Descriptions from the 2007-08 Course Catalog
Please check the Class Schedule for classes offered this year.
PSYC 100
Principles of Psychology
An introduction to the science of mind and behavior with an emphasis on empirical approaches. Includes a survey of the contributions to our understanding of behavior by research and theory in the various topical areas of psychology and careful consideration of continuities between those topical areas. 6 units.
PSYC 180
Psychology of Learning
An investigation of how people learn. This course examines learning theories (e.g., behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, constructivist) and their implications for the educational process in schools. Other topics include learning and the brain, the nature of expertise, the design of learning environments, and approaches to instruction that promote meaningful learning. Practicum of 25 hours required. 6 units. Also listed as Education Studies 180.
PSYC 210
Applied Psychology: Peer Education
Applied work in community psychology, carried out in conjunction with Counseling Services, in preparation toward becoming a Peer Educator. Focus is on learning strategies for assessing and developing community, group process, and communication. Students investigate topics such as interpersonal decision-making, sexual assault, and substance abuse. Through assigned readings, class discussions, presentations, and guest speakers, students will develop interpersonal facilitation skills, learn aspects of community and campus culture, and collaborate in the planning of educational programs. 3 units. Also listed as Education 210.
PSYC 220
The Holocaust
An interdisciplinary examination of the social psychological and religious dimensions of the Holocaust. Topics include social psychological and cultural origins of the Holocaust (including the role of Christian anti-Semitism); social psychological and religious aspects of Nazi ideology; understanding perpetrators, victims, and bystanders; and theological responses to the Holocaust. 6 units. Also listed as Religious Studies 370. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
PSYC 230
Psychology of Music
A scientific approach to questions about musical structure and its effect on human behavior and mental experience. Topics include the physical characteristics of sound that specify pitch, loudness, and timbre; the perception of melody and rhythm; the universality of musical structures; the psychology of musical ability and performance; and the effect of music on emotions. Ability to read music and familiarity with the basics of music theory recommended. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing; ability to read music and familiarity with the basics of music theory recommended
PSYC 240
Personality Psychology
A survey and evaluation of the major theories of personality in the context of current research and application. Deviant personality functioning will also be examined. This course is intended for non-majors. 6 units.
PSYC 245
Health Psychology
This course explores the link between mind and body from various psychological perspectives such as social, clinical, and psychobiological. We will survey the role of stress, emotion, self-regulation, and individual differences as predictors of health and illness. We also will examine assessment, diagnostic, treatment, and ethical issues in psychophysiological disorders. 6 units. Also listed as Biomedical Ethics 245. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 250
Psychopathology
A study of the major psychological disorders. Theory and research into the origins of each disorder are examined from a variety of perspectives (psychoanalytic, physiological, cognitive, behavioral, and humanistic). 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 260
Developmental Psychology
A study of the development of behavior and mental processes from conception through middle childhood. Topics include prenatal development, attachment, children’s language skills, and social and cognitive development. A variety of theoretical perspectives are covered. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 265
Developmental Psychology
Identical in content to Psychology 260, but requiring a weekly three-hour laboratory that involves systematic work with children to learn and apply assessment techniques and experimental methodologies for the study of development. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 270
Social Psychology
A psychological approach to the study of individuals in a social context. Research and theories concerning personality, emotion, cognition, and perception are used to understand such topics as self-identity, perception of others, prejudice, social influence, and personal relationships. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 280
Research Methods I
The first course in a two-term sequence designed to introduce psychology majors to the principles of research design, data collection, data analysis, and research report writing. This term focuses on philosophy of science, the role of theory in research, and research design. Students design an empirical project to be executed during Research Methods II. Sequence should be taken in the sophomore year and in consecutive terms. 6 units. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and MATH 117or MATH 207
