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Psychology Course Offerings

Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

Introduction to concepts and problems in psychology. Topics include perception, learning, development, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and biological and social bases of behavior. This is an approved General Education course. CAN PSY 2.

Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Honors Program.

An introduction to contemporary concepts and problems in psychology. The course will be taught using tutorial and seminar formats. Topics will include biological and social bases of behavior, assessment, emotion and motivation, perception, cognition, and psychopathology. Enrollment is limited to students admitted to the General Studies Honors Program.

This course is designed to give a beginning psychology student instruction and experiential training in the basic factors of constructive human relations. Only 2 units of PSYC 110 can be applied to meet graduation requirements. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.

Examination of social and cultural influences on emotional, social, and intellectual development. Specific emphasis on children raised in lower socio-economic environments as well as children of American Indian, Mexican-American, and black cultures. This is an approved General Education course.

This course is for special topics offered for 1.0–3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. Courses may be offered with activity or laboratory components.

3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher. Prerequisite or corequisite: PSYC 101.

Aspects of psychological research process and research methods, including measurement and quantitative description of behavior, problem definition and hypothesis formation, major research approaches to psychological phenomena, bibliographic resource use, and professional report writing.

After successful completion of the training program, students will serve as peer advisors for three hours per week. Peer advisors help students complete class schedules and graduation clearance forms for the psychology major and minor. Peer advisors refer students to appropriate faculty or departments as needed. This course is not applicable to the major. See the department for specific information. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units.

The development of a frame of reference for understanding individual behavior and understanding of the dynamics of behavior in action.

Introduction to basic psychological theory and principles of learning, with emphasis on application to social institutions — e.g., family, schools, industry. Fieldwork experience in appropriate institution may be provided to students registered in the course.

Prerequisites: Open only to students working on the Upper-Division Theme in Honors; must be in good standing in the Honors Program.

Is there such a thing as "altruistic" behavior, or is it the case that when we help other people it is self-interest that is lurking behind our motivations? In our society, what accounts for the imperative that we should be altruistic? This course explores answers to fundamental questions about the phenomenon of helping others by looking at several disciplinary approaches to explaining semingly selfless conduct. This course is distinctive in asking students to address these questions theoretically and empirically. Students test the theories they study in class through fieldwork. 3.0 hours seminar, 6.0 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as PHIL 313H, and RELS 342H.

This course examines the social-psychological aspects of the interdependence of humans and their environment. The course emphasizes psychological theory and current research along with a practical focus on environmental issues.

This course explores the fundamental relationships between brain function, mental states and consciousness, and human behavior. Attention is given to the influence of brain research on artifical intelligence, neural networks, and computer technology, and to the current metaphor of brain as computer. The course focus is on basic brain processes involved in sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, learning and memory, and language and consciousness. This is an approved General Education course.

Study of animal behavior and its biological bases. Topics covered will include social behavior (territorial, aggressive, and sexual), behavior development, and animal communication systems.

This course provides an introduction to the field of health psychology which is the field within psychology devoted to understanding psychological influences on how people stay healthy, why they become ill, and how they respond when they do get ill. Topics include a study of health psychology as a profession, the bio-psychosocial model of health, health belief models and human behavior, health-compromising and health-enhancing behaviors, cognitive-behavioral approaches to behavior change, stress and coping, personality and health, and psychological issues in heart disease, cancer, AIDS, and other diseases.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, PSYC 101, PSYC 261.

An introduction to basic processes involved in brain function and an overview of the biological bases of behaviors such as sleep, biological rhythms, sex, emotions, learning and memory, language, laterality, and psychophysiological states such as depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. The laboratory includes the study of neuroanatomy and experiments on topics such as EEG, GSR, biofeedback, hemisphere specialization, and cardiovascular reactivity. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Honors Program, faculty permission.

An Honors seminar that explores the psychological, philosophical, social, biological, and technical aspects of machine "minds." Explores core issues within a subset of the disciplines that comprise the cognitive sciences, including artificial intelligence, philosophy, and psychology. Readings and discussions will focus on theories of artificial intelligence and classic themes in human cognition and philosophy, such as determinism, consciousness, free-will, and the mind-body problem. The course focuses on increasing one's capability to express beliefs and evaluate arguments concerning various issues. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as CSCI 313H.

