42 courses with the subject PS, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PS 101Introduction to Psychology. (S) (Q) One unit. A survey course dealing with the major fields of
psychology, including learning, perception, memory, motivation, development, social behavior, disorders of psychological functioning, and physiology of behavior. An introduction to the methodology, frameworks, and principles of contemporary scientific psychology. No prerequisites. Offered fall and spring semesters. PS 111 Child Psychology. (S) (C) (R) One unit. An examination of the biological, emotional, social, cognitive, and familial factors that affect personality development and adjustment during the first decade of life. Prerequisite:
PS 112Adolescent Psychology. (S) One unit. A study of the psychological reactions to the changes at
puberty. Topics include body image, identity consolidation, and the role of the adolescent in American society. Discussion of the interactions between the adolescent and the family and peers, and their effects on personality development. Prerequisite: PS 101. Offered as required.
PS 201Psychological Statistics and Methodology. (S) (LL) (Q) (TT) One unit. This course introduces the
basic principles of experimental design, how to write papers using APA style, and how to use the statistical techniques employed in psychological research, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression. The course includes a required, weekly 3-hour laboratory section where students learn statistical computer applications. Prerequisite: PS 101. Sophomore standing or higher required. Offered fall and spring semesters. PS 209 Is Religion ‘Man-made’? (S) (H) (C) (R) (UU) One unit. Are religious “truths” divinely given or are they created by humans under the impact of cultural considerations? We will unravel this issue by approaching the question from various perspectives. We will consider, for example, the psychological approach of Freud as well as the anthropological approach of Malinowski. We will also consider the manner in which Biblical scenarios are conditioned—if not determined—by historical and cultural circumstances. Also considered will be the psychology of Jung and his contention that religious symbols are the inevitable products of a “collective unconsciousness.” We will conclude the course with an investigation of how religious symbolism is self-consciously employed—even manipulated—in the arts. The creative use of symbolism will be illustrated through an examination of various novels and movies. Cross-listed w/RE 209. No prerequisites. Offered as required.
PS 212Psychopathology. (S) (L) (U) One unit. A discussion of current assumptions about the nature and
causes of psychological disorders based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychological Disorders (DSM) used by mental health practitioners. Basic concepts and prevailing theoretical approaches are discussed and evaluated. Description and discussion of the major psychological disorders, their etiology, and treatment are presented. Prerequisite: PS 101. Offered annually.
PS 214Death and Dying: Psychological Issues. (S) (L) (R) One unit. Every life has, at one point or
another, been touched by loss. The decisions we make about how we will respond to these losses have major psychological ramifications. Do we respond differently to different losses? Are some methods of coping better than others? What does disturbed grief look like? From Freud through more recent research by Kubler-Ross, psychologists have been fascinated by issues surrounding death and dying. This course will explore some of those issues from the perspectives of both the dying and the bereaved. We will cover topics such as child bereavement, grief and grieving in response to specific life losses and the needs of the dying and palliative care. Emphasis will be placed on the developmental differences in responses to loss, coping strategies and effectiveness of outside interventions. Prerequisite: PS 101.Offered annually.
PS 216Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. (S) One unit. In this class students will learn about child
and adolescent psychological disorders and will be able to identify normal versus abnormal behaviors. Students will be able to identify DSM criteria for diagnosis and will discuss etiological theories and treatment methods for various psychological disorders. Students will learn to identify symptoms of a child with an applicable psychological disorder. Prerequisite: PS 101. Offered as required.
PS 217Psychology of Play. (S) (C) (O) One unit. This course will examine the essential role of play across
aspects of cognitive and social-emotional development in children. Particular emphasis will be placed on the creative aspect of play and its relationship to fantasy, emotional expression, and the structured experiences of children. Offered as required. PS 220 Forensic Psychology. (S) (L) (R) One unit. An exploration of the applications of psychological research in the criminal justice and civil legal systems. Among the topics covered are understanding criminal and other antisocial behavior, selection and support of law enforcement officers, profiling techniques, trial consultation in jury selection and child custody cases, and the impact of psychological research on public policy legislation.
PS 241Psychology of Gender. (S) (O) (UU) (WC) One unit. This course examines the similarities and
differences between men and women from a psychological perspective, with emphasis on the following themes: major theories of gender development, including the psychoanalytic, cognitive, and behavioral models; the development of gender roles across the life span; application of schema theory to the understanding of gender; examination of biological and psychological sources of gender awareness; and exploration of gender issues in film and media. Offered as required. 323 / 445
PS 244Decisions and Persuasion. (S) (Q) (U) One unit. This course explains the psychology of social
cognition, social influence, and how leadership intersects with American diversity. Factors that influence decisions are examined from the perspective of behavioral economics. Persuasion is studied from a perspective of identifying common triggers that prompt compliance, as well as ways to harness social influence to promote stronger societies. Students are challenged to apply theoretical ideas and empirical research to real-world problems, to explore diversity within America, and to practice critical thinking skills. Offered as required.
