Psychology Courses

PSYC 1, General Psychology
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

A scientific approach to the study of behavior and mental processes designed for both majors and non-majors. Topics include research methods, biology of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, memory, lifespan development, motivation, emotion, personality theories, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and psychotherapy.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 1B, Biological Psychology
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

PREREQ: PSYC 1

This course examines the biological basis of behavior and mental processes. Psychopharmacology, cognitive neuroscience, research processes, and ethics will also be addressed.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 2, Research Methods
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

PREREQ.: PSYC 1 and (PSYC 5 or LALS 5 or MATH 80)

An introduction to research methods in psychology. This course presents how researchers in psychology use critical analysis, theories, and methods to generate usable information. Emphasis on research design, experimental procedures, instrumentation, qualitative methods, and the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of findings. Attention is paid to strategies to decolonize psychological research.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Primarily for psychology majors, related majors, and students interested in the scientific method.

PSYC 4, Forensic Psychology
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: PSYC 1

Explore aspects of the legal system studied by psychologists. Emphasis on research and theories in psychology to understand key participants in the legal system (e.g., criminals, police, victims, witnesses) and examine legal controversies (e.g., race and justice, death penalty, insanity defense, profiling, and eyewitness identification) that can affect legal outcomes.

CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 5, Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
Lec-87.5 P/NP Available

PREREQ: Intermediate algebra or higher ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

An introduction to data analysis including measurement and research design. Intended for general education and prospective behavioral science majors. The course will focus on computation, interpretation, and application of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include organization of data, central tendency and variability, hypothesis testing, non-parametric statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression.

UC/CSU
Units: 5
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 9, Psychology of Stress
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Critical exploration of psychological research as it applies to understanding the causes, physiology, consequences, and management of stress. Emphasis is on applied stress management.

CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 10, Abnormal Psychology
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: PSYC 1

An introduction to the symptoms, prevalence, causes, and treatments of disturbances in mental, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Methods of assessment, classification, current diagnostic criteria, and theoretical models for understanding these disorders are discussed in-depth. Attention paid to social and cultural understanding of psychopathology.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 11, Theories of Personality
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: PSYC 1 and (readiness for college-level English or ESL 188)

An introduction to the theoretical constructs describing personality, including how personality develops and the dynamics of human behavior. Current research and intersectional approaches to understanding personality are addressed.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 14, Psychology of Shyness
Lec-18 P/NP Available

A psychological examination of shyness as a form of temperamental diversity. A comparison of shyness, social anxiety, introversion and the potential psychosocial challenges of each. Strategies for addressing challenges will be presented.

CSU
Units: 1
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 15, Assertive Behavior
Lec-18 P/NP Available

Examination of the development of communication patterns in a psychological and sociological context. Psychological and emotional barriers to effective communication will be explored. Application of assertiveness techniques to effect behavior change based on cognitive and behavioral theories in psychology are a major focus. Assessment and implementation of appropriate techniques in a variety of situations, including communication with family, friends, and at the workplace are also discussed.

CSU
Units: 1
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 17, Psychology of Eating, Food, and Weight
Lec-18 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

An examination of research, theory, and applied psychological science related to the emotions, cognitions, and behaviors of eating, food, and weight. Includes a critical look at common myths and realities regarding weight and health, eating disorders, and the sociocultural pressures related to food choices and body size.

CSU
Units: 1
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 21, Lifespan Development
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: PSYC 1

The multidisciplinary study of human development from conception through death. Examination of current research and theories with an emphasis on the ways that biological, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental forces and their interactions impact development throughout the lifespan.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 23, Psychology of Race and Ethnic Relations
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

An exploration of the experiences, theories, and research concerning issues of race and ethnicity as they relate to individual and group behavior, emotion, and thinking, including attitudes, identity development, racism, bias, privilege, coping strategies, and intersectional experiences. Psychohistorical analysis of the experiences of African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinx Americans, Arab Americans, and Native Americans.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 24, Queer Psychology
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Examines the psychological experiences of LGBTQ people. Intersectionality, feminist psychology, and queer theoretical perspectives are used to analyze the impact of queer identity on how individuals think, feel, and behave. Critical exploration of current research and models of sexual orientation and gender identity, and impacts of stigma and discrimination.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 25, Psychology of Gender
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

This course is an analysis of theories and research on how behavioral, cognitive, and emotional processes are impacted by sex and gender. It includes an intersectional critique of biological, psychological, sociocultural ideas of gender, gender continuums from cis to transgender and addresses topics such as stereotypes, relationships, violence, sexuality and issues related to mental health. Included is a focus on experiences of, and responses to, oppression.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 26, Applied Psychology
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Critical exploration of psychological theory, research findings, and concepts relevant to human adjustment. Emphasis on the proactive and practical application of psychology to improve self awareness, facilitate personal growth, and enhance social relationships.

CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 32, Social Psychology
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

The study of human behavior and mental processes in the context of the social world. Examination of current research and theories with an emphasis on how an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence and are influenced by other people, sociocultural factors, and the physical environment.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Formerly SOC 30

PSYC 40, Child and Adolescent Psychology
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: PSYC 1

Introduction to the psychology of children from conception through adolescence. Examination of research and theory, emphasizing how development is enhanced or restricted. Physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development are discussed. Practical information is given for parents, teachers, counselors, and other concerned adults.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable
PSYC 50, Psychology of Psychoactive Drugs
Lec-52.5 P/NP Available

ADVISE: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

An introduction to the biopsychological principles of psychoactive drugs. The course will explore the impact of drugs on neuronal communication and behavior. A primary focus includes critical evaluation of psychological research findings, research controversies, and popular claims.

UC/CSU
Units: 3
Credit type: Credit/Degree Applicable

Approved as PSYC 42, which had already been used; now PSYC 50.