Courses - PSY Upper Division
300. Mind Control or Freedom (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, GE Foundation requirement, one or more explorations courses and upper division standing.
Theories of persuasion and how people control others using informational, manipulative and coercive approaches; sources of power in society; and the psychological and ethical implications of freedom and responsibility in coping with control attempts by friends, government, advertisers, cults.
301. Introduction to Psychology as a Discipline and Profession (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Covers scope and value of psychology major including preparation for graduate work, careers available at varying degree levels, ethical considerations, key historical concepts, and essential skills like library search techniques, using APA format, and study skills.
(6 hrs activity)
310. Intermediate Statistics (4)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 110.
Basic theoretical concepts of statistics and use of these concepts in selection and development of model testing, hypothesis testing and parameter estimation procedures. Both single measure (univariate) and correlation (bivariate) concepts are included.
(Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours)
314. Psychological Assessment (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 110, PSY 220.
Principles of assessment applied to the measurement of individual behavior and to programs intended to affect behavior. Includes interviews, tests and other methods.
315. Principles of Psychological Testing (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 110, PSY 220.
Principles and practices of group and individual testing in the fields of intelligence, aptitude, achievement, personality and interest. Emphasis on the evaluation of tests as measuring devices, their applicability and limitations.
327. Introduction to Human Factors (3)
Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirement, one Explorations course, and upper division standing
Introduction to the field of human factors, a discipline concerned with designing products and systems for human use.
329A. Advanced Research Methods in Mental Health (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 110, PSY 220, Admission to COR program and consent of instructor.
Introduction to fundamental and advanced methods relevant to mental health research as well as current directions and cutting edge research in the field of mental health. Development and execution of an independent research project on topics related to mental health.
329B. Advanced Research Methods in Mental Health (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 329A, Admission to COR program and consent of instructor.
Introduction to fundamental and advanced methods relevant to mental health research as well as current directions and cutting edge research in the field of mental health. Development and execution of an independent research project on related topics.
331. Sensation and Perception (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 220, PSY 241.
Introduction to the scientific study of sensory processes and perceptual principles from a psychophysical and physiological perspective, and the methods used to investigate them. Topics may include vision, audition, psychophysics, and object and space perception.
332. Human Cognition (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 220, PSY 241.
Study of higher-order processes basic to the acquisition of knowledge. Includes thinking, problem solving, creativity, information processing, decision making, judgment, concepts and imagination.
333. Psychology of Learning (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 220, PSY 241.
Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior resulting from experience. Emphasizes interaction of biological and environmental variables in the processes of instinct, habituation, sensitization, Pavlovian conditioning, instrumental learning, and cognition; examination of methods, theory and applications.
336. Psychology of Emotion (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 220, PSY 241.
Discussion of research and theories of emotions. Includes the evolution of emotions, neurophysiological mechanisms of emotion, development of emotions, expressions of emotions, and emotions in social relationships, with an emphasis on the emotions of anger, grief, happiness, jealousy, and love.
337. Psychology of Happiness (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 220, PSY 241.
Examines research in human happiness. Topics include: Assessing happiness, the adaptive function of positive emotions, the relation between wealth and happiness, personality characteristics of happy individuals, international differences in happiness, and strategies for enhancing the happiness of individuals.
339. Psychology of Sport Behavior and Athletic Performance (3)
Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirement, PSY 100 and upper division standing.
Psychological dimensions of attitudes, behaviors, and performance in sport and exercise environments.
Same course as KIN 339. Not open for credit to students with credit in KIN 339.
340. Physiology of Behavior (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 220, PSY 241.
An in-depth examination of central nervous system (CNS) components that create our behavioral capabilities. Topics include major structural and functional features of the neuron and of selected systems representative of the sensory, integrative, and motor capabilities of the CNS.
341. Neuropsychology (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 220, PSY 241.
Localization of brain regions responsible for human capabilities as studied in patients with brain damage, normal people, and nonhumans. How brain damage is assessed and treated. Relation of findings to function of normal brains.
342. Psychopharmacology (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 220, PSY 241.
Introduction to the effects of major classes of psychoactive drugs on the central nervous system. Topics include anatomical and functional characteristics of neurotransmitter systems; pharmacology of drug administration; and physiological and psychological actions of selected classes of psychoactive drugs.