PS 249Psychology of Media. (S) One unit. An investigation of the impact on the public of the mass
communication of printed and electronically mediated information and entertainment. Students will study the psychological effects on target audiences of media ranging from newspapers, magazines, and books to film, television, and the Internet. Topics include the psychology of advertising and propaganda, the relation of medium and message, and the application of psychological concepts to the production of mass media. Prerequisite: PS 101 or permission the instructor. Offered as required.
PS 253Positive Psychology. (S) (WC) One unit. Positive psychology is a relatively new field of study that
emphasizes and explores human strengths, positive emotions, and well-being. In this course, specific emphasis will be placed on the science and practical applications of increasing human strengths and happiness. Some questions that will be answered throughout the semester include: “What is happiness? What helps determine it? What can be done to increase it?” Other related topics that will be explored in the course include gratitude, resilience, coping, friendship and love, forgiveness, mindfulness, flow, and positive development across the lifespan. Students will engage in a series of experiential exercises throughout the semester that will help them better understand concepts in positive psychology, and potentially increase personal subjective well-being. Offered as required. PS 270 Mind and Action. (S) (O) One unit. All of psychology ultimately comes together in the actions a person takes. If they play a sport, play a musical instrument, send text messages, or drive a car, they generate actions. In generating actions, they confront issues in the psychology of action. The psychology of action is essentially about the mind-body connection: How do we get from thoughts to actions? By better understanding the psychology of 324 / 445
PS 291Special Topics in Psychology. (S) One unit. Discussion and analysis of areas not covered in regular
courses. The content is determined by the instructor and the Division Chair based upon student interest and faculty research. Prerequisites: PS 101 and permission of the instructor. Offered as required. May be taken more than once if the topic is different.
PS 292Child Life. (S) One unit. This course explores the application of psychology to the field of Child
Life. A Child Life Specialist is a medical professional who helps children and their families cope with stress related to illness, injury, hospitalization, or disability. A Child Life Specialist promotes age appropriate coping through play, medical preparation, and education. Students will learn about Child Life and its relationship to child development, clinical psychology and health psychology. This course will also examine the history of Child Life and core principles of Child Life including family-centered care, characteristics of the hospitalized child, loss, grief/ bereavement in children, play techniques, and expectations regarding preparation, professionalism, and coping. Alternative careers in psychology in hospital settings will be compared to Child Life. This course will fulfill the Child Life Council’s current requirement that applicants for the Child Life Certification Exam have completed at least one course taught by a Certified Child Life Specialist. (Students seeking to apply for Child Life Certification should study additional requirements listed at childlife.org.) Prerequisites: PS 101 or permission of the instructor. Offered only in summer session.
PS 302Experimental Psychology: Learning and Motivation. (S) (Q) (R) (WC) One unit. An examination of
historical and contemporary learning theories including those of Pavlov, Watson, Hull, and Skinner. Emphasis is placed on the application of these theories to topics including Pavlovian and operant conditioning, habit formation, reinforcement and reward, punishment, motivation, and stimulus control of behavior. Students will be introduced to the measurement and experimental analysis of behavior by conducting laboratory experiments. The use of these techniques in various areas of psychological research and application (such as behavior modification) are discussed. Prerequisites: PS 201. Offered fall semester of odd-numbered years.
PS 303Experimental Psychology: Sensation and Perception. (S) (Q) (R) (WC) One unit. Students are
introduced to research methods in perceptual psychology. Topics include psychophysical methods, neural mechanisms of seeing and hearing, illusions, distance perception, and schools of perceptual psychology. Some laboratory work is required. Prerequisites: PS 201. Offered as required.
PS 304Experimental Psychology: Memory and Thinking. (S) (R) (O) One unit. A survey of classic and current
issues, theory, and research in the area of human cognition. Topics considered include memory and attention processes, problems of representation of information, hemispheric specialization, and the structure of categories and creativity. Some experimental work is required. Prerequisites: PS 201. Offered as required.
