Department Chair:  Jess F. Deegan II

Department Office:  Dorothy Donahoe Hall, D107

Telephone:  (661) 654‑2363

email:  bespinosa@csub.edu

Website:  www.csub.edu/psychology/

Faculty:  M. Abramson, M. Akiyama, M. Allahyar,

S. F. Bacon, T. L Boone, J. F. Deegan II, A. Duran, 

A. Fluckey-Evans, K. L. Hartlep, T. K. Ishida, R. C. Noel, H. Mitchell, C. D. Raupp, B. M. Rienzi, E. H. Sasaki,

I. C. Sumaya, S. E. Suter, L. A. Vega

Emeritus Faculty:  M. J. Allen, D. C. Cohen,

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Program Description

Psychology can be considered from a variety of perspectives, such as (1) a natural or biological science, (2) a behavioral or social science, (3) an applied or professional field, or (4) a set of experiential or humanistic concerns.  This multi-perspective approach is best illustrated in the Mission and Goals statement of the department.* 

The requirements for the major expose the student to the broad range of perspectives, problems, methodologies, and bodies of knowledge found in contemporary psychology.  We believe that this foundation provides for the development of relevant skills, behaviors, and attitudes necessary for diverse professional fields, especially those related to the human services.

All declared majors are expected to confer regularly with their faculty advisors to ensure that the selection of courses will be most appropriate for the student’s career goals.

*  Contact the department office for the latest version of this document.

Requirements for the Major in Psychology

Prerequisites (14 units):

1.   PSYC 100 Explorations in Psychology

2.   PSYC 200 Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research

3.   PSYC 290 Psychology as a Profession (2)

4.   PSYC 291 Interpersonal and Group Process Skills (2)

Major Requirements (52 units):

1.   Core Courses (15 units):

      a.   PSYC 300A Understanding Psychological Research I

      b.   PSYC 300B Understanding Psychological Research II

      c.   PSYC 490 Senior Seminar or PSYC 491 Senior Thesis

2.   Three foundation courses.  At least one course must be from Area “A” and one from Area “B”.  The third course may be from either Area “A” or “B” (15 units):

      a.   Area A

            PSYC 301 Principles of Learning

            PSYC 302 Sensation and Perception

            PSYC 303 Biological Psychology

            PSYC 304 Cognitive Psychology

      b.   Area B

            PSYC 310 Child Psychology

            PSYC 312 Social Psychology

            PSYC 315 Abnormal Psychology

            PSYC 316 Personality

3.   One laboratory experience from Area “A” above, chosen from: PSYC 301L, 302L, 303L, or 304L (2 units).

4.   One laboratory experience from Area “B” above, chosen from: PSYC 310L, 312L, 315L, or 316L (2 units).

5.   Applications of psychology (3 units):*

      a.   PSYC 395 Seminar in Applications of Psychology (1)

      b.   One or more of the following (2 units total):

            PSYC 396 Human Corps (1)

            PSYC 398 Peer Advising (1)

            PSYC 481 Directed Research in Psychology

            (1-5)

            PSYC 496 Fieldwork in Human Services

            Psychology (1-5)

            PSYC 497 Cooperative Education (1-5)

            PSYC 498 Directed Study in the Instruction of Psychology (1-5)

*     Excess units in this category may be applied to the elective category, subject to the restrictions of Area “6.”

6.   A minimum of three elective courses in Psychology (15 units - up to 5 units may be any combination of lower division courses, credit, no-credit courses, courses requiring an individual study petition, and Human Corps).

7.   A minor is required selected from one of the following three options:

      a.   A minor consisting of at least 20 quarter units within a minor program designed by another discipline.

      b.   An interdisciplinary concentration or minor in one of the specially developed areas (see “Interdisciplinary Concentrations and Minors”).

      c.   A special minor.

