Whittier College Catalog 2021-2022 ARCHIVED CATALOG
Psychology Courses
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Department of Psychological Sciences
PSYC 085 - Psychology and Film
Through films, primary- and secondary-source readings, and in-class lectures and discussions, this course is designed to help students with little or no background in psychology understand and appreciate the connections between American culture as expressed in early and contemporary film and the field of psychology. American cinema provides the backdrop for an exploration of the influence and interdependence between American culture and the study of human behavior and mental health during the mid- to late-20th and early 21st centuries. While focusing on psychological constructs as presented in film, students will be exposed to differing perspectives and interpretations of human behavior and mental illness at different historical time periods.
3 credits
PSYC 090 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
3 or 4 credits
PSYC 100 - Introductory Psychology
An introduction to major areas of psychology, emphasizing theories, research methods, critical thinking, and communication skills, to enable students to think like psychologists. Topics include the brain and nervous system, child development, sensory processes, perception, consciousness, learning, memory, language development, motivation, emotion, intelligence, personality, stress, abnormal behavior, social influence, and close relationships. Class exercise forms are discussed in groups of four to provide interactive learning even in a large lecture class.
3 credits
PSYC 143 - Life Span Development
This course is an introduction and overview of human development across the life span focusing on psychological issues. The course uses a modified chronological approach tracing development in sequential order from conception through late life, with emphasis on relevant key developmental and psychological topics. The course is designed to build strong foundations based on both theoretical and empirical research enabling students to become educated, critical interpreters of developmental information. A blend of basic and applied research, as well as coverage of controversial topics and emergent trends, demonstrates connections between the laboratory and life. Serves as an elective in the Psychological Sciences.
3 credits
PSYC 148 - Field Work
Participation in psychologically relevant experiences in a supervised setting, plus weekly seminar. Placements arranged to meet interests and goals of individual students, such as working with children or adults in a community agency, etc. Service Learning Course.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
3 credits
PSYC 190 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PSYC 212 - Research Methods
A qualitative and quantitative overview of psychological research including non-experimental and experimental methodology. Lecture and laboratory.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
Co-req: PSYC 212L
4 credits
PSYC 212L - Research Methods Lab
Co-req: PSYC 212
0 credits
PSYC 214 - Statistics
Data analysis in the social sciences; analysis of distributions, central tendency, variability, correlation, and parametric and non-parametric statistical tests; use of SPSS program for statistical analysis.
Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above and MATH 076 , or a score of 2 or higher on the Math Placement Exam
Co-req: PSYC 214L
3 credits
PSYC 214L - Statistics- SPSS
Co-req: PSYC 214
Cross-listed with SOC 214L
1 credits
PSYC 222 - Biological Bases of Behavior
Introduces the neural, genetic, biochemical, and structural mechanisms that underlie normal and abnormal human behavior. Lecture, films, and visual aids.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
3 credits
PSYC 224 - Language and the Brain
This course explores the relationship between language and the brain. Research findings drawn from psychology, neuroscience and linguistics are presented. Topics include: lesion studies, brain imaging techniques, models of speech perception and production, aphasia, dyslexia, language development and sign language.
Pre-req:
4 credits
PSYC 227 - Stress and Disease in the 21st Century
This course will explore how modern life generates stressors that are new in the history of humanity and how this may impact human health, incorporating biological, anthropological, sociological, psychological, and policy perspectives. The goal of this course is to help each student gain a greater understanding of sources of stress in their own lives, how that stress impacts them physically, and what they can do to manage (if not eliminate) the stress they experience.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
4 credits
PSYC 242 - Child Psychology
Introduces the major theories and issues relevant to physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development from conception through preadolescence. Includes consideration of ethical issues relevant to the study of children, live observations of typically developing infants, preschool-, and school-age children in natural settings, and a presentation on autism. Not open to students who have taken CHDV 105 /GEN 105 .
