Academic Catalogs

Psychology

The field of psychology addresses the scientific study of the behavioral and mental processes of humans and animals. Learning more about human behavior through scientific research methods is the focus of many psychologists, while others apply the principles of psychology in areas such as psychotherapy, applied behavioral analysis, and industrial or organizational psychology.

The psychology program offers a comprehensive view of the field by offering a variety of courses that will support transfer within the major. The program provides an essential foundational understanding of the discipline of psychology, the methods psychologists use to learn about behavior, and the 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, as well as the biological bases of behavior, human development, personality, abnormal psychology, social psychology, learning, and other opportunities to learn about 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

Psychology Department Website

Credit Courses

PSYC A1003 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Psychology  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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. Enrollment Limitation: PSYC A100H; students who complete PSYC A100 may not enroll in or receive credit for PSYC A100H. This course may also be offered online. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: PSY 110.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A100

PSYC A100H3 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Psychology Honors  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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. Enrollment Limitation: PSYC A100; students who complete PSYC A100H may not enroll in or receive credit for PSYC A100. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: PSY 110.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A100H

PSYC A1103 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Psychology of Adjustment  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A110

PSYC A1303 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Life Span Developmental Psychology  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: PSY 180.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A130

PSYC A1604 Units (72 lecture hours)  
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences  
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of a course at the level of intermediate algebra or Appropriate OCC math placement.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: MATH A160, and PSYC A160 combined: maximum credit, 1 course.
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. Enrollment Limitation: MATH A160; students who complete PSYC A160 may not enroll in or receive credit for MATH A160. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: MATH 110.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A160

PSYC A1653 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Principles of Human Sexuality 1  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Interdisciplinary approach to psychological, social, and physiological aspects of sexuality. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A165

PSYC A1853 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Principles of Psychology  
Prerequisite(s): PSYC A100 or PSYC A100H.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A185

PSYC A1903 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Cross-Cultural Psychology  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
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. Enrollment Limitation: PSYC A190H; students who complete PSYC A190 may not enroll in or receive credit for PSYC A190H.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A190

PSYC A190H3 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Cross-Cultural Psychology Honors  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
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. Enrollment Limitation: PSYC A190; students who complete PSYC A190H may not enroll in or receive credit for PSYC A190.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A190H

PSYC A2003 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Positive Psychology  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A200

PSYC A2203 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Psychology of Personality  
Prerequisite(s): PSYC A100 or PSYC A100H.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: PSYC A110 and PSYC A220 combined: maximum credit, 1 course.
A survey of classical and contemporary personality theories, research, and applications. This course may also be offered online. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A220

PSYC A2503 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Psychobiology  
Prerequisite(s): PSYC A100 or PSYC A100H.
Advisory: ENGL A100.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A250

PSYC A2553 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Abnormal Psychology  
Prerequisite(s): PSYC A100 or PSYC A100H.
Advisory: ENGL A100.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. C-ID: PSY 120.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A255

PSYC A2603 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Social Psychology  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A260

PSYC A2703 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Psychology of Learning  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A270

PSYC A2804 Units (54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours)  
Introduction to Experimental Methods  
Prerequisite(s): PSYC A100 or PSYC A100H; and PSYC A160 or MATH A160.
Advisory: ENGL A100.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
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.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing PSYC A280