Course Descriptions

PSYCH-1 General Psychology
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The content of the course focuses on the exploration of major theories and concepts, methods, and research findings in psychology. Topics include biological foundations, perception, learning, cognition, emotion, motivation, development, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapies, and applied psychology. This course is transferable to four- year colleges and is a prerequisite for most upper division psychology courses.

PSYCH-2 Research Methods in Psychology
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC An introduction to the basic theory and methods of psychological research. Topics include ethics, measurement, research design, and interpretation of results. Recommended: MATH-105/106

PSYCH-10 Psychology of Gender
(3 units lecture) CR/NC option CSU A study utilizing readings, lectures, and discussions to explore bio-psychosocial bases of gender and its implications. Topics include gender development, gender roles, communication, relationships, and social functions. Recommended: ENGL-150/150L

PSYCH-11 Life Span Development
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC An introduction to the psychological study of human development across the life span. Biological, cognitive, and psycho-social influence on human development will be examined. Topics include prenatal development, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

PSYCH-20 Biological Basis of Behavior
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC Covers the relation of nervous, muscular, and glandular functions and structures to adjustment of the human organism. Study is made of the sense organs, perception, physiological basis of emotion, clinical symptoms of abnormal behavior, psychosomatic disorders, sleep, learning, and drug effects. Prerequisite: PSYCH-1

PSYCH-29 Altered States of Consciousness
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU An analysis of the causes and effects of various states of consciousness, including sleep, hypnosis, biofeedback, meditation, bihemispheric thinking, drug states, and others.

PSYCH-30 Social Basis of Behavior
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC A study of the influences that people have upon the belief or behavior of others. These influences include interpersonal relationships, group dynamics and attitude formation and change. The course focuses on psychological approaches to contemporary social phenomena such as mass communication, violence and prejudice.

PSYCH-33 Personal Growth and Adjustment
(3 units lecture) CR/NC option CSU Introductory survey of the principles of personality development, personal growth, and personal and social adjustment. A few of the topics covered include: understanding and controlling emotions; interpersonal relationships; the psychology of love, sex, and sex roles; work; creativity. In this course students learn to apply psychological theories and principles to their own lives and to overcome barriers to personal effectiveness in learning, work, and interpersonal relationships.

PSYCH-38 Abnormal Psychology
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC An introduction to the study of psychological disorders and mental retardation including types, causes, and treatment.

PSYCH-100 Essentials of Psychology
(3 units lecture) Grade Only An introduction to the basic concepts and terminology of psychology. The course focuses on the biological, cognitive, and socio-cultural perspectives in psychology.