PSYC 101 | INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 3

Core Attributes: First Yr Integration (LC Only), Social/Behavioral Inquiry area

This core curriculum course provides an introduction to the science of psychology and includes the following topics: history of psychology, research methods in psychology, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, development, learning, memory, cognition, motivation, emotion, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders, and therapy. (every semester).

PSYC 230 | RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: First Yr Integration (LC Only)

Introduction to the principles and methods of psychological research through lecture, discussion, and participation in laboratory and field research projects. This course will cover multiple research designs including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Every semester.

PSYC 260 | STATISTICS

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Quantitative reasoning comp

Introduction to the analysis of research data in psychology. Topics include measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, prediction, and hypothesis testing.

PSYC 294 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 0.5-4 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

The purpose of this course is to provide the beginning undergraduate student with an opportunity to explore a variety of contemporary topics in psychology. These will be in-depth investigations on subjects of special interest to the instructor. Course may be repeated with different topics. Prerequisite vary with topic and/or instructor.

PSYC 305 | ADVANCED STATISTICS

Units: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 260

This course will build on and extend student knowledge of analyses first introduced in the basic statistics course. After review of basic statistics, key issues to be explored include testing underlying assumptions of parametric statistics, transformations of data, nonparametric statistics, analysis of covariance, multiple regression, partial correlation, and multivariate analysis of variance. Students will learn to enter data on a computer and use a statistical program (SPSS) to perform analyses. Emphasis will be placed on choosing appropriate statistics, carrying out analyses, interpreting results, and reporting findings in APA style.

PSYC 314 | DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE

Units: 3-4 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

The study of growth and development within physical, cognitive, and social domains of the normal individual from conception through adolescence. The influences of maturation and socialization are emphasized as well as the interdependence of the various domains of development. Community service may be required.

PSYC 316 | DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: ADULTHOOD AND AGING

Units: 3-4

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

The study of human behavior and development into the adult years. Coverage includes theory and research about aging within physical, cognitive, and social domains from early adulthood through death. Addresses age-related issues as well as the influences of maturation and socialization on development. Community service may be required.

PSYC 318 | CHILD DEVELOPMENT ACROSS CULTURES

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

This course compares and contrast development among infants, children and adolescents across cultures. It reviews theoretical concepts and empirical findings regarding developmental changes and continuities among typical individuals reared within the U.S. It also examines cross-cultural variability and human universals in child development along with sociocultural factors that lead to variability in development among children from differing cultural groups.

PSYC 322 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 3-4

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

The study of how people think about, relate to, and are influenced by others. Topics include: group behavior; socialization; social interaction; attitude change; affiliation; aggression; altruism; person perception; and the role of psychological factors in social problems.

PSYC 324 | CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Global Diversity level 2

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230

An examination of human behavior in cultural context. Emphasis will be placed on the role of cultural factors influencing such patterns of behavior as perception, cognition, personality, emotion, development, group dynamics, mental and physical health, and language. As part of studying these cultural differences, you will also reflect and analyze how your own cultural background influences your perceptions of the world.

PSYC 326 | ORGANIZATIONAL/INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

A study of the application of psychological principles in organizational settings. Topics include: organizational structure; personnel selection, social influence and human relations in organizations, leadership, and organizational change.

PSYC 328 | STEREOTYPING, PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION

Units: 3

Examination of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination from a social psychology perspective. Focus on theory and research about what causes stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination; why these social ills are so resistant to change and how they can be reduced.

PSYC 330 | PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230

This course involves an overview of psychological research and theory concerning gender differences and similarities in the areas of in cognition, attitudes, personality, and social behavior and the causes of these differences. There is an emphasis on topics such as gender identity, gender stereotypes, sexism and discrimination, close relationships, and gender in the workplace.

PSYC 332 | LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR

Units: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230

The study of learning in humans and animals. Topics include: theories of learning; classical conditioning; instrumental learning; observation learning; and perceptual-motor and verbal learning and cognition. Current research will be stressed.

PSYC 336 | COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 3-4

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260

Scientific study of how people process information. Topics include perception, attention, memory, imagery, language, concept formation, decision making, and problem solving. Both basic and applied issues will be addressed. The course will focus on current models, including information processing and neural networks.

PSYC 342 | BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 3-4

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230

Study of the biological bases of behavior, stressing evolutionary, genetic, neural, and hormonal processes. Topics include: anatomy and physiology of the nervous, sensory, and motor systems; and the biological bases of emotion, motivation, learning, memory, sleep, individual differences, and psychopathology. Current research will be stressed.