A review of the major theories, phenomena, and research associated with the structure and function of the sensory and perceptual systems. Primary emphasis is on the visual and auditory systems, but gustation, olfaction, and skin perception are also reviewed.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, PSYC 101, PSYC 261, or faculty permission.

An in-depth examination of current research and theory in cognition. Topics include attention, memory models, language, problem solving, creativity, reasoning, decision making, human and artificial intelligence, and cognitive development.

This course focuses on the importance and various influences of culture on human behavior. Beginning with an examination of theoretical definitions of culture, the course covers a broad range of research that highlights the contributions of cross-cultural psychology to the understanding of human behavior within and between cultures. In addition, conceptual, methodological, and practical issues in cross-cultural research and applications are covered. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course. This course is also offered as MCGS 341.

Examination of the conflicts in the development of the female personality. Common stereotypes, myths, and typical societal expectations will be explored in terms of biological, social, psychological, and developmental determinants. Men and women will be expected to examine their own gender roles and to evaluate the psychological impact of these determinants on their own lives and personalities. This is an approved General Education course.

Examination of social and cultural influences on emotional, social, and intellectual development. Specific emphasis on children raised in lower socio-economic environments, as well as children of American Indian, Mexican-American, and black cultures. This is an approved General Education course.

Students will examine a variety of issues which are of concern to persons interested in children. The topics will range from health care issues to toy selection. Emphasis will be on optimum individual and collective outcomes. Psychological perspectives will be emphasized, but the effects of historical, societal, and biological factors will also be explored. This is an approved General Education course.

Examination of psychological factors involved in the learning processes of children.

An introduction to the psychological processes and phenomena associated with middle and older adulthood.

Physical, mental, social, and emotional factors of human growth and development from infancy through adolescence. Supervised experience working with children is strongly encouraged.

An examination of quantitative or qualitative research methods via the design and implementation of original research or evaluation studies. These activities develop skills in research design, sampling techniques, instrumentation, data collection, analyses, and interpretation of results. Presentation or manuscript submission is encouraged. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

A survey of the principles and theories of learning. Examples of the applications of these will be given.

This course examines the history of two competing approaches to psychology, and it evaluates their philosophical and scientific merits. Implications for contemporary debates in psychology are discussed. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as PHIL 363.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, PSYC 101, PSYC 261.

The analysis of research data in psychology using inferential statistical methods, with an emphasis on relevant statistical designs, understanding statistical conclusions in published research, and professional report writing. Descriptive statistics, graphing, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression, chi-square, t-tests, and analysis of variance. Single factor designs and ANOVA, post-hoc comparisions, repeated measures ANOVA, and simple factorial designs. Professional reporting of research. Laboratory provides examples, applications, and development of research data analysis and statistical evaluation skills. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, PSYC 364 or an introductory course in both statistics and research methods or faculty permission.

Principles of experimental design and the philosophy of science, with emphasis on the evaluation of experimental data.

Introduction to the study, definition, and classification of deviant behavior, including experimental psychopathology, psychodiagnostic methods, and psychotherapeutic procedures.

Introduction to the nature and development of personality, with emphasis on the normal adult, including theories of personality, techniques of assessment, and a survey of current research.

Examination of the nature of prejudice and hate and their contribution to societal violence. How prejudice and hatred affect personal, family, and group behavior are considered in a context of understanding factors that contribute to their development. Strategies for reducing the prevalence of prejudice, hatred, and violence in our contemporary culture are evaluated. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course.

Prerequisites: Students must be in good standing in the Honors Program.

Examination of the nature of prejudice and hate and their contribution to societal violence. How prejudice and hatred affect personal, family, and group behavior are considered. Strategies for reducing the prevalence of prejudice, hatred, and violence in our contemporary culture, such as techniques of "nonviolent communication," are evaluated. This course is taught using tutorial and seminar formats. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Ethnic course.

The interrelationship of psychological, physiological, and cultural factors in marriage and family relations.