Requirements for a Minor in Psychology

The minor in Psychology allows for an individually designed study of the discipline of Psychology.  The minor consists of four or more courses (20 quarter units) in Psychology, of which at least 15 quarter units must be upper division letter-graded courses.  Courses proposed to fulfill the minor in Psychology are to be approved by the Chair of the Department of Psychology.

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Course Descriptions

Lower Division

PSYC 100 Explorations in Psychology (5)

While exploring the person as a conscious, behaving, social organism, students examine the theories, evidence, and scientific methods of psychology and the implications of the science of psychology for understanding the individual within society. Prerequisite: English 110 or permission of instructor.   (CAN PSYC 2)  [F,W,S]

PSYC 200 Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research (5)

The use of basic statistical methods in designing and analyzing psychological experiments.  Topics covered include basic descriptive statistics, the normal curve, correlation, regression, and commonly used parametric and nonparametric inferential statistical techniques.  Prerequisite:  MATH 85 or three years of college preparatory Math and satisfaction of ELM requirement.  (Credit cannot be earned for both PSYC 200 and MATH 140.)

PSYC 210 Life-Span Development (5)

Survey of development in prenatal, childhood, adolescent, adult, and old age periods.  Coverage of methods used in studying development and findings about physiological, cognitive, perceptual, social, and personality development.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  [F,SS]

PSYC 277 Special Topics (1-5)

Examination of selected topics in contemporary psychology.  Opportunity to work closely with a faculty member in a seminar early in the student’s career.  May be repeated for different course content.  Prerequisites will vary depending on course content.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 280 Seminar in Psychological Research (1)

Presentations of faculty/student research in the Department of Psychology and related areas.  Questions will be encouraged from students in an informal atmosphere.  Prior knowledge of the material is not necessary, but an understanding of research methodology would be useful. May be repeated for different course content.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [S]

PSYC 281 Directed Research Participation in Psychology (1-5)

Student participates in a scientific investigation under faculty supervision.  Student may assist in planning the project, conducting the literature review, obtaining IRB approval, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing the final report.  Research participation may be as a junior member of an ongoing research team or research project.  May be repeated for credit.  Offered on a credit, no‑credit basis only.  Prerequisite:  consent of faculty sponsor and approval by Chair of the Department of Psychology.  [By Petition]

PSYC 289 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)

Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department.  Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation.  Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis.  Not open to post-baccalaureate students.  Interested students should contact the department office.  [By Petition]

PSYC 290 Psychology as a Profession (2)

Introduction to the profession of psychology, including careers related to psychology.  Exposure to prerequisite computer, Internet, library, and report writing skills important for success in the Psychology major.  Intended for majors.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [F,W,S,SS on-line]

PSYC 291 Interpersonal and Group Process Skills (2)

Readings and practice in skills for effective functioning in interpersonal and group settings, including active listening, interviewing, group interaction, and decision-making.  [F,W,S]

PSYC 299 Individual Study (1-5)

Exploration of a specific topic, primarily through directed reading and discussion meetings with the faculty sponsor.  Prerequisite:  consent of instructor, who will serve as sponsor, and approval by Chair of the Department.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [By Petition]

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Upper Division

PSYC 300A Understanding Psychological Research I (5)

Asking and answering questions scientifically; critical thinking about research conclusions; data collection, univariate designs and statistical analysis, presentation of data, overview of research ethics. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 200, and PSYC 290 (or equivalents). Note: A grade of C or better in this class in required to enroll in PSYC 300B. [F,W,S]

PSYC 300B Understanding Psychological Research II (5)

Understanding research articles and reaching conclusions across research articles; comparing/contrasting research methodologies; critical thinking about evidence and explanation; formulating and conducting empirical research; multivariate designs and statistical analysis; training in protection of human and animal subjects. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in PSYC 300A.  [F,W,S]

PSYC 301 Principles of Learning (5)

Examination of theory and research emphasizing behavioral principles.  Lecture/discussion.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  Concurrent enrollment in PSYC 301L is encouraged for majors in Psychology.  [W]

PSYC 301L Principles of Learning Laboratory (2)

Laboratory in Principles of Learning.  Prerequisites:  PSYC 300B and PSYC 301 (or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 301)  [Variable Quarters]

Note:    PSYC 301L may involve the use of live animals or animal tissue.