PSYC 344 | ANIMAL BEHAVIOR: COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND ETHOLOGY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230

Study of animal behavior through a synthesis of the work of ethologists and comparative psychologists. Stresses the adaptive nature of behavior and its role in evolution. Topics include research strategies, classification of behavior, evolution and development of behavior, the concept of instinct, communication, and social behavior. Current research will be stressed. Students may not receive credit for taking both PSYC 344 and BIOL 438, BIOL 439, EOSC 438, or EOSC 439.

PSYC 346 | EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: First Yr Integration (LC Only)

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230

The goal of this course is to examine and evaluate the evolutionary perspective as it relates to the study of behavior and mental processes. Interdisciplinary evidence will be explored to evaluate the presence of evolved psychological adaptations that characterize human nature. Applications of the evolutionary perspective will be explored in the context of many subfields within psychology, such as learning, memory, cognitive processing, development, personality, social behavior, disorders and more.

PSYC 347 | BEHAVIOR GENETICS

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230

Explores the past and current status of the nature/nurture controversy in psychology as an introduction to the methods of research in behavior genetics. Hereditary influences on perception, learning, intelligence, temperament, personality, and psychopathology will be investigated through a consideration of current research in these areas.

PSYC 354 | BEHAVIOR DISORDERS OF CHILDHOOD

Units: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

This course will examine the causes of emotional disorders in childhood and the various methods of treatment for childhood disorders.

PSYC 355 | ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 3-4

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

Reviews the current literature on the etiology, prevalence, classification, and treatment considerations relating to abnormal behavior and mental disorders. Course assumes an integrated biopsychosocial perspective and focuses on adult psychopathology. Gender effects and cultural considerations as they relate to the study of abnormal behavior and adult mental disorders are examined.

PSYC 356 | PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Units: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260

Principles of psychological testing, selection, evaluation, and interpretation of test results.

PSYC 357 | HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Community Service Learning, Advanced Integration

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230

An examination of the psychological variables contributing to the development and/or progress of disease, and of the effects of illness on injury and behavior. Areas to be considered include the impact of various types of stress on illness, pain mechanisms, psychophysiological disorders, psychological approaches to prevention and management, and treatment compliance.

PSYC 359 | HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN AND ETHNIC GROUPS

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Domestic Diversity level 2

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

Recent advances in health care have discovered the necessity for specific treatment, instruction, research, and preventive measures focusing on women and ethnic health. This course is designed to investigate the specific needs of these populations in maintaining and obtaining the best medical care for their physical health. The interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors with health and illness as they specifically apply to these populations is the focus of the course. The role of traditional medical practices, particularly Native American and Asian American health practices is also described.

PSYC 360 | PSYCHOLOGY OF STRESS

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Community Service Learning, Advanced Integration

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

Health psychology is a science that attempts to find out what makes people sick and the impact one’s behavior, biology and environment can have on your well-being and health. One key factor identified to be related to one’s quality of life and wellness is stress. Let’s face it; we all have been under stress at one point and time. Stress is often unavoidable and can be very damaging. However, very few people are aware of the impact stress has on their well-being and even less know how to do anything about it. This course is designed to provide you with an academic study of stress but most importantly, begin your development of life-long skills needed to enhance well-being.

PSYC 364 | SPORT PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

This course examines the psychological factors influencing the experience of sports. Topics include theoretical basis of competition, motivation, group dynamics, aggression, fan behavior, and social facilitation.

PSYC 372 | HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Advanced Integration

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

This course explores the roots of modern psychological thought and methodology. It traces these roots from their origins in philosophy and the natural sciences through early developments in the field of psychology and on into its current form as a hub science. Taking a contextual approach to the history of psychology, the course explores how cultural and political forces shaped the science. Special attention is given to the recurring controversial issues that have fueled debate and motivated research on the nature and origins of human behavior and mental processes. Important goals of the course are to introduce students to sources of historical material in psychology and to involve students in research projects using those materials.

PSYC 374 | PSYCHOLOGY AND THE LAW

Units: 3-4

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

Research dealing with psychological factors in the legal system will be surveyed. Particular emphasis will be placed on applying psychological theory and methods to the criminal justice system in an attempt to understand the behavior of its participants.

PSYC 377 | THEORIES OF PERSONALITY

Units: 3-4

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

This course surveys the major theoretical schools of thought in the study of personality. Psychoanalytic, psychoanalytic-social, behavioral, cognitive, trait, social learning, and biological theories are examined.

PSYC 378 | EXPLORATIONS IN HUMAN SEXUALITY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Advanced Integration, Domestic Diversity level 2

Sexuality is a fundamental part of everyone's life. During the past decade, discussions about sexual identity, sexual orientation, sexual behavior and gender issues have become increasingly common in society and education. Sexuality is an important issue of diversity and has been the basis of discrimination, a legacy of isolation, history of violence and exclusionary practices. This course provides an examination of the major variables affecting human sexuality including the physiological, psychological, and sociocultural variables associated with the development and manifestation of sexual identity, sexual behavior, and sexual disorders. The course will also examine the historical and societal factors that have led to inequities for those who do not represent the power hierarchy of being male and heterosexual.