An overview of social psychology, emphasizing the variety of social factors that influence individual behavior.

This course is for special topics offered for 1.0–3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. Courses may be offered with activity or laboratory components.

2.0 hours activity.

Prerequisites: Faculty permission.

3.0 hours laboratory.

This course is an independent study of special problems and is offered for 1.0–3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, PSYC 101, PSYC 261, PSYC 364, and 9 units of other upper-division psychology courses. Open only by invitation to students in the top 5% of the major;

Seminar for Honors students. Course will focus on the development of a creative project in psychology, its presentation, discussion of relevant research materials, and the reporting of findings. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, PSYC 101, PSYC 261, PSYC 364, and four additional courses in the major.

An in-depth examination of contemporary issues in one of several areas of psychological theory, research, and practice. These areas include, but are not limited to: cross-cultural investigations, life span development, biological psychology, health psychology, human personality, aspects of social behavior, cognition and perception, learning and memory, clinical and applied psychology. Students in this seminar will participate in advanced readings, writing, reporting, discussion, demonstration, oral presentation, and experiential components. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

Prerequisites: PSYC 355, faculty permission.

Applications of principles of the psychology of human learning and development and counseling to educational practice. Prospective teachers analyze their motivations, personal value systems, role conceptualizations, and self-attitudes in relation to demands of the teaching profession. Concepts of emotional, social, and cognitive development as well as of childhood learning and motivation are applied to development of learning experiences for elementary school children. Enrollment is restricted to second-semester juniors, seniors, and graduates.

Prerequisites: PSYC 321 or PSYC 324 or faculty permission.

A study of the physiological processes and anatomical regions of the nervous system which underlie the behaviors of sensation/perception, movement, motivation (sleep and dreams; hunger and eating disorders), emotion (pleasure and addiction; fear, stress, and health), cognition (language; learning and memory), and disorders of the human brain (depressive disorders, anxiety disorders; schizophrenia; and Alzheimer's disease). The course also includes study of the current methods used by neuroscientists to study brain and behavior in humans.

Prerequisites: PSYC 321 or PSYC 324 or PSYC 424, or any course which has covered basic brain anatomy, or faculty permission.

Course examines the behavioral changes which accompany certain known damages to the human brain. Topics include the neuropsychology of language, emotions, memory, learning, movement, personality, aggression, cerebral dominance, neuropsychological assessment, clinical syndromes following head trauma and stroke, developmental learning disorders, and disorders of aging, including Alzheimer's Disease.

Prerequisites: PSYC 355 or equivalent.

Consideration of theory and research associated with developmental processes. Emphasis upon cognitive and social development, with attention to perceptual, language, and intellectual development and to the socialization processes.

Prerequisites: Recommended: PSYC 355 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently).

Study of current concepts, principles, and issues related to exceptional development. The focus is on children with various exeptionalities, e.g., behavior disorders, learning disabilities, communication disorders, physical impairments, motor and neurological impairments, and gifts or talents, to gain a better understanding of human diversity. Exceptional children are studied within the context of their families, as well as emphasizing the support services necessary to facilitate optimum development.

Development of psychology from ancient to modern times. Relationship of this development to twentieth-century systematic viewpoints in psychology.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, PSYC 101, PSYC 261, PSY 364.

An examination of elementary principles and basic theories of learning and their relation to diverse areas of psychology, including a laboratory in the methods and procedures used in the study of learning phenomena. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: Necessary background for specific internship.

This course is an internship offered for 1.0–6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. This course provides directed experience in agencies, institutions, or work setting appropriate to the application of psychological background and training. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.

This course investigates individual and group behavior within sport, play, and games. Social psychological research, principles, and issues will be presented, including performance enhancement, personality, interpersonal relations, group dynamics, socialization, communication, attitudes, emotions, and cognitions relative to sport, play, and games. This course is also offered as KINE 492.

Psychological principles and practices in industrial and business settings.

This course is offered for 1.0–3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. Courses may be offered with activity or laboratory components.

Prerequisites: Faculty permission.

3.0 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 399H with a B or higher, faculty permission.