PSYC 302 Sensation and Perception (5)

Examination of theory and research concerning the processes by which humans obtain information about the world, including disorders in these processes.  Emphasis on the biological basis of perceptual phenomena, including sense organs and brain mechanisms.  Lecture/discussion.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  Concurrent enrollment in PSYC 302L is encouraged for majors in Psychology.  [S]

PSYC 302L Sensation and Perception Laboratory (2)

Laboratory in sensation and perception.  Prerequisites:  PSYC 300B and PSYC 302 (or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 302) [Variable Quarters]

Note:    PSYC 302L may involve the use of live animals or animal tissue.

PSYC 303 Biological Psychology (5)

Examination of theory and research emphasizing the biological basis of human emotions, motivation, learning, memory, and perception, including some coverage of disorders.  Lecture/discussion.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  Concurrent enrollment in PSYC 303L is encouraged for majors in Psychology.  [F]

PSYC 303L Biological Psychology Laboratory (2)

Laboratory in Biological Psychology.  Prerequisites:  PSYC 300B and PSYC 303 (or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 303). [Variable Quarters]

Note:    PSYC 303L may involve the use of live animals or animal tissue.

PSYC 304 Cognitive Psychology (5)

Examination of theory and research concerning memory, language, reasoning, problem solving, and higher mental processes.  Normal cognition, cognitive disorders, biological bases of cognition, cognitive development, and artificial intelligence.  Lecture/discussion.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  Concurrent enrollment in PSYC 304L is encouraged for majors in Psychology.  [S]

PSYC 304L Cognitive Psychology Laboratory (2)

Laboratory in Cognitive Psychology.  Prerequisites:  PSYC 300B and PSYC 304 (or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 304).  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 310 Child Psychology (5)

Examination of theory and research in the study of the psychological development of the individual from birth to adolescence, with major focus on the period of early childhood.  Lectures/discussions, and special investigations.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  [F,W,S,SS]

PSYC 310L Child Psychology Laboratory (2)

Laboratory in Child Psychology.  Prerequisites:  PSYC 300B and PSYC 310 (or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 310).  [Variable Quarters]

BEHS 311 Small Group Dynamics (5)

(For course description, see listing under “Interdisciplinary Courses.”)  [Variable Quarters]

RS 345 Psychology of Religion (5)

(For course description, see listing under “Religious Studies Courses.”)

PSYC 312 Social Psychology (5)

Examination of theory and research concerning group affiliation, group standards, social perception, reference groups, and other social influences on the behavior of individuals.  Topics include: the self and society, attitudes and an attitude change, social perception, attraction and love, aggression and violence, and group dynamics.  Lecture/discussion.  Prerequisite:  a course from Area D of the General Education Requirements.  [F,W,S,SS]

PSYC 312L Social Psychology Laboratory (2)

Laboratory in Social Psychology.  Prerequisites:  PSYC 300B and PSYC 312 (or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 312).  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 315 Abnormal Psychology (5)

Examination of theory and research concerning abnormal behavior, from psychiatry, psychology, sociology, and other disciplines.  Implications for treatment and prevention.  Lectures/discussion.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  [F, W, S]

PSYC 315L Abnormal Psychology Laboratory (2)

Laboratory in Abnormal Psychology.  Prerequisites:  PSYC 300B and PSYC 315 (or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 315).  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 316 Personality (5)

Examination of theory and research concerning approaches for understanding the person.  Development of structures and dynamics in relation to adult functioning, psychopathology, and behavior change.  Lecture/discussion.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  [F,W]

PSYC 316L Personality Psychology Laboratory (2)

Laboratory in Personality Psychology.  Prerequisites:  PSYC 300B and PSYC 316 (or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 316).  [Variable Quarters]

BEHS 318 Psychological Anthropology (5)

(For course description, see listing under “Interdisciplinary Courses.”)