PSYC 281
Research Methods II
The second course in a two-term sequence for psychology majors (see Psychology 280). This term focuses on the execution of empirical research projects, analysis of data, inferential and advanced correlational statistics, and interpretation of results. Students complete an empirical project. Sequence should be taken in the sophomore year and in consecutive terms. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 280
PSYC 296
Practicum: Peer Education
A continuation of work begun in Psychology 210. Students carry out peer education programs on various topics. 1 to 3 units, repeatable for up to 3 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 210 or consent of instructor
PSYC 310
Psychology of Gender
An examination of theory and research on gender identity, gender roles, and gender similarities and differences. Topics include gender stereotypes, gender role development, sexual orientation, and psychological androgyny, as well as gender variations in cognitive skills, aggression, mental and physical health, and family roles. 6 units. Also listed as Gender Studies 270. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
PSYC 330
Clinical Psychology
An examination of the major approaches to psychotherapy (e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic). Students also learn basic interviewing techniques and examine ethical and professional issues. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 250 and sophomore standing
PSYC 335
Clinical Psychology
Identical in content to PSYC 330 but requiring a weekly laboratory that focuses on development of basic clinical skills. Examples include development of clinical interviewing skills, conducting relaxation inductions, and systematic desensitization. Students will learn how to quantify improvement in symptoms and develop their clinical skills. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 250 and sophomore standing
PSYC 340
Cognitive Psychology
An investigation of the mental processes involved in the acquisition, organization, and use of knowledge. Information-processing and other approaches are used to study pattern recognition, attention, memory, imagery, problem-solving, and related topics. One laboratory per week involving class demonstrations and experiments. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 345
Distributed Cognition
Distributed cognition explores the role of the environment, artifacts, social interaction, and culture in human reasoning, problem-solving, and learning. Domains of study range from the sophisticated (ship navigation) to the everyday (time-telling). Emphasis is placed on studies of cognition in real-world settings. 6 units. Also listed as Anthropology 345, Education Studies 345. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
PSYC 350
Psychopharmacology and Behavior
An interdisciplinary examination of the ways in which behaviorally active drugs exert their effects, drawing on research in pharmacology, psychology, biochemistry, anatomy, and neurophysiology. Provides an understanding and appreciation of the role of behaviorally active drugs in people’s lives, today and in the past. 6 units. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Not offered in 2007-08
PSYC 360
Brain and Behavior I
An introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system and its relationship to behavior. Topics include cellular physiology, neuroanatomy, sensory processes, motor control, and neuropharmacology. No laboratory. 6 units. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; at least one biology course recommended
PSYC 370
Perception
An introduction to the physiological and psychological processes by which we receive, transform, and use the information from the world acquired through our senses. Special emphasis on visual and auditory perception to allow a more in-depth study of two perceptual systems and to provide information useful to those interested in the visual arts and music. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or sophomore standing
PSYC 375
Introduction to Phonetics
An introduction to the science of speech sounds, focusing on descriptive and experimental studies of articulation and speech acoustics. Laboratory demonstrations of speech production, acoustical analysis, and speech synthesis are combined with lecture/demonstrations to relate phonetics research to theories of phonology and language acquisition. 6 units. Also listed as Linguistics 370. Prerequisite: LING 150, PSYC 340 or consent of instructor
PSYC 380
Learning and Conditioning
An investigation of the basic principles of learning, including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, punishment, biological constraints on learning, and behavior modification. One laboratory per week involving animal learning experiments. 6 units.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and sophomore standing, or permission of the instructor; PSYC 280 and 281 recommended
PSYC 385
Practicum: Language Assessment
Students work with preschoolers learning English as a second language at a local child care center. Students provide language enrichment and assess the children’s progress. 1 to 6 units, repeatable for up to 6 units.