A seminar for Honors students. Prepare the creative project begun in PSY 399H for presentation and publication.

Prerequisites: SPED 343 or equivalent.

Study techniques used in assessing skills and needs of general and exceptional learners. Topics include examination of standardized tests in general and special education; use and interpretation of standardized test results; development and use of teacher-made techniques for assessment; principles of curriculum-based assessment; and consideration of cultural and linguistic diversity factors in assessment. Activities focus on construction of teacher-made instruments and on administration and scoring of selected standardized tests. This course is part of the Level I preparation program for education specialists in mild/moderate/severe disabilities. Enrollment is normally limited to Special Education Credential candidates. Other students may enroll with faculty permission.

Prerequisites: A course in statistics including research design.

Basic psychological measurement theory and principles of test construction. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.

The study of the mechanisms by which psychotropic drugs and natural plant substances alter human behavior and psychological state. The course emphasizes fundamentals of brain function (neurotransmitter-receptor interactions), principles of pharmacology, drugs of abuse and dependence, clinical pharmacology (the use of medications to treat behavioral, psychological, and psychiatric conditions such as eating disorders, hyperactivity, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease), and the use of drugs to alter cognitive states and improve attention, memory, and learning.

Prerequisites: PSYC 381 or PSYC 382, senior or graduate standing, faculty permission.

Theory of individual and family counseling and laboratory practice in individual counseling. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: PSYC 364 or equivalent, faculty permission.

An examination of the nature and process of understanding and evaluating, as well as designing and conducting psychological research and evaluations studies. Important issues and criteria for evaluating quality and drawing conclusions will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: PSYC 355, faculty permission.

Current developmental theory and research in the area of problem-solving, concept attainment, language, perception, intelligence, and maturation.

Prerequisites: PSYC 355, faculty permission.

Study of both typical human development and individual differences. Developmental issues and life events from infancy to old age and their effects upon individuals, couples, and family relationships. Emphasis will be on current theory and research related to social, emotional, and language development, and its relationship to practice. Biological and environmental influences are addressed.

Prerequisites: PSYC 466 or PSYC 362, faculty permission.

Factors contributing to acquisition, performance, and retention. The methods of evaluating learning.

Prerequisites: PSYC 602, PSYC 603, PSYC 605, faculty permission. This course may be taken concurrently with one of the prerequisites if the other two have been completed.

Intensive study of selected topics in developmental psychology.

Survey of topics in general psychology and recent relevant research. Particular emphasis on major theoretical positions.

Prerequisites: PSYC 600 or faculty permission.

Principles of experimental design and the philosophy of science, with emphasis on the evaluation of multivariate correlational data.

Detailed study and discussion of a specific area in general psychology. Content will reflect instructor's specialization. May be repeated for credit.

This course is a special topic offered for 1.0–3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Seminar focusing on issues and problems of contemporary psychology. Specific content varies from semester to semester. Occasionally a lab component (PSYC 620L) may be required. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. This course is also offered as MGMT 620.

A lab component for PSYC 620 that faculty may require for a special topic on issues and problems of contemporary psychology. 3.0 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

An exploration of issues in the fields of health and medical psychology and behavioral medicine. Includes topics on medical and psycho-bio-social models of illness-wellness, psychophysiological and psychometric assessment in health psychology, psychoneuroimmunology, substance abuse, stress-related illnesses, psychosomatic medicine, and current thinking of etiology, intervention, and prevention.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology, concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of PSYC 673A, concurrent enrollment in PSYC 629A, faculty permission.

Consideration of issues and techniques in teaching counseling skills at the college level. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology, completion of appropriate graduate-level course work, concurrent enrollment in PSYC 629B, faculty permission.

Comprehensive consideration of issues in teaching at the college level and techniques related to successful instruction. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology, concurrent enrollment in PSYC 628A, faculty permission.

Supervised teaching of lecture or laboratory work in college-level counseling courses. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology, concurrent enrollment in PSYC 628B, faculty permission.

Supervised teaching of lecture or laboratory work in college-level psychology courses. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

Prerequisites: PSYC 670, PSYC 673A, PSYC 680, all with grades of B or better.

