug use and abuse on human behavior. General topics include: principles of pharmacology and drug action, "new" drug development, general theories of psychopharmacology, theories of emotion/motivation/reward, drugs and the nervous system, biochemical hypotheses of antipsychotic action, biochemical hypotheses of mood stabilizers, pharmacotherapy for mental disorders, and geriatric psychopharmacology.

This class examines aberrant behaviors, broadly defined. What is deemed aberrant partly depends on the particular perspective taken. Students will develop a broad and critical understanding of 'abnormal behavior' from a number of different perspectives (e.g., biological, social, and cultural). The following disorders will be examined: social phobia, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, borderline personality disorder, gender identity disorder, substance-related disorders, and schizophrenia. Formerly PSY 374.

This course is designed to help students take a closer, more critical view of psychopathology by examining not only how mental disorders are defined and diagnosed, but also how mental disorders are experienced and understood by those who have them. We will examine how society stigmatizes mental disorders, and how stigmatization affects not only those with mental disorders, but society as a whole. In addition to class work, students will work in the community with people who have mental disorders. Formerly PSY 374S.

Provides an in-depth exploration of the field of clinical psychology and the treatment of psychological disorders. Unlike PSY 320 Psychopathology, which focuses on understanding mental disorders, this course focuses exclusively on the treatment strategies and recovery. Students explore the various theoretical approaches to psychological treatment and the challenges encountered by mental health professionals. Formerly PSY 350.

Theory and application of major counseling models. Major theories of behavioral change, with emphasis on counseling of persons with problems in occupational, social, family and individual adjustment.

Health issues and chronic disease models in health psychology and different theoretical perspectives of the biological, behavioral and social factors that influence health and health management. Health psychologists focus on prevention of illness and promote wellness through research and clinical interventions designed to foster good health and to reduce the risk of disease. Health psychology emphasizes the biopsychosocial model for disease prevention and wellness.

This course examines cognitive processes, sometimes called "higher mental processes." Cognitive psychology includes topics such as perception, memory, language and thinking, and information processing.

Computer laboratory to accompany PSY 330. Various advanced research laboratory exercises and training in statistics and computer data analyses.

Examines basic theories, models, methods, and research findings in human memory. Both traditional and nontraditional topics are covered.

Study of critical thinking skills through an understanding of psychological factors. Practical strategies are explored in relation to hypothesis formation and evaluation, decision making, problem solving and creativity, reasoning, and memory. Applications are emphasized.

Explores brain systems responsible for cognitive processes in normal humans, integrating theory from texts and current research from original sources.

Empirical and theoretical approaches to the psychology of perception with an emphasis on vision. Topics include the perception of form, color, depth and motion as well as the effects of attention and experience.

This class examines physical, socio-cultural, intellectual and emotional aspects of growth and development from conception to death. Students are introduced to theories, methods, concepts, and issues relevant to the scientific study of development across the lifespan. Topics covered include: the major theoretical and methodological issues in developmental psychology, social, cognitive, and physical development in infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Application laboratory to accompany PSY 340. Various advanced research laboratory exercises and training in experimentation and data analyses.

Explores the dynamic interface between psychological thought and language throughout development. Focuses on early expression and understanding of meaning in infants and young children and on analysis of everyday conversations and activities of children as a window on developing understandings of the world.

What is humor and how does it develop? Babies produce their first social laugh at 3-4 months of age and people continue to laugh throughout their lifespan. We will examine humor from a variety of perspectives, including social, cognitive, and biological to understand where humor comes from, how it develops, and the purposes it serves. (Credit/ No Credit Available)

Students will examine and produce humor projects. (Credit/No Credit Available)

We will examine the psychology of sports participation and observation on children and adolescents. Topics include: gender representation of fans and participants on teams; identity development of athletes; influences of family expectations of sport participation; and the ability of sports to bring together or pull apart countries, families, and friends. (Credit/ No Credit Available)

Students will conduct projects examining sports and childhood. (Credit/ No Credit Available)

Cognition in children from infancy through adolescence. Basic and current research on children's understanding of the social and physical world. Focus on major theoretical perspectives: Piaget's constructivist approach, information processing approach, and sociocultural approach.

An examination of contemporary theory and research on social and emotional psychological development from infancy through childhood.

Social psychology is a scientific area in the discipline of psychology that seeks an understanding of how people feel, think, and behave in social situations. Students are introduced to the theories, research methods, and seminal findings of social psychology. Topics covered include: attitudes, perceptions of others, social influence, social identity and the self, attraction, aggression, and intergroup dynamics.

Social Psychology Lab: This is a laboratory course to accompany PSY 350 that involves supplemental activities in social psychology, including writing, research and laboratory skill training exercises.

Survey of the major contemporary theories of personality. Theoretical positions are compared and critically examined along various significant dimensions, including their relationships to the total field of psychology. Methods of personality assessment as related in theory construction.

Explores the ways in which social psychological processes are influenced by societal norms around notions of gender. In doing so, students will be introduced to how culture, social class, and sexuality shape people's experiences of what it means to be a woman or man in contemporary U.S. society. The course also includes discussions of how power dynamics influence people's understanding of gender from a social psychological perspective.

Examines relationships between social psychological research and crime, incarceration, and legal fictions. The course addresses questions such as: What causes crime? Why are there racial disparities in incarceration? How are various media outlets implicated in the public's perception and attitude towards crime and punishment? Outcomes will focus on the ways that research can be integrated into institutional settings and influence shifts in public opinion.

This course explores the relationship between social psychology as an academic discipline and struggles towards social justice. We address questions such as: How can social psychology be used to improve the material lives of disadvantaged groups? How does academic scholarship relate to the lives of those not present in academic settings? Discussions will include implications for social policy.

Application of psychological theory, research and methodology to the work environment. Topics covered include leadership, power, group processes, motivation, satisfaction and issues in personnel psychology.

Theory and practice of organization development, including systems thinking; action research; organization assessment and diagnosis; survey development and feedback; individual, group, inter-group and organization-wide interventions; consultant roles; and ethics of practice in organizations.

Studies a particular topic in Psychology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.) (Credit/ No Credit Available)

Student and faculty member select topic of study and total number of credit hours.

Each student produces a capstone project or compiles an academic portfolio that highlights their course-based and experiential scholarly achievements including internships, field studies, and civic service as volunteers. Both of these options help demonstrate that the students have experienced their education through a variety of modern learning techniques and have acquired their knowledge through best practices in the field. Student mastery is demonstrated by an individual scholarly research presentation that demonstrates knowledge of theory, methods, and application of a chosen specialty area in psychology is required. Mandatory Credit/No Credit Grading.

This course is a seminar course on the biopsychology of eating, weight regulation and associated chronic disease models. A biopsychosocial model for disease prevention and wellness is used to evaluate different theoretical perspectives of the biological, behavioral and social factors that influence obesity and the eating disorders. Additionally, treatment and complications of treatment outcomes will be discussed.

Children develop an understanding of their own and others' minds during their early years. This is evidenced by their growing sophistication in conversation, deception, and pretend play. There appear to be universal as well as culture-specific ways in which children develop their skills in this domain. This course will examine how children from infancy to school age, in different cultural contexts, develop an understanding of mind. A GE-certified statistics course must be completed prior to enrollment. Formerly PSY 345.

Student and faculty member select topic of study and total number of credit hours.