Course Descriptions

The following is a list of the current 100 and 200 level courses offered by the Psychology Department. Students are encouraged to consult the 2007-2008 Fullerton College Catalog for academic policies, regulations, procedure, as well as, current transfer and major requirements. This catalog can be purchased at the Fullerton College Bookstore.

This course is a scientific introduction to the major fields of psychology including research methodology, cognition, memory, sensation and perception, learning motivation, emotion, developmental, social, personality, abnormal, and physiological psychology. Students will learn the Limitation) (Degree Credit)

This course, enriched for honors students, is a scientific introduction to the major fields of psychology including research methodology, cognition, memory, perception, sensation, motivation, emotion, learning, developmental, social, personality, abnormal, and physiological psychology. Students will learn the principles, theories, and research on human actions, emotions, and cognition. (CSU) (UC Credit Limitation) (Degree Credit)

In this course, students apply the principles of psychology and the research in psychology to common "everyday" situations. Psychological principles will be applied to situations that might occur during college life, during personal and social experiences, and at work and in one's career. Students will learn how psychology applies to adjustment, health, stress, and psychological disorders. Applied Psychology is not the same as 101 General Psychology; it has less of a focus on technical terms and theories than does General Psychology, and cannot be taken in place of 101 General Psychology. (CSU) (Degree Credit)

Students will explore many of the interacting cultural, personal and health variables relating to human sexual development, attitudes and behaviors. Historical anthropological, biological, social and psychological factors will be introduced to encourage a broad social science perspective. Discussion of differing philosophical, ethical and moral positions will also aid students in making a critical assessment of intimate human relationships. (CSU) (UC) (Degree Credit)

This course is an introduction to culture's influence on human behavior and mental processes. Beginning with an examination of theoretical definitions of culture, the course covers a broad range of theories and research findings regarding cultural influences on human behavior, and cognitive processes (life-span development, abnormal behavior and mental health, self-concept, emotion, motivation, learning, intelligence, perception, memory, communication, social cognition, and social behavior). The diversity of human expression is examined in contexts ranging from everyday modes of functioning to family and work relationships. By providing students with a non-judgmental understanding of how culture influences human behavior, this course will make students more equipped to interact in a world where there is increasing contact among different cultures. In addition, students will gain knowledge in cross-cultural research methodology. Eligibility for ENGL100 is recommended. This course fulfills the Multicultural Education Requirement of graduation. (CSU) (UC) (Degree Credit)

PSY139 Developmental Psychology: Life Cycle (3 units)

This course explores the entire lifespan, including infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age and death. Students will study and evaluate psychological theories and facts related to human development. Physical development, social and emotional development, intellectual and cognitive development, and moral development are among the topics covered. Students will study and evaluate research methodologies, and will study many factors thought to influence healthy development. (CSU) (UC) (Degree Credit)

Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in PSY 101 General Psychology, 110 Introduction to Applied Psychology. The psychology of development will be studied from the prenatal stage through adolescence across the domains of physical, cognitive, and psychological changes. Theoretical viewpoints and research findings will be applied to real-life situations in the context of a cross-cultural perspective, the dominate U. S., Asian, and Latino cultures, in addition to Russian, Indian, African, German, Chinese, Australian, and French cultures. This course fulfills the Multicultural Education Requirement of graduation. (CSU) (UC) (Degree Credit)

Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or Math 40 Intermediate Algebra. This course introduces psychology and behavioral science majors to descriptive and inferential statistical methods. These methods are essential to the understanding, interpretation, and performance of scientific research. Topics covered include presentation of graphic data, probability theory, hypothesis testing, correlation analysis, analysis of variance, and basic research design. (CSU) (UC Credit Limitation; PSY 161 and MATH 120 combined maximum credit one course.) (Degree Credit)

One hour lecture or scheduled conference per week. This course is offered for students who wish to increase their knowledge of the Social Sciences through individual study and small group conferences. Students successfully completing this course will be awarded elective credit in the Social Sciences area. (CSU) (UC Credit Limitation depending upon course content) (Degree Credit)

PSY202 Research Methods (3 units) requires concurrent enrollment in PSY202L Research Methods Lab

Prerequisites: PSY 101 General Psychology and completion of or concurrent enrollment in 161 Elementary Statistics for Behavioral Sciences. Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. This course is designed for students who wish to explore in greater depth the theories, concepts, and research areas of methods of modern day research. Emphasis is on the scientific study of human behavior using experimental and other research strategies. Skills in designing, implementing, analyzing, and writing scientific research studies will be included. Opportunities for field experiences in various psychological settings, such as research centers and regional psychological conferences are available. Consideration of research in multicultural contexts is addressed. (CSU) (UC) (Degree Credit)

Material covered includes discussions of the history and philosophy of the human services. Goals of various human service agencies will be explored through field trips and guest speakers. Career requirements for various human service occupations will be covered including licensing and educational requirements. By the end of the course the student will be able to identify human service opportunities at various public and private agencies. (CSU) (Degree Credit)

Corequisite PSY 101 General Psychology or PSY 110 Introduction to Applied Psychology with a grade of "C" or better. This course presents a scientific field that seeks to understand the nature and causes of "deviant" or "unusual" behavior in human beings both within and across cultures. This course surveys types of abnormal behavior and their causes using current clinical DSM criteria used by professional clinical psychologists and major organizing theories selected from among those represented by humanism, behaviorism, psychoanalytic theory, and the psychobiological models. Methods of research, assessment, and treatment are explored. (CSU) (UC) (Degree Credit)

Prerequisite PSY 101 General Psychology. The primary emphasis in this course is for students to experience personal growth and adjustment in small discussion groups. The course provides students with opportunities for self-awareness, recognizing their own potentials, and applying adjustment techniques in an informal setting. Through lectures films and tapes, students will learn about and evaluate the theories and research on human adjustment. The principles covered can be applied to such topics as breaking bad habits or more effectively handling family arguments. (CSU) (Degree Credit)

Prerequisite PSY 101 General Psychology or PSY 110 Introduction to Applied Psychology with a grade of "C" or better. This course presents a scientific field that seeks to understand the nature, causes, and influences of social group situations upon the individual and of the individual upon the group. In this survey course students will be exposed to basic theories, concepts, and empirical findings in such areas as social perception, social cognition, prejudice and discrimination, interpersonal attraction, conformity and obedience, bystander effects, social aggression, group dynamics, attribution theory, and development of self in the social setting. New material is integrated with respect to materials learned in introductory psychology. (CSU) (UC) (Degree Credit)