346. Evolutionary Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirement and one or more Explorations courses, PSY 100 and upper division standing.
Human social behavior as seen in context of evolutionary biology. Topics include the importance of kinship in human societies, altruism and reciprocity, human sexuality, parent-offspring relations, ethical and legal systems and religion.
350. Psychology and Contemporary Social Issues (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, GE Foundation requirement, one or more explorations courses and upper division standing.
Application of social psychological principles toward understanding major contemporary social issues. Each issue covered is presented in its historical context, and the economic, political, social and cultural aspects are examined.
351. Social Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Study of individuals and groups as they are affected by social interactions. Topics may include social cognition, attitudes and persuasion, social influence, interpersonal perception and attraction, aggression, altruism, and group dynamics.
354. Psychology of Women (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Examination of women's roles throughout the lifespan including gender differences, body image, pregnancy, sexuality, communication, relationships, motherhood, work, physical and mental health. Attitudes toward women, including violence against women, may be explored. This course is for both men and women.
356. Personality (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Survey of classical theories and methods in Personality psychology, with a sampling of current research. Examines how and why people differ in personality, and the ways these differences are reflected in thoughts, feelings, motivations, and behaviors.
359. Self-Observation and Self-Development (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Examination of personal traits and behavior patterns as reflected by objective measures, group interactional procedures and video feedback. Development of self through systematic self-observation.
361. Psychology of Child and Adolescent Development (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Developmental change processes from prenatal development through adolescence. Emphasis on ethnic, gender, and social class differences in development combined with emphasis on the universal features of human development. Topic coverage includes physical-motor, social, physiological, and cognitive aspects of development.
362. Autism Spectrum Disorders (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Introduction to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), including consideration of behavioral and cognitive issues, comorbid disorders, prevalence, possible etiology and psychological impacts on families. Examination of treatment approaches such as behavioral, speech, physical, occupational, educational, dietary and biomedical therapies.
363. Developmental Psychopathology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Research on psychiatric disorders of children and adolescents from a developmental perspective. The symptoms, causes, course and prevention of the most important childhood disorders are discussed, including conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity, depression, anxiety disorder, autism and mental retardation.
365. Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Methodological and theoretical problems and issues in the study of developmental change processes from young adulthood through old age. Topical coverage includes physical-motor, social, physiological and intellectual aspects of behavioral functioning.
370. Abnormal Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Overview of abnormal behavior as a portion of continuum of human behavior. Covers field's historical approaches, range of psychological disorders, as well as causes, consequences, and treatment of these disorders.
373. Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 100, PSY 370.
Survey of field of clinical psychology including an introduction to its history, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic process, clinical training, research approaches, and ethical issues.
375. Community Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirement, PSY 100, and upper division standing.
Examination, prevention, and interventions for contemporary social problems. First-hand experience with community assessment, intervention, evaluation, and social policy through community service learning. Emphasis on contextual analyses, community strengths, and culturally-appropriate solutions.
377. Serial Killers and Psychopaths: The Psychology of the Criminal Mind (3)
Prerequisites: Criminal Justice majors: A grade of "C" or better in CRJU 304. Psychology majors: PSY 220, PSY 370. All other majors: Consent of instructor.
Integrative examination of the intersection of criminal behavior and severe psychopathology using psychodynamic, behavioral, psychosocial, and neurobiological models. Particular attention is paid to understanding homicide and sex offenses committee by those diagnosed with psychopathy, schizophrenia, and antisocial personality disorder.
Same course as CRJU 408. Not open for credit to students with credit in CRJU 408.
378. Health Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Research and theory regarding attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to health and illness. Individual difference variables will be examined. Analysis of applications of psychology to prevention, counseling, and treatment of major health problems.
379. Psychology of Stress (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Introduction to the scientific study of stress and its relationship to health. Course content will focus on understanding the nature of psychological stress, its physiological correlates, and specific strategies used to help in understanding and managing our own experience of stress.
381. Introduction to Industrial-Organizational Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Introduction to theories, methods, findings, and applications of industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology. Topics covered include job analysis, employee recruitment and selection, performance appraisal, employee training and development, work stress, teams, satisfaction, motivation, and leadership.
382. Introduction to Cognitive Science (3)
Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirement; at least one Explorations course; upper-division standing; at least 6 units in two areas chosen from computer Science, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology.