PSYC 320 Adult‑Child Relationships (5)

Contemporary discoveries about childhood personality, self-concept, and social cognition will be evaluated to determine implications for real-life adult-child relationships.  A variety of child development information, including research and theory on adult’s and children’s views of each other, will be examined and applied to the understanding of optimal adult-child relationships.  Course requirements include interaction with a child.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  Recommended:  PSYC 310.  [W]

PSYC 321 Introduction to Clinical Skills (5)

Theory and practice of basic clinical skills used in the helping professions.  Including skills in interpersonal communication, problem solving, and crisis prevention.  Prerequisites:  one course in Psychology and permission of instructor.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 325 Theories of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change (5)

Psychological principles relevant to behavior change.  Theories of psychotherapy, behavior modification, and other applied areas.  Current controversies explored in terms of ethics, efficacy, and goals of psychological intervention.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  [Variable Quarters]

BEHS 330 Political Psychology (5)

(For course description, see listing under “Interdisciplinary Courses.”)

PSYC 332 Environmental Psychology (5)

Description and explanation of how people are affected by places (built and non-built, living and nonliving) and how people in turn affect the places around them.  Topics include, for example, effects of noise or temperature upon behavior, preferences for landscape and design features, mental mapping of locations, and attitudes and behaviors related to recycling or community environmental action.  Emphasis is upon solving problems through understanding the contexts in which we live.  Assignments include applied activities or service learning.  Prerequisite:  a course from Area D of the General Education Requirements.  [S]

PSYC 340 Psychology of Diversity (5)

An overview of theories and research on human diversity with a focus on populations of California and the United States.  Diversity will be defined in a broad sense to cover culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, and physical challenges such as deafness.  Lecture/discussion and student project.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 341 Psychological Aspects of Human Sexuality (5)

Consideration of the psychological, developmental, psychosocial, and psychopathological aspects of human sexuality.  Discussion of the theories and research of Kinsey, Masters and Johnson, Money, Freud and others.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  [W]

INST 348 People, Ethics, and Other Animals (3)

Examination of peoples’ attitudes toward and interactions with members of other animal species.  The emphasis is upon ethics systems and current controversies in relationships with other animals.  Up to 5 units in the Human-Animal Studies series can carry credit in Psychology. [Variable Quarters]

INST 349 People and Animal Companions (3)

The psychology of peoples’ relationships with animal companions (pets).  Topics include motivations for pet-keeping, personality research, attachment, companion animals and human development, and ethical issues in relationships with animal companions.  Prerequisite: INST 348.  Up to 5 units in the Human-Animal Studies series can carry credit in Psychology. [Variable Quarters]

INST 350 Animal-Assisted Therapy (3)

An examination and critical analysis of Animal-Assisted Therapy.  Coverage of issues involved in defining and explaining AAT, and controversies about its outcomes.  Historical trends in the development of AAT, including current professionalization of AAT.  Prerequisite: INST 348. Up to 5 units in the Human-Animal Studies series can carry credit in Psychology. [Variable Quarters]

INST 351 Applied Experience in Human-Animal Studies (1)

Volunteer experience in a community setting relevant to human-animal studies.  Only one unit may be earned per term, and no more than 3 units may be applied toward the baccalaureate degree.  Prerequisites:  INST 348 and 3 additional units in the Human-Animal Studies course series.  Offered on a credit-no credit basis only. [F, W, S, Su]

PSYC 358 Psychopharmacology:  A Brief Review (2)

An introduction to psychopharmacology appropriate for students with little background in chemistry or biology.  Topics will include classification of drugs, mechanisms of drug action, questions of tolerance/dependence/safety/efficacy, and a survey of commonly used therapeutic and abused drugs.  [F]

INST 363 Personhood:  Contemporary Policies and Practices  (10)

(For course description, see listing under “Interdisciplinary Courses.”)  [Variable Quarters]

Note:    With INST 363, only 5 units of credit will be earned towards the requirements for the major in Psychology.