Pre-req: PSYC 100
3 credits
PSYC 248 - Psychology of Aging
Current theories, issues, and research on adulthood, with emphasis on cognitive and personality changes occurring during middle and old age.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
3 credits
PSYC 256 - Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Fundamental concepts of industrial-organizational theory as it applies to understanding, predicting, and managing human behavior within organizations; and how human cognition, attitudes, and behavior are affected by the context of leaders, group norms, and organizational communication.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
3 credits
PSYC 262 - American Media and Sexuality
This course will focus on the influence that media has on our sexual identity and culture. Students will explore how sexuality has been portrayed in North American media, including films, television shows, and print media over the past three decades, with a primary focus on contemporary media. Students will come to understand how cultural expectations of sexuality are generated, shaped, and reinforced by the media and the psychological effects associated with these social comparisons.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
Cross-listed with GEN 262
4 credits
PSYC 266 - Psychology of Human Sexuality
A review of human sexuality with a focus on personal decision making and communication, as well as physiological, psychological, and sociological influences on sexual behavior and sexual identity.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
Cross-listed with GEN 266
3 credits
PSYC 274 - Ohana in the USA: Native Hawaii
Our social and political worlds have been shaped by conquest and domination, which have significant implications for our cultural identity development. This course uses Hawai’i as a case study to explore the emergence of and treatments for historical and cultural trauma. In addition to learning about cultural identity theories, Hawaiian history, and cultural practices, the course will highlight the perspectives of Native Hawaiians themselves through a variety of cultural immersion experiences on the island of Oahu. Students will visit cultural sites, have opportunities to learn from Native Hawaiian cultural experts, and volunteer with a local non-profit organization that utilizes trauma-informed care. Instructor permission.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
Co-req: SOC 360 for CON1 credit
4 credits
PSYC 285 - Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is the application of psychological insights, concepts, and skills to the understanding and functioning of the legal and criminal justice system. This course will address current theoretical and empirical issues in the study of psychology and law. Topics may include eyewitness testimony, credibility assessment, jury decision making, child abuse and memory for traumatic events, juvenile delinquency and criminology, prediction of violence, and insanity defense.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
3 credits
PSYC 290 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PSYC 295 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
PSYC 325 - Functional Neuroimaging
Introduction to various neuroimaging methods used to study human sensory, motor and cognitive systems. Special emphasis on the technique of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Design and analysis of brain imaging data. Lecture and laboratory.
Pre-req: PSYC 222
Co-req: PSYC 325L
4 credits
PSYC 325L - Functional Neuroimaging Lab
Co-req: PSYC 325
0 credits
PSYC 328 - Psychopharmacology
This course covers topics in pharmacology, with a focus on how drugs affect the brain and behavior. The course will cover neurobiological and behavioral effects of psychiatric drugs and drugs of abuse, and social, cultural, and political aspects of drug use.
Pre-req: PSYC 222
3 credits
PSYC 332 - Sensation and Perception
Considers sensory abilities and limitations, and how they are reflected in their perceptions of the world; the nature and development of these perceptions, and the circumstances that distort them. Lecture and laboratory.
Pre-req: PSYC 222
Co-req: PSYC 332L
4 credits
PSYC 332L - Sensation & Perception Lab
Co-req: PSYC 332
0 credits
PSYC 334 - Psychology of Learning
Human cognition and learning covering basic phenomena in classical and instrumental conditioning, memory, language learning, concept formation, problem solving, and thinking. Lecture and laboratory.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
Co-req: PSYC 334L
4 credits
PSYC 334L - Learning Lab
Co-req: PSYC 334
0 credits
PSYC 336 - Cognitive Psychology
The study of human thought processes and mental representations including topics such as attention, perception, memory representation and improvement, mental imagery, thinking, and artificial intelligence.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
3 credits
PSYC 344 - Psychology of Adolescence
Introduces the major theories and issues relevant to the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of adolescents in the family, peer, school, and work contexts. Includes field trips to local middle and high schools, face-to-face interviews with adolescents, and guest speakers on sexuality and emotional/behavioral disorders.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
Cross-listed with SOC 244
3 credits
PSYC 345 - Developmental Research
This course introduces the issues, challenges, methods, designs and techniques specific to the study of human development. Lecture will focus on central issues of developmental science, objectivity, reliability, replicability, validity, and consideration of the unique challenges and ethical concerns relevant to research with children and youth. Labs will introduce developmental research methods, designs, and data analytic techniques and will be conducted at Broadoaks Children’s School and Lydia Jackson Elementary School. Lecture and laboratory. Service Learning Course.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
Co-req: PSYC 345L
4 credits
PSYC 345L - Developmental Research Lab
Service Learning Course.