Introduction to cognitive science including historical development, foundational philosophical presuppositions, core topics, underlying theoretical framework, explanatory goals, different methodologies and theoretical contributions of its constitutive disciplines.
Same course as PHIL 482. Not open for credit to students with credit in PHIL 482.
383. Women, Family, and Work Issues (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Opportunities and challenges women in U.S. face with family and work issues explored. Specifically, cultural influences, complex family compositions, work demands, and the collective influence of these factors on women's life choices examined.
384. Workplace Diversity: Barriers and Strategies (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Current U.S. workforce is diverse along gender, multiracial, and multicultural factors, such as men, women, European Americans, African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and others. Understanding psychological barriers and developing strategies at the individual, group, and organizational levels to create a positive multicultural workplace will be explored.
390. Selected Topics in Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Topics of current interest in psychology selected for intensive development.
May be repeated to a maximum of 9 units with different topics; no more than 6 units may be used for the major. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.
401./501. History of Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; 6 upper division units in psychology.
Historical background and development of psychology as a science. Contributions of major individuals and systems.
Letter grade only (A-F)
405. Field Work in Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major (3.0 GPA), 12 units upper division in PSY, PSY 301, consent of instructor, letter of recommendation.
Supervised internship in a Psychology-related position in the surrounding community. Placements include schools, hospitals, clinics, and community mental health agencies.
Credit/No Credit grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units in different semesters. Course fee may be required. Information on fees related to this course can be found here.
406A,B. Applications of Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: Psychology major, PSY 301; consent of instructor.
Theoretical and laboratory training in the topic areas are followed by applied work with clients, schools, businesses, etc., as appropriate. Students are supervised by the course instructor.
Students apply for 406A-B during the semester before the courses are taken. Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. Information on fees related to this course can be found here.
407./507. Introduction to Family Therapy (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 373 or PSY 475.
Survey of the field of family therapy including origins of differences in family structure, historical development of family therapy theory and practice.
Letter grade only (A-F).
411./511. Statistical Design and Analysis of
Experiments (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 310.
Focuses on logic, application, and interpretation of analysis of variance (ANOVA) models in addition to other statistical procedures. Various issues of research design and experimentation are also covered.
Letter grade only (A-F).
412./512. Multivariate Statistical Analysis (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 310.
Covers logic, application, and limitations of multivariate (multiple independent and dependent variables) statistics. Topics may include multivariate analysis of variance, single and multiple correlation/regression, logistic regression, factor analysis, and path analysis.
Letter grade only (A-F).
418./518. Computer Applications in Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 310.
Foundations of computer technology and its application to psychology. Emphasis on real-time control by digital computers in psychological research and applications.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours)
423./523. Qualitative Methods and Analysis. (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology Major, PSY 301.
Overview of qualitative research methods and analysis. Students learn to conduct observations, focus groups and qualitative interviews. Inductive analysis techniques such as content analysis and narrative analysis. Application of these skills in a qualitative evaluation of a real-world program.
Letter grade only (A-F).
427./527. Human Factors (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 310 and two of the following: PSY 331, PSY 332 or PSY 333.
Systematic application of psychological principles to the design of person-machine systems. Emphasis in the laboratory on the development of skills required of human factors psychologists. These skills will include systems and analysis, cognitive task analysis, rapid prototyping and usability testing.
(Lecture 2 hrs, laboratory 3 hours) Letter grade only (A-F).
433./533. Research in Cognition and Learning (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY301; PSY 310 and one of the following: PSY 331, PSY 332 or PSY 333.
Research methods in cognition, learning, and perception. Laboratory includes experiments on selected topics.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours)
434. Human Memory: Exploring Brain, Mind and The Past (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major; PSY 301; and one of the following: PSY 332, PSY 333, PSY 337, PSY 340 or PSY 341.
Memory is essential for successfully navigating our world. Examines classic and modern research and real-world applications in human memory. Students completing this course will practice designing, critiquing and conducting psychological research.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar)
435. Animal Cognition (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301 and PSY 332 or PSY 333.
Examines the cognitive lives of animals. Discussion includes: instincts, basic learning abilities, insightful problem-solving, categorization and analogical reasoning, short-term and long-term memory, time perception, counting and numerical abilities, perception and navigation, social learning, and communication.