PSYC 377 Special Topics (1-5)

An intensive examination of contemporary psychological issues. Lecture/discussion.  May be repeated for different course content.  Prerequisites will vary depending on course content.  [Variable Quarters]

BEHS 382 The Aged (5)

(For course description, see listing under “Interdisciplinary Courses.”)

PSYC 395 Seminar in Applications of Psychology (1)

Online discussion of problems and insights concerning the application of psychology; readings, discussions, and a paper summarizing the student’s application experience.  Consult departmental homepage for current course information.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  Requires concurrent enrollment in PSYC 396, PSYC 398, PSYC 481, PSYC 496, PSYC 497, or PSYC 498.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 291.  [F,W,S]

PSYC 396 Human Corps (1)

One unit of credit for 30 or more hours of volunteer community service experience in a psychology related nonprofit, governmental, or community-based organization, including educational institutions.  Open to students with appropriate psychology background for the particular placement.  The student may suggest a suitable placement or request an assignment from the Psychology Faculty Coordinator.  A journal, a brief reflective paper, and occasional meetings with a faculty sponsor are required.  Only one unit of Human Corps credit may be earned per term, and no more than 12 units of all Human Corps credit may be applied toward the baccalaureate degree.  Requires concurrent enrollment in PSYC 395 for the first quarter of registration if this is the first applied experience course (see listing accompanying PSYC 395).  Prerequisite:  PSYC 291.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [F,W,S]

PSYC 398 Peer Advising (1)

Supervised experience in academic or peer counseling.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  Requires concurrent enrollment in PSYC 395 for the first quarter of registration if this is the first applied experience course (see listing accompanying PSYC 395).  Prerequisite:  PSYC 291, consent of faculty sponsor and approval by the Application Coordinator of the Department of Psychology.  [By Petition]

BEHS 400 Data Processing in the Behavioral

Sciences (5)

(For course description, see listing under “Interdisciplinary Courses.”)

BEHS 401 Evaluation Research (5)

(For course description, see listing under “Interdisciplinary Courses.”)

PSYC 403 Health Psychology (5)

Integration of mind and body in the acquisition of good health and in the development and treatment of illness.  Topics include stress, relaxation and self-regulation techniques, optimum performance, psychosomatic disorders, pain and the role of positive mind-body interactions in personal growth.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  [W]

PSYC 404 Human Neuropsychology (5)

Basic principles of brain function as a means for understanding the neurological basis of complex cognitive processes, including memory, language, emotion, and orientation.  Implications of the organization of the nervous system on the development and recovery of functions.  Special emphasis on the major disorders of the nervous system, the manifestation of these disorders in behavior, and issues for assessment and treatment.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 303.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 411 Cognitive and Perceptual Development (5)

Intensive exploration of the development of perception, memory, logical reasoning, and problem solving, from infancy through adolescence.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 310 or permission of instructor.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 412 Personality and Social Development (5)

Investigation of the development of emotion, motivation, social reasoning and interpersonal relationships from birth through adolescence.  Emphasis on normal personality development, including topics such as attachment, relationships with parents and peers, sex roles, pro-social and aggressive behaviors, and characteristics such as achievement, dependency, obedience, conformity, and creativity.  May include psychodynamic, psychosocial, behavioral, cognitive, and biological perspectives.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 310 or permission of instructor.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 413 Language Development (5)

Examination of the child’s acquisition, development and use of language, including production and comprehension.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 310 or permission of instructor.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 415 Developmental Psychopathology (5)