PSYC 451
Field Experience in Clinical Psychology
Practical experience working in clinical settings in the local community. Students spend a minimum of ten hours per week at assigned settings, attend regular class supervision meetings with instructor, complete complementary readings, and write a final paper. Applications must be submitted by the end of the fifth week of Term II. 6 units. Prerequisite: Junior standing as a psychology major, PSYC 250, PSYC 330 or PSYC 335, and consent of instructor
PSYC 460
Adolescent Psychology
A psychological approach to the study of development during the years between the onset of puberty and early adulthood. Topics include theories of adolescence, achievement motivation, identity formation, gender and sexuality, and family and peer relations. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 260 or 265
PSYC 480
Historical Origins and Contemporary Viewpoints of Psychology
A survey of the origins of modern psychology, examining the influence of various philosophical perspectives and the transition to current scientific approaches. Works by authors of historical significance and current trends in psychological theory and practice are read and evaluated. 6 units. Prerequisite: Junior standing and at least three courses in psychology, or consent of instructor
PSYC 530
Brain and Behavior II
An examination of interrelationships between the brain and behavior. Topics include sleep, language, motivation, emotion, learning, and mental disorders. One laboratory per week on basic neuroscience techniques. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 360
PSYC 540
Topics in the Psychology of Language
An examination of the nature and structure of language, integrating knowledge from linguistics, psychology, neurophysiology, and sociology. Focus on the psychological theories and experimental evidence about language production and perception. 6 units. Also listed as Linguistics 450. Prerequisite: PSYC 340, LING 150, or consent of instructor
PSYC 550
Topics in Mood Disorders
An examination of the primary theories and research on Mood (Depressive) Disorders. We will examine issues pertaining to the origins of depression, assessment and diagnosis of depression, and the effectiveness of different treatments. Emphasis will be placed on cognitive, interpersonal, behavioral, psychodynamic, and biological perspectives. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 250, 280, 281 or consent of instructor
PSYC 560
Topics in Gender and Social Development
This seminar examines social development in childhood and adolescence. A variety of issues will be explored including achievement motivation, attachment, and aggression. Special emphasis will be given to the topics of gender identity, gender roles, sex education, and sexual orientation. 6 units. Also listed as Gender Studies 560. Prerequisite: PSYC 260 or 265, MATH 117, or consent of instructor
PSYC 570
Topics in Prejudice
Examination of the psychology of prejudice. Readings and discussions cover general theories of prejudice as well as the dynamics of specific types of prejudice (e.g., racism, sexism). The specific areas covered may shift from year to year. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 270, MATH 117, or consent of instructor. Not offered in 2007-08
PSYC 575
Topics in Emotion and Health
This seminar will explore the psychology of human emotion from scientific, philosophical, and phenomenological perspectives and examine the implications of emotions for mental and physical well-being. During the first half of the term, we will examine various theories of emotion. During the second half, each class will focus on a specific emotion or set of related emotions. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 270, MATH 117, or consent of instructor
PSYC 578
Topics in Motivation: Love and Death
Introduces two major, current theories of human motivation: attachment theory and terror management theory. The course focuses on (a) the historical theoretical foundation of the theories, and (b) how contemporary experimental personality and social psychology researchers have tested hypotheses derived from the theories. 6 units. Prerequisite: Junior standing, PSYC 281, or consent of instructor
PSYC 580
Topics in Neuroscience
A study of the nervous system from the perspectives of psychology, biology, and /or biological anthropology. Topics vary year to year and may include glial cells, neural development, and the evolution of nervous systems, and neurotransmitter systems. Lecture only. May be repeated with consent of instructor. 6 units. Also listed as Biology 340. Prerequisite: CHEM 116 or 119, and either BIOL 140 and one course in psychology, or PSYC 360 and one course in biology; or consent of instructor
PSYC 610
Senior Capstone I
First course in a two-term, required sequence for senior psychology majors. Section meetings focus on discussions of readings related to section topics and to student projects. Students will complete a substantial written senior thesis based on an original empirical project, applied work, or critical review of established research and theory. Students will publicly present their work in senior presentations. 6 units. Prerequisite: Senior standing and declared major in psychology
PSYC 620
Senior Capstone II
Second course in a two-term, required sequence for senior psychology majors. Section meetings focus on discussions of readings related to section topics and to student projects. Students will complete a substantial written senior thesis based on an original empirical project, applied work, or critical review of established research and theory. Students will publicly present their work in senior presentations. 6 units. Prerequisite: PSYC 610, senior standing and declared major in psychology
PSYC 190, 390, 590, 690
Tutorial Studies in Psychology
Advanced study arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
PSYC 195, 395, 595, 695
Practicum in Psychology
Practica include a wide variety of fieldwork opportunities in psychology. For example, students might do applied work in the areas of domestic violence, mental health treatment, family legal services, victim assistance, developmental disabilities, human resources, or school psychology. Practica can be done during the academic year (at local placements or on campus) or during the summer. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
PSYC 199, 399, 599, 699
Independent Study in Psychology
Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students considering an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
Recent tutorial topics in psychology
Ambivalent Sexism and Attitudes about Sexuality
Experimental Phonetics and Phonology
Cognitive Risk Factors for Depression
Feminist Ethics
Children’s Understanding of Anger
Identity, Self-Concept, and Depression in
Adolescent Girls
Optimism and Athletic Performance
The Psychology of Embarrassment
Attributional Style in Children
Cognitive and Personality Risk Factors for Bulimia
The Internet and Mental Health Services
Reassurance Seeking and Depression
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Mental Health
Rumination and Depression
Neuroscience and Humor Appreciation