Psychology
The field of psychology addresses the scientific study of behavior and mental processes of humans and animals. Learning more about human behavior through scientific research methods is the focus of many psychologists, while other psychologists apply principles of psychology in areas such as psychotherapy, applied behavioral analysis, and industrial/organizational psychology.
The psychology program offers a comprehensive view of the field by offering a variety of courses that will support transfer in the major. The program provides an essential foundational understanding of the discipline of psychology, the methods psychologists use to learn about behavior, and applications of psychological information to the world around us. The program offers classes that introduce students to the field of psychology and develop an essential understanding of research methods and statistical tools used in psychology, biological bases of behavior, human development, personality, abnormal psychology, social psychology, learning, and other opportunities to learn about the psychology.
Department Contact Information
Hannah Kang, Ph.D., Psychology Department Co-Chairperson
hkang14@occ.cccd.edu
James Smolin, Ph.D., Psychology Department Co-Chairperson
jsmolin@occ.cccd.edu
Credit Courses
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
This course is a scientific study of mental processes and behavior. The following psychology topics are explored: methodology, physiology, sensation, perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, intelligence, thought, language, development, motivation, emotion, sexuality, health, stress, personality, abnormal disorders, and therapies. This course may also be offered online. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. C-ID: PSY 110.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
This course is a scientific study of mental processes and behavior. The following psychology topics are explored: methodology, physiology, sensation, perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, intelligence, thought, language, development, motivation, emotion, sexuality, health, stress, personality, abnormal disorders, and therapies. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. C-ID: PSY 110.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Evaluates traditional theories of the psychology of women and how they relate to women today. Will examine what science has taught us about the nature of women and how their psychology is both similar to and different from that of men. Topics include communication styles, social relationships, body image, sexuality, motherhood, work, and physical and mental health. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
The study of concepts and principles of personal and social adjustment. Theories (e.g., biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic) of healthy adjustment are explored and coupled with personal discipline and responsibility of the individual student. The material is geared to be relevant and applicable to contemporary society. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Designed for students who seek to acquire a basic understanding of counseling psychology and helping roles in the mental health profession. Theoretical and practical approaches to treating emotionally, developmentally, and cognitively impaired clients will be explored within the context of the rehabilitation and recovery model and other treatment models. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Psychological study of human development across the lifespan from prenatal development through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and dying. Theories and research of physical, cognitive, personality, and social development are examined, as well as attention to developmental problems. Institutions impacting each stage of development also addressed. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. C-ID: PSY 180.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
This course emphasizes the calculation, interpretation, and application of descriptive and inferential statistics in the behavioral sciences. Topics include research methods, mathematical concepts, distributions, estimation, correlation, regression, sampling and probability, hypothesis testing, z and t Tests, ANOVA, and nonparametric tests. Students completing MATH A160 may petition for alternative credit for PSYC A160. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis. C-ID: MATH 110.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Interdisciplinary approach to psychological, social, and physiological aspects of sexuality. Same as Sociology A165. Students completing Psychology A165 may not receive credit for Sociology A165. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This course emphasizes contemporary interests, recent discoveries, and classic studies in psychology, with attention to developmental psychology, physiological psychology, abnormal psychology and the other subfields.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This course is an introduction to essential theories and research in cross-cultural psychology. The course will explore how culture influences human behavior and psychological processes including cognition, lifespan development, emotion, language, personality, mental health, self concept, and social behavior. Topics include identity development, worldview, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, enculturation, acculturation, cultural competence, and mental health, with particular emphasis placed on the influence of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion. Examination of these topics will prepare students to more fully engage in an increasingly diverse society where cross-cultural contact is a routine occurrence.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This course is an introduction to essential theories and research in cross-cultural psychology. The course will explore how culture influences human behavior and psychological processes including cognition, lifespan development, emotion, language, personality, mental health, self concept, and social behavior. Topics include identity development, worldview, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, enculturation, acculturation, cultural competence, and mental health, with particular emphasis placed on the influence of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion. Examination of these topics will prepare students to more fully engage in an increasingly diverse society where cross-cultural contact is a routine occurrence.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Study and discussion of topics and issues of current interest in psychology. Units vary according to topic selected, semester offered, and number of meetings scheduled. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Focus on presenting practical ways to promote and maintain well-being and happiness by managing emotions, strengthening positive character traits, and fostering better relationships. Topics include compassion, mindfulness, creativity and flow, self-knowledge, self-esteem, love, parenting, friendships, work ethics and achievement, spirituality, tolerance, resilience and humor. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
A survey of classical and contemporary personality theories, research, and applications. This course may also be offered online. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This course is an examination of the relationships between the brain and behavior and their application to self-management. The anatomy and physiology of the following will be explored: neurological disorders and their treatments, sensation, perception, sexuality, drug use, emotion, sleep, learning, memory, and internal bodily states. This course may also be offered online. C-ID: PSY 150.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
A survey of abnormal psychology, models of abnormal behavior, assessment and classification of psychological disorders, etiology and treatment, and legal and ethical issues. This course emphasizes a critical thinking approach for understanding content in the context of a culturally diverse society. C-ID: PSY 120.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Topics explored include self-perceptions, attitudes and behavior, group influence and persuasion, attraction and relationships, stereotypes, prejudice, aggression, helping, and the application of social psychology to health, business, and law. This course may also be offered online. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Investigates types of learning, the background and research that led to their discovery, and current models of learning, memory, and problem solving. Critical and analytical thinking applied to instances of everyday learning and memory. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This course addresses the principles and techniques which enter into experimental research concerning behavior and emphasizes designing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting research in the behavioral sciences. C-ID: PSY 200.