Examination of types of psychological disorders which are related to the process of psychological development.  Focus on those disorders typically occurring in childhood and adolescence.  Includes descriptions of disordered behavior syndromes, major theories about causation, and implications for early detection, prevention, and treatment.  May include disorders related to the aging process.  Prerequisite: PSYC 310 or 315 or permission of instructor.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 417 Descriptive Psychopathology (5)

Examination of how people experience psychological disorders and some of the nontraditional theories and explanations that account for mental illness.  Consideration of the role social, cultural, and political forces play in causing and shaping the nature of disordered behavior from the perspectives of the person experiencing it and of family and society.  Special attention to first-person accounts, Internet newsgroup discussions, case studies, and images of mental disorder in the mass media.  May include opportunities for direct experience with persons identified as mentally ill.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 315 or permission of instructor.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 418 Mental Health and Aging (5)

This course draws upon multidisciplinary information regarding psychological well-being in later life.  Topics include definitions of mental health and psychosocial well-being among the elderly, emotional and behavioral challenges in the later life-span, family relations, health and economic considerations, and diagnostic and intervention principles.  Recommended:  PSYC 315 and BEHS 382.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 100.  [S–odd years]

PSYC 421 Psychology of Women (5)

Theory and research on the development of sex roles and sex differences, with an emphasis on the roles of women.  Students of both sexes are welcome to participate.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 429 Psychological Tests and Measurement (5)

Principles of psychological measurement, including reliability, validity, and test construction.  Survey of major measures of ability, performance, and personality.  Ethical issues in the use of psychological tests.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 200 (or equivalent).  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 432 Industrial and Organizational Psychology (5)

Examination of theories and research related to performance in contemporary work organizations.  Topics include personnel selection and placement, training program development and evaluation, supervisor/manager development, and human factors.  Emphasis will be upon the personal and interpersonal processes that affect the various behavioral and motivational aspects of performance in the work organization.  Lectures/discussion, case studies, and simulation exercises.  Prerequisite:  at least one upper division course in Psychology or MGMT 300, or permission of instructor.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 435 Brain and Consciousness (5)

Consciousness is explored in light of current neuroscience research. Phenomena such as dreaming, altered states, unconscious brain processing, dissociation, hallucination, voluntary actions, false memory, mind/brain disorders, and the possibility of mind in machines and non-human animals are considered, including their cultural context. Prerequisites: One course in psychology and one course in biology or psychobiology.

PSYC 442 Psychology of Intergroup Relations (5)

An in-depth analysis of theories and principles about intergroup relations, with special attention given to the social psychology of minorities.  Topics include a historical perspective and comparative review of research and theory in intergroup relations; current theory and research on social identity, stereotypes, attitudes; and applications of the literature to contemporary societal problems.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 460 Community Psychology (5)

Objectives, principles, and methods underlying the development, implementation, and evaluation of community-based psychological interventions.  Special attention given to the impact of culture, age, gender, and socioeconomic factors on the need for and character of such interventions.  Emphasis will be on how the community mental health approach differs from the more traditional models.  Discussion, presentations, and projects.  Prerequisite:  one course in Psychology or permission of instructor.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 477 Special Topics in Psychology (1‑5)

Offered periodically as announced. Examples of courses include:  Evolution Psychology, Mating Behavior, etc.  May be repeated for different course content.  Prerequisites will vary depending on course content.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 480 Directed Research Seminar in Psychology (5)

Elaboration of principles of research design.  Student conducts and writes up an individual or group study under faculty supervision.  Prerequisites:  PSYC 300B and consent of instructor.  [Variable Quarters]

PSYC 481 Directed Research in Psychology (1-5)