PSYC 414 | SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PSYC 314 or PSYC 316 or PSYC 318

This course focuses on the primary social relationships and experiences that humans have as they develop, including normative features of key social interactions and relationships, variability among individuals, and potential problems within these exchanges. It also addresses the impact of these social-emotional experiences on personality and socio-cognitive development as well as on concurrent or subsequent social relationships.

PSYC 466 | METHODS OF EVIDENCE-BASED PSYCHOTHERAPY

Units: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

This course will familiarize student with both the theory underlying various evidence-based psychosocial interventions as well as the practical techniques used in those interventions. Psychotherapy methods pertaining to children and adults and to a variety of clinical disorders will be reviewed, demonstrated, and role played. Application to a variety of presenting problems and client types will be discussed.

PSYC 470 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS ANIMAL BEHAVIOR CAPSTONE

Units: 4 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency

Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and PSYC 344 (Can be taken Concurrently)

In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in animal behavior. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an observational study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.

PSYC 471 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY CAPSTONE

Units: 4 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency

Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 (Can be taken Concurrently) and (PSYC 354 (Can be taken Concurrently) or PSYC 355 (Can be taken Concurrently))

In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in clinical psychology. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.

PSYC 472 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY CAPSTONE

Units: 4 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency

Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and PSYC 336

In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in cognitive psychology. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.

PSYC 473 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY CAPSTONE

Units: 4 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency

Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and (PSYC 314 or PSYC 316 or PSYC 318)

In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in developmental psychology. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.

PSYC 474 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY CAPSTONE

Units: 4 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency

Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2CFYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and (PSYC 357 or PSYC 359)

In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in health psychology. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.

PSYC 475 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS CONDITIONING AND LEARNING CAPSTONE

Units: 4 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency

Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 101 or CORE 2CFYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and PSYC 332 (Can be taken Concurrently)

In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in learning. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content, a series of experimental modules in learning, and the completion of a research proposal (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and predicting results); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the proposal in a presentation. Students enrolled in NEUR 475 and PSYC 475 will work together on reading, discussion, and laboratory activities. PSYC 475 WILL complete the major APA-style research project and oral presentation, and students will earn the core attributes of advanced writing or oral presentation. Students may not receive credit for taking both PSYC 475 and NEUR 475.

PSYC 476 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY CAPSTONE

Units: 4 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency

Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and PSYC 322

In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in social psychology. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.

PSYC 479 | ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS CAPSTONE

Units: 4 Repeatability: No

Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency

Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260

In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in a particular area of psychology, with rotating topics. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation. Additional prerequisites may apply depending on the course topic.

PSYC 490 | PRE-HEALTH INTERNSHIP

Units: 1 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

This is a 1-unit pass-fail only course involving fieldwork under the joint supervision of your instructor and the trauma surgery medical staff at Scripps Hospital (currently under the direction of Dr. Michael Sise). For eligibility, students must be participants in the USD Pre-Health Program under the direction of Cassandra Gomez.

PSYC 491 | TEACHING ASSISTANT EXPERIENCE

Units: 1 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)

Students will gain experience in serving as a teaching assistant for a PSYC or NEUR course, helping students enrolled in a course by holding office hours and exam review sessions. 1 unit. P/F only. Repeatable. By invitation. Requires consent of the instructor.

PSYC 492 | MAJOR FIELD TEST IN PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 0

As part of the department's assessment program, each graduating senior is required to take a major field test in psychology and senior exit survey. A student who fails to do so may be restricted from graduating.

PSYC 494 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 0.5-4 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)

The purpose of this course is to provide the advanced undergraduate student with an opportunity to explore a variety of contemporary topics in psychology. These will be in-depth investigations on subjects of special interest to the instructor. Course may be repeated with different topics.

PSYC 496 | RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Units: 1-2 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)

Core Attributes: Law - Experiential

Experience in serving as a researcher in a project conducted by a faculty member. By invitation. P/F only. Requires the consent of the instructor.

PSYC 498 | INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY

Units: 1-3 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)

Core Attributes: Law - Experiential

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

This is a pass-fail only course involving fieldwork under the joint supervision of your instructor and agency personnel. Junior standing is required unless the instructor grants approval. Students cannot be on academic probation and must obtain instructor consent to enroll. Course content will include volunteering or working at an approved placement or community agency, individual and/or small group supervision meetings, internship reflection paper, agency performance evaluations, and participation in an internship fair.

PSYC 499 | INDEPENDENT STUDY

Units: 1-3 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)

Prerequisites: PSYC 101

Library, laboratory, or field research of the student's own design conducted under faculty supervision. A written application and final report are required. Requires the consent of the instructor.