Letter grade only (A-F). Not open for credit to students with credit in PSY 343.
436./536. Psychology of Mood (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 310.
Analyses of normal mood states, including survey of existing literature. Topics may include the relationship of mood to important antecedents and consequences such as sleep-wake cycles, exercise, nutrition, physical health, stress, and cognition.
Letter grade only (A-F).
441./541. Research in Physiological Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 310 and one of the following: PSY 340, PSY 341 or PSY 342.
Research methods in psychobiology. Includes fundamentals of neuroanatomy, surgical procedures for stimulation, lesioning and recording, and pharmacological procedures used in neuropsychological research.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours)
444./544. Cognitive Neuroscience (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 310, PSY 332 and one of the following: PSY 340, PSY 341 or PSY 342.
Explores brain systems responsible for cognitive processes in normal humans, integrating theory from texts and current research from original sources.
Letter grade only (A-F).
451./551. Research in Social Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301, PSY 310, PSY 351.
Research methods and problems in social psychology.
(Lecture 2 hrs, laboratory 3 hrs.) Letter grade only (A-F).
453./553. Principles of Group Dynamics (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; and PSY 351.
Behavior in groups with attention to such factors as leadership, followership, interaction and influence including organization, management, morale, and efficiency. Problems, techniques and methods of investigation.
Letter grade only (A-F).
456./556. Research in Personality (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301, PSY 310, PSY 356.
Examination of common research methods, especially as they apply to particular theoretical personality paradigms.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours)
457. Psychology of Sexuality (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; and one of the following: PSY 351, PSY 356 or PSY 370.
Survey of topics in human sexuality with emphasis on developmental psychology of sexuality, attitudes and feelings related to sexuality, sexual variations and deviations, and sexual dysfunction and sex therapy.
Letter grade only (A-F).
463. Social and Personality Development (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 361.
Development of social behavior and personality in children and adults. Coverage will include theoretical approaches and processes, as well as content areas including development of emotions, personality systems, aggression, morality, prosocial behavior, peer relations, and sex differences.
Letter grade only (A-F).
475./575. Clinical Interviewing (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 373.
Study and development of clinical techniques of observation and interview. Coverage includes detailed exposure to Client-Centered and Gestalt counseling methods. Emphasis on understanding theory and acquisition of basic skills.
Letter grade only (A-F).
477. Psychology of Addiction (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; 6 upper division units in Psychology.
Investigation of theory and research on psychological causes and effects of addiction, including analyses of individual differences on major demographic variables of gender, age, and ethnicity. Considerations of major approaches and methods to recovery from addictive behavior.
Letter grade only (A-F).
490. Selected Topics in Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; one 300-level course in the subject matter of the course.
Advanced study of selected topics in one basic area of psychology, e.g., cognition and learning, emotion and motivation, physiological, social, personality or developmental.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 9 units with different topics. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.
- A. Applied Social Psychology
490H. Selected Topics - Honors (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; consent of the Psychology Honors Program Advisory Committee.
Advanced study of selected topics in psychology.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units with different topics. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.
495. Psychology and the Law (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 370.
Examines relationship between fields of psychology and law, including laws pertaining to psychologists and rights and ethical responsibilities of mental health providers. Topics include forensic psychology, trial consulting, and issues relating to the legal system.
Letter grade only (A-F).
496H. Research Preparation - Honors (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; consent of the Psychology Honors Program Advisory Committee.
Development of a senior honors thesis proposal.
Letter grade only (A-F).
497H. Senior Thesis - Honors Presentation (1)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301: Permission of the Psychology Honors Program Committee, PSY 490H, PSY 496H and PSY 498H
This course is designed to train psychology honors students in presentations of their completed thesis work. Students will defend their honors thesis to the Psychology Honors Program Committee and participate in approved research competition venues.
Credit/No Credit grading only.
498H. Senior Thesis - Honors (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; PSY 490H, 496H and consent of the supervising faculty member.
Final completion of an original research project with the product being both an oral and written presentation of the research.
Letter grade only (A-F).
499. Independent Study (1-3)
Prerequisites: Psychology major, PSY 301; and consent of department.
Student will conduct independent laboratory or library research and write a report of the research.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units. Letter grade only (A-F).
