COURSES OFFERED 

Psychology 2
Psychology for Effective Living

3 units; 3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 1A
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course is a study of personal development and adjustment in society as well as the  psychosocial and cultural influences on childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Emphasis on the application of psychological research and theories to the development of social skills and  personal adjustments as well as practical approaches to problems of personal development and social relationships will be examined.

Psychology 3
Critical Thinking and Psychology

3 units; 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: English 1A with a minimum grade of C
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course focuses on the development of critical thinking skills related to psychology. In addition to learning basic skills of logic, students will also learn about the logic of the scientific method and the common errors of human cognition that impede critical thinking. Emphasis is placed on the application of critical thinking skills to writing effective arguments, analyzing the writings of others, and understanding contemporary controversies in psychology.

Psychology 5
General Psychology

3 units; 3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 1A
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course is a survey study of human behavior and mental processes with an emphasis on basic theory and research generated by the scientific method. Major topics include psychobiology, learning, human cognition, personality, lifespan development, psychological disorders, therapeutic approaches, and social psychology.

Psychology 7
Physiological Psychology

3 units; 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: Psychology 5 with a minimum grade of C
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course focuses on the physiological factors in human development, behavior, and experience.   Fundamental topics include consciousness, language, emotion, memory, and sensation/perception. Clinical topics include Sexual Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Autism, Alzheimer's Disease, and traumatic brain injury.  Studies of both humans and other animals are evaluated and organized by scientific and clinical standards.

Psychology 8
Social Psychology

3 units; 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: Psychology 5 with a minimum grade of C
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 1A
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course focuses on the scientific study of the psychological processes and interpersonal interactions in and between groups. The emphasis is on individual behavior rather than on the group as a unit.  Topics include social cognition; social perception, attitudes; prejudice and discrimination; social and group influence; aggression and prosocial behavior; interpersonal attraction and intimate relationships; and gender and culture.

Psychology 9A
Introduction to Elementary Statistical Methods for the Study of Behavior

4 units; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
Prerequisite: Psychology 5 or Sociology 101 and
Mathematics 80 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC*

This is a course in statistical methods and research design for the behavioral sciences. The course focuses on descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for summarizing research data and for making conclusions about the populations they represent. Students are introduced to the basic challenges and skills involved in successful undergraduate and graduate training in the behavioral sciences, including both reviewing and writing scientific research reports.

Note: Psychology 9A is the same as Sociology 109.
*Note: The maximum UC credit allowed for students completing Psychology 9A and Sociology 109 or Psychology 9A and Mathematics 150 is one course.

Psychology 9B
Experimental Methods in the Study of Behavior

4 units; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
Prerequisite: Psychology 9A or Sociology 109
with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course continues the study of statistical methods and research design for the behavioral sciences. This course focuses on the application of the philosophy of science in general and the scientific method in particular. Students learn to design and conduct research, analyze data using descriptive and inferential statistics, and report results in the format of the American Psychological Association. Students are introduced to the basic challenges and skills involved in actively participating on a research team while conducting their own independent research projects.

Note: This course is only offered in the spring semester.

Psychology 10
African American Psychology

3 units; 3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 1A
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course is an introduction to the psychological issues related to the African American experience in the United States.The relationship between the African American experience and social perception,social cognition, and identity and attitude formation is emphasized. Individual cognitive styles, personality development,and family structures of African Americans will also be examined.

Return to Top

Psychology 12
Human Sexuality

3 units; 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: Psychology 5 with a minimum grade of C
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 1A
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course is the scientific study of human sexuality. Emphasis is placed on analysis of sexuality from a psychological theoretical framework. Topics include the history of sex, the scientific research methods used to study sex, and the psychobiology of sex. This course also examines cultural views of sex and gender, sexual behavior and relationships, and sex as a social and medical issue.

Psychology 15
Abnormal Psychology

3 units; 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: Psychology 5 with a minimum grade of C
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 1A
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course focuses on the scientific study of both normal and abnormal experience and behavior.  Emphasis is placed on the characterization, treatment, and prevention of psychological disorders ranging from mild to severe forms.

Psychology 16
Lifespan Development

3 units; 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: Psychology 5 with a minimum grade of C
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 1A
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course examines physical, cognitive and psychosocial development throughout the human lifespan from conception to death. Special emphasis is placed on culture, family relationships, and the interplay of genes and environment.  Attention  is also devoted to the practical application of research findings to ongoing developmental problems issues..

Note:This course does not meet the requirements of the El Camino College Nursing Program.

Psychology 21
Introduction to the Psychology of Consciousness

3 units; 3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: Psychology 5 and eligibility for English 1A
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course focuses on the scientific investigation of consciousness. This includes, but is not limited to, the areas of dream analysis, meditation, near death experiences, extrasensory perception (ESP), altered states and brain functions. Current research, theories, methods, and historical overview will be considered. In addition, other approaches to developing the mind from Eastern cultures such as Yoga, Zen Buddhism, and contemporary Sufism will be examined.

Psychology 22
Sport Psychology

3 units; 3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: Psychology 5 and eligibility for English 1A
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU

This course is a scientific study of the psychological factors associated with participation and performance in sport activities. Emphasis will be placed on how psychological principles and research can be used to understand and enhance sport performance. Topics will include historical and theoretical perspectives of sport psychology, research methods, and the relationship between sport performance and various personality, motivational, and social psychological variables. Gender and age issues, as well as the effects and management of unhealthy behaviors, will be discussed.

Note: Psychology 22 is the same as Physical Education 275.

Psychology 50
Special Topics in Psychology

Units determined by individual course;
lecture/lab hours determined by individual course
Credit status determined by individual course

This course is designed to explore topics in Psychology more specific than provided in other courses in the regular departmental curriculum. Students are referred to the current schedule of classes for details of specific courses.

Psychology 96abcd
Cooperative Work Experience Education

2-4 units; hours to be arranged
Enrollment Limitation:
Employment or volunteer work in a position related to the student's major or career goal by the second week of the semester.  Completion of or current enrollment in one course from the major.
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU - limitations apply

Through a set of learning objectives established by the student, supervisor, and instructor, each student will work with and learn from experts in the Psychology field. These experiences will enable students to improve job skills, analyze career opportunities and requirements, and compare them to personal abilities and career expectations.

Note: The total units earned for CWEE may not exceed 16 units.

Psychology 99abc
Independent Study

1-3 units; hours to be arranged
Enrollment Limitation: two courses in Psychology with a minimum grade of B
in each and acknowledgment by the instructor with whom the student will work
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC - limitations apply

This course provides advanced studies in a subject field of Psychology not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences will be held with the instructor to discuss and coordinate the assigned projects (60 hours per unit).

Note: Refer to page 11 of this Catalog for eligibility requirements.

Return to Top