This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

PSYC 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PSYC 0100. General Principles of Psychology

Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Focuses on the exploration of major psychological theories and concepts, methods, and research findings in psychology. Topics include the biological bases of behavior, perception, cognition and consciousness, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, development, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapeutic approaches, and applied psychology. (C-ID PSY 110) (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0102. Navigating Psychology: The Major and Careers

Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Completion of PSYC 100 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 18 lecture
Provides an overview of the discipline of psychology, including expectations for the psychology major, and career options in various areas, such as academic psychology, applied behavior analysis, counseling and mental health, education, industrial-organizational psychology and related fields. Students design plans of study and clarify their career goals through activities such as interviewing a professional in the field of psychology, resume writing, and interviewing. (CSU)

PSYC 0103. Social Psychology

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of human interaction with emphasis on the individual within a social context. Topics include development of the self, social perception, interpersonal attraction, prejudice and discrimination, attitude change, moral development, altruism, aggression, social influence, power and leadership, and interaction in groups. (C-ID PSY 170) (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0104. Developmental Psychology

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 4
Advisory: Completion of PSYC 100 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
An overview of development from conception to death. Includes socioemotional, language and cognitive development, nature versus nurture, attachment, gender role development, and family structures. Examines psychological theories that apply to the lifespan. A multicultural and multiethnic approach is stressed and the differences in child parent interaction are explored in these contexts. (C-ID PSY 180) (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0105. Research Methods in Psychology

Units: 4
Formerly known as PSYC 5
Prerequisite: Completion of PSYC 100 with grade of "C" or better; completion of PSYC 142 or MATH 13 with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Completion of ENGL 1A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to research methodology, experimental design, and hypothesis testing in the behavioral sciences. Includes the execution, analysis (with statistical software), interpretation, and reporting of individual research projects. (C-ID PSY 205B) (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0106. Psychology of Adjustment

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 6
Hours: 54 lecture
Basic theories of personal and social adjustment. Use of psychological principles and methods in adapting to the challenges of life. Topics include self image and self esteem, interpersonal relations, stress management, mental health and illness, and approaches to personal growth. (C-ID PSY 115) (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0107. Abnormal Psychology

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 7
Advisory: Completion of PSYC 100 with grade of "C" or better; Eligibility for ENGL 1A and ENGL 11
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to descriptive psychopathology: the origin, nature, and treatment of psychological and behavioral disorders, including discussion of relevant ethical and diagnostic issues. Major topics include research methods, schizophrenia, anxiety-related disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use and addictive disorders, gender dysphoria, and conflicting models of psychopathology. (C-ID PSY 120) (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0108. Psychology of Death and Dying

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 8
Hours: 54 lecture
An investigation of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors associated with death, dying and bereavement. Terminal illness, suicide, euthanasia, last rites, legal aspects, death anxiety, cross-cultural beliefs and various philosophical views on the phenomenon of death are explored. (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0110. Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 10
Also known as HDEV 21
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of the meaning and functions of intimate relationships and family. Consideration given to the nature of commitments, sexuality, alternative relationships, communication, conflict resolution, economics, parenting, crises, and marital separation. Recommended for majors in Human Development and Family and for those in human service careers. (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0127. Psychology of Women

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 27
Hours: 54 lecture
Study of the psychological effects of society upon women including biology, culture, social processes, and personality. Emphasis placed on what it means to grow-up female in different contexts with particular emphasis on the effects of culture, class, and ethnicity. (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0130. Human Sexuality

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 30
Hours: 54 lecture
Overview of human sexuality from birth through adulthood: Covers major topics such as gender, sexual anatomy, sexually-transmitted infections, sexual response and disorders, sexual orientation, sexual coercion, and commercial sex. (C-ID PSY 130) (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0140. Introduction to Biopsychology

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 40
Prerequisite: Completion of PSYC 100 with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
An introduction to biopsychology focusing on the relationship between the nervous system and behavior. Emphasis on physiological, biochemical, and neuroanatomical foundations of behavior and mental processes. Topics include the central nervous system function and its relation to psychoactive drug effects, sensory/perceptual processes, sleep and dreaming, learning phenomena, memory mechanisms, human communication disorders, and abnormal behavior. (C-ID PSY 150) (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0140L. Biopsychology Laboratory

Unit: 1
Formerly known as PSYC 40L
Corequisite: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 140
Hours: 54 laboratory
This course focuses on the applied study of the nervous system and its connection to behavior. Specific topics include organization of the brain, anatomy and physiology of the neuron and an examination of sensory motor systems and states of consciousness. Students are introduced to sheep brain and cow eye dissection procedures, interactive computer simulation programs and lab experiments including EEG and EMG data collection. (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0142. Introduction to Psychological Statistics

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 42
Prerequisite: Completion of MATH D with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Statistical procedures used for experimental analysis in the social and behavioral sciences. Descriptive and correlational statistics, parametric and nonparametric inference tests, and current controversies in hypothesis testing. (C-ID MATH 110) (C-ID SOCI 125) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

PSYC 0150. Alcohol, Drugs and Society

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 50
Hours: 54 lecture
The use, misuse, and abuse of all major families of psychoactive drugs, including opioids, stimulants, tobacco, marijuana, hallucinogens, alcohol, psychotherapeutic drugs, and sedative-hypnotics. Topics covered include cross-cultural usage, theories of addiction and treatment, government regulation, and mechanisms of drug action. (CSU)

PSYC 0160. Psychology and Film

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 60
Hours: 54 lecture
Analysis of a selection of contemporary films that have played a critical role in shaping and reflecting cultural assumptions and fears. Emphasis on abnormal mental states and processes, social psychology, substance abuse, and ethics. Viewing of films, reading from psychology and psycholinguistics, and discussion included. (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0170. Environmental Psychology

Units: 3
Formerly known as PSYC 70
Hours: 54 lecture
Explores the dynamic relationship between humans and the natural world. Includes psychological research on how behavior impacts the natural environment and how the natural environment impacts behavior. Emphasis is on using this knowledge to promote sustainable practices. (CSU, UC)

PSYC 0180. Cultural Psychology

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of PSYC 100 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 54 lecture
Examination of psychological principles and theory emphasizing both contemporary and historical research on the influence of culture on human mind and behavior. Topics include the interplay between culture and developmental processes, cognition, emotion, motivation, world-view development, communication, gender, sexuality, health, social behaviors and cultural evolution. (CSU, UC)