Examination of a variety of school counseling interventions and roles, including leadership and supervision. Supervised practice in the following activities: a) counseling groups of children, b) classroom instruction in emotional awareness, social skills, and conflict resolution, c) intervention with children in crisis, and d) leading interdisciplinary or other team meetings. 3.0 hours clinical.

Prerequisites: PSYC 605, PSYC 660, admission to PPS Program, faculty permission.

Directed consultation experience in school setting to effect changes in behavior for particular children or classrooms.

Prerequisites: PSYC 605, PSYC 636, PSYC 660.

Corequisites: PSYC 689A.

Concepts, principles, methods, and skills of instructional consultation in the schools. Supervised practice in the design, implementation and evaluation of empirically-based interventions in schools for academic skill deficits. 2.0 hours clinical.

Prerequisites: PSYC 381 and classified status in Psychology MS program.

Seminar in child, adolescent, and adult psychopathology. The etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of selected mental disorders using the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic framework.

Prerequisites: PSYC 573 or equivalent, faculty permission.

The principles of behavior modification. Application of behavioral techniques in education, remedial, and counseling settings.

This course is part of a sequence of course work leading to a counseling and human resource development emphasis. Through varied media, participants gain an understanding and awareness of Human Resource Development and Counseling in organizational settings (educational, governmental, private sector). Included within this emphasis are training and development programs often housed in organizations under the Human Resource Division. Useful for individuals seeking an HRD emphasis as well as others interested in learning about the vast opportunities and challenges in this unique and rapidly expanding professional field.

Prerequisites: Faculty permission.

In this seminar, the emerging and rapidly growing field of career counseling and development is examined. Among the topics studied are socio-psychological and economic contexts of career development; systematic models for vocational choice; career guidance programs for elementary, secondary, and higher education; career development models in business and industry; helping strategies in vocational counseling; assessment in career guidance.

Prerequisites: PSYC 560, classified status, faculty permission.

Survey of theory and methods of selecting, administering, and interpreting screening instruments, norm-referenced tests, curriculum-based assessments, and observational systems to identify academic and behavioral concerns and design appropriate instructional interventions. Research-based instructional strategies and effective schools/teachers research serve as the basis for intervention designed to help all students reach academic standards. 3.0 hours clinical.

Prerequisites: PSYC 660, concurrent enrollment in PSYC 661P, faculty permission.

An overview of theories of intelligence, basic concepts related to psychometrics, and issues related to the use and misuse of psychological tests with various populations of school-age children. Stresses a critical analysis of currently used tests of intelligence, with special consideration of the Wechsler scales and Stanford-Binet. 2.0 hours clinical.

Prerequisites: PSYC 660, concurrent enrollment in PSYC 661, faculty permission.

Practice in the selection, administration, scoring and interpretation of individually-administered tests of intelligence and cognition. Includes training in the preparation of written reports. 1.0 hours clinical.

Prerequisites: PSYC 660, concurrent enrollment in PSYC 662P, faculty permission.

The assessment of the socio-emotional functioning and behavior of the school-aged child. Understanding of various issues related to personality assessment, test construction and design, and childhood psychopathology is emphasized. Critical examination of numerous instruments and procedures currently used in the social and emotional assessment of children. 2.0 hours clinical.

Prerequisites: PSYC 660, concurrent enrollment in PSYC 662, faculty permission.

Practice in the selection, administration and interpretation of various tests and procedures used in the socio-emotional assessment of children. Includes training in the preparation of written reports. 1.0 hours clinical.

Prerequisites: PSYC 661, PSYC 661P, PSYC 662, PSYC 662P, faculty permission.

Provides advanced training in the meaningful interpretation of various forms of assessment and the communication of this information in the form of a written report. Supervision of cases from field-based practice.

Prerequisites: PSYC 560 or equivalent course in psychometrics strongly recommended.

An examination of psychological assessment procedures commonly used in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Includes training in the use and interpretation of selected procedures within the scope of MFT practice and familiarization with other tests and instruments used collaboratively in patient/client care by other mental health professionals. Also covered is spousal or partner abuse assessment.