PS 306Experimental Psychology: Human Development. (S) (C) (R) (WC) One unit. An in-depth review of
classic and contemporary theory and research on human development. Emphasis is placed on core issues in developmental psychology, research methodology with human subjects, and ethical issues in the investigation of human development. Topics covered include perceptual, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral elements of personality development. Some experimental work is required. Prerequisites: PS 201. Offered as required. 325 / 445
PS 308Experimental Psychology: Social Psychology. (S) (C) (O) (U) One unit. A survey of theory and
research in social psychology, acknowledging the history of the field and exploring research methods used by social psychologists. Topics include social cognition, social perception, self-justification, social influence, conformity, interpersonal attraction, pro-social behavior, aggression, and prejudice. Basic and applied research in the laboratory and the field will be evaluated. Students will work independently or in small groups on a research project. Prerequisites: PS 201. Offered spring semester. PS 311 Theories of Personality. (S) One unit. An examination of the principal theories of the origin, structure, and dynamics of the personality, including the psychoanalytic, trait, existential, and behavioristic schools of thought. Theorists studied include Freud, Jung, Adler, Skinner, Horney, Erikson, Bandura, Rogers, and May. A comparative and critical approach is taken. Prerequisite: PS 101. Offered as required. PS 314 Industrial/Organizational Psychology. (S) One unit. A discussion of the seven areas of specialization within the field of industrial/organizational psychology and their relation to other areas of psychology. Applications of psychological principles and methods in business and industry are illustrated, particularly in personnel selection and human relations. Prerequisite: PS 101. Offered as required.
PS 317Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. (S) One unit. This course examines the
diagnostic criteria of Substance Use Disorders, introduces students to assessment tools used to quantify addiction and the practical application of evidence-based treatment when working with population. This course will explore specific techniques used in individual and group settings based on various theoretical orientations such as, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy. It will analyze the process from addiction to recovery including the role of detoxification, rehabilitation and outpatient facilities. This course will also explore Medication Assistance Treatment (MAT) and provide an overview of related psychopharmacology used in addiction treatment.
PS 351Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior. (S) One unit. A survey of the clinical and recreational uses of
psychoactive compounds. Topics include the anthropological perspective on drug use, issues of dosage and administration, the pharmacological models of psychopathology and the use of drugs in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, and the psychopharmacology of drug misuse. Emphasis is placed on research that reveals the brain mechanisms underlying the therapeutic, euphoric, and addictive characteristics of drugs. Prerequisite: PS 101 or permission of the instructor. Offered Spring Semester.PS 382 Philosophy and Psychoanalysis. (C) (WC) (RR) One unit. Psychoanalysis remains one of a very few perspectives on human reality which continue to exert a major theoretical and practical influence around the world. The course examines a variety of topics and controversies introduced by Freud, his followers, and his critics such as: the doctrine of unconscious mind; the object of desire (sexuality, aggression, love); the meaning of relationship; the extent of freedom; dreams and fantasy; narcissism; and madness, as well as issues pertaining to the nature of science and the foundations of psychology. Cross-listed as PH 302.Offered as required. 326 / 445
PS 397Internship in Psychology. (S) Zero or one unit. Supervised internship at an approved institution or
agency outside of the college under the supervision of a psychology department faculty member. Prerequisites: PS 101 and permission of the instructor. Offered fall and spring semesters. May be taken twice.
PS 400Senior Reflective Tutorial. (S) (LL) (R) (WW) One unit. A seminar required of all senior psychology
majors which includes a field placement. The seminar is linked with Psychology 441, History of Psychology, and is taken concurrently with that course. Students meet to discuss current issues in psychological research and application, and their relation to the history of psychology. Prerequisite: Must be taken in conjunction with PS 441. Offered fall and spring semesters.
PS 400ESenior Learning Community Internship. Zero units. This is the experiential component of the senior
learning community and is taken in conjunction with the senior reflective tutorial (PS 400). The experiential component entails a 100-hour internship that occurs in the same semester as PS 400. In seeking experiential opportunities, students work in close consultation with their professor to find the most appropriate placement in an organization. Offered in Fall and Spring. Must be taken with PS 400.
PS 441History of Psychology. (S) (L) (R) (WC) One unit. An historical survey of the development of modern
psychology, with particular emphasis on the growth of the science of psychology in the United States. For students with a dual major whose first major is psychology, this course is linked with PS 400,the senior reflective tutorial and taken concurrently with that course. Prerequisite: Senior status. PS 201.Offered fall and spring semesters.
PS 442Physiological Psychology. (S) (WC) One unit. An introduction to the biological approach to the
experimental study of behavior. Includes consideration of the types of biological data relevant to psychology and examines the principles governing brain activity, and the role of neurotransmitter systems in memory and motivational processes. Topics include the nervous system mechanisms underlying perceptual, emotional, and behavioral processes, and brain dysfunctions that may underlie schizophrenia and depression. Prerequisite: PS 101. Offered fall semester of even-numbered years.
PS 497Field Experience in Psychology. (S) Zero or two units. Supervised field experience at a an approved
institution or agency outside of the college under the supervision of a psychology department faculty member. .PS 593 Independent Study. (S) (RR) One unit. Supervised independent research developed by the student and a faculty mentor. Limited to advanced majors. Offered fall and spring semesters. May be taken twice. The following courses have been offered by the Department and may be offered again in the future. Please consult the Department for further information.