Student conducts a scientific investigation under faculty supervision.  Student will be involved in planning the project, conducting the literature review, obtaining IRB approval, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing the final report.  Strongly suggested for majors considering graduate study in Psychology.  May be repeated for credit.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  Requires concurrent enrollment in PSYC 395 for the first quarter of registration if this is the first applied experience course (see listing accompanying PSYC 395).  Prerequisites:  PSYC 291, PSYC 300B, consent of faculty sponsor, and approval by Application Coordinator of the Department of Psychology.  [By Petition]

PSYC 488 Teaching of Psychology (2)

An exploration of strategies and ethical issues associated with teaching psychology.  This course is appropriate for students planning to serve as teaching assistants in the Department of Psychology or who are planning a teaching career in higher education.  Prerequisite:  completion of at least 20 upper division units of Psychology coursework or permission of instructor.  [F]

PSYC 489 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)

Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off‑campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department.  Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation.  Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis.  Not open to post-baccalaureate students.  Interested students should contact the department office.  [By Petition]

PSYC 490 Senior Seminar (5)

Consideration of enduring issues facing the discipline.  Critical examination and evaluation of evidence and of the inferences drawn from such evidence.  Integration of information from other courses, including the completion and presentation of a portfolio representing the student’s accomplishments regarding the goals and objectives of the department.  Prerequisites:  Senior standing, PSYC 300B, three other upper division Psychology courses, and one lab course.  [F,W,S]

PSYC 491 Senior Thesis (5)

Student prepares a formal research report and makes an oral presentation summarizing an empirical investigation conducted under faculty supervision.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  Prerequisites:  Senior standing, PSYC 300B, PSYC 481, three other upper division Psychology courses, one lab course, consent of faculty sponsor, and approval by the Chair of Department of Psychology.  [By Petition]

PSYC 496 Fieldwork in Human Services Psychology (1-5)

Supervised field experiences in community agencies concerned with the promotion of human well-being through the application of psychological knowledge in the treatment and prevention of psychological and physical disorders.  Academic and placement requirements, such as hours, conferences, reading, and reports are arranged in consultation with the placement supervisor and the faculty sponsor.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 291.  Requires concurrent enrollment in PSYC 395 for the first quarter of registration if this is the first applied experience course (see listing accompanying PSYC 395).  Specific prerequisites will vary depending on placement sites, but all students must have consent of the faculty sponsor and the placement supervisor and have approval by the Application Coordinator of the Department of Psychology.  [By Petition]

PSYC 497 Cooperative Education (5)

Sponsored learning in a work setting, integrated with academic learning.  The field experience is contracted by the Cooperative Education office on an individual basis, subject to approval by the department.  The field experience is supervised by the cooperative education coordinator and the faculty liaison (or course instructor), working with the field supervisor.  Students are expected to enroll in the course for at least two quarters.  The determination of course credits, evaluation, and grading are the responsibility of the departmental faculty.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 291.  Requires concurrent enrollment in PSYC 395 for the first quarter of registration if this is the first applied experience course (see listing accompanying PSYC 395).  Department will determine application of credit.  [By Petition]

PSYC 498 Directed Study in the Instruction of Psychology (1-5)

Theory and method in undergraduate instruction in psychology.  Weekly meetings with faculty sponsor and supervised experience which may include administering and developing examinations, proctoring self-paced instructional units, course development, discussion group leadership, and in-depth directed readings of relevant topics.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  Requires concurrent enrollment in PSYC 395 for the first quarter of registration if this is the first applied experience course (see listing accompanying PSYC 395).  Prerequisites:  PSYC 291, consent of instructor who will serve as sponsor and approval by Application Coordinator of Department of Psychology.  [By Petition]

PSYC 499 Individual Study (1-5)

Exploration of a specific topic, primarily through directed reading and discussion meetings with the faculty sponsor.  Prerequisite:  consent of instructor who will serve as sponsor and approval by Chair of Department of Psychology.  Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.  [By Petition]

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Graduate Courses

Graduate courses are listed in the “Graduate Programs” section of this catalog.