Co-req: PSYC 345
0 credits
PSYC 352 - Social Psychology
Issues, theories, and research in social psychology; non-verbal communication, person perception, attitudes, social influence, aggression and helping, social exchange, interpersonal relationships.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
Cross-listed with SOC 320
3 credits
PSYC 354 - Diverse Identities
Theory and research on processes of identity formation and change. Topics include ethnic, racial, national, religious, gender, sexual, occupational, familial, and other identities. Analyzes stigma, prejudice, discrimination, and conflict from a global perspective.
Pre-req: PSYC 100 or Junior standing or above
Cross-listed with SOC 326
3 credits
PSYC 362 - Psychology of Personality
A review of the traditional and modern theories of personality, including the psychoanalytic, neoanalytic, trait, learning, and humanistic perspectives, with a focus on personality development, assessment techniques, and application of theory to everyday life.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
3 credits
PSYC 364 - Psychology of Women
Theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of the psychology of women; the effects of social context and the interplay of gender, race, class, and culture on psychological development, with special attention to where and how women fit into the world including the ways in which they have been and continue to be marginalized in various cultures.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
Cross-listed with GEN 364
3 credits
PSYC 368 - Psychological Assessment
Provides an introduction to psychological assessment and measurement theory by examining the measurement of cognitive abilities, personality, and preferences. Includes development, administration, and interpretation of psychological assessment instruments.
Pre-req: PSYC 214
3 credits
PSYC 372 - Abnormal Psychology
Study of the description, causes, and treatments of dysfunctional behaviors; includes both clinical and empirical research perspectives.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
3 credits
PSYC 376 - Clinical Communication
Emphasis on examining the change agents in psychotherapy and learning how to develop help-intended communication skills through the use of miniature mutual support groups. Analysis of communication using a verbal response mode classification system. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
Co-req: PSYC 376L
4 credits
PSYC 376L - Clinical Communication Lab
Co-req: PSYC 376
0 credits
PSYC 382 - Health Psychology
A study of the relationships among mental processes, behavior, and physical health, with an emphasis on the role of psychology in prevention and treatment of illness as well as promoting optimum health.
Pre-req: PSYC 100
3 credits
PSYC 390 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PSYC 395 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
PSYC 396 - Research Practicum
Opportunity to learn and apply research skills by assisting faculty on research. May include research design, subject recruitment, data collection, data analysis, and writing up findings. May be repeated for credit
Pre-req: PSYC 100
1 to 4 credits
PSYC 415 - Literature Review Seminar
Seminar designed to guide the student in choosing a viable literature review topic, conducting an exhaustive literature search, and writing a scholarly literature review paper (using APA 6th edition format) on a topic of the student’s choosing.
Pre-req: PSYC 212 or PSYC 214 , and Senior standing
Co-req: PSYC 499
3 credits
PSYC 490 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PSYC 495 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
PSYC 499 - Senior Presentation in Psychology
Fulfills the Senior Presentation requirement of the college Liberal Education program. Students will prepare and make a presentation based on their Literature Review paper from 415.
Pre-req: PSYC 212 or PSYC 214 , and Senior standing
Co-req: PSYC 415
1 credits
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