Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and cognitive processes. Using the scientific method, this discipline examines thoughts, emotions, and behavior from biological and psychological perspectives. Courses in psychology satisfy general education requirements for an associate degree for transfer in psychology, an associate of arts degree in social sciences and lower division transfer. The Honors Program includes PSY 101H Introduction to Psychology - Honors.

Faculty

NameOffice Room NumberPhoneEmail
Brown, Rick CI 250626-914-8875rbrown@citruscollege.edu
Kim, Andrew CI 249626-914-8865akim@citruscollege.edu
Levine-Peters, Brianne CI 253626-914-8861blevine@citruscollege.edu
Tate, Erin CI 252626-914-8867etate@citruscollege.edu

Contact Information

Division
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dean
Dr. Salima Allahbachayo (Interim)
Administrative Secretary
Gayle Allen
Division Office
CI 120
Division Phone Number
626-914-8860

This discipline prepares students to do the following:

  • Demonstrate analytical and critical analysis skills using college level vocabulary and writing skills for the purposes of successfully navigating a transfer level course.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing or manipulating numerical data in order to critique scientific study to gain perspective of the role of data in psychological research and research methodology.
  • Analyze a variety of behavioral science research designs to develop critical analysis needed for transfer level coursework.
  • Demonstrate analytic thinking by comparing and applying psychological theories to human behavior to relate classroom theory to real-world examples.
  • Demonstrate proper use of basic word processing and computing skills through research, synchronous and asynchronous communication, and written essay to access information available only through technological means to improve technology skills necessary in a global environment.
  • Explore issues of efficacy and self-exploration to benefit from the unique content of course work in psychology.

PSY 101
Introduction to Psychology
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4I; CSUGE D9)
54 lecture hours
Equivalent to: PSY 101H, PSY 201

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

The course is an introduction to psychology as an empirical science involving a synthesis of theory and research within the domains of behavior, cognition and affect. Students are expected to work and participate using critical thinking skills, thoughtful analysis/synthesis of readings, presentations and discussions within the class environment.

PSY 101H
Introduction to Psychology - Honors
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4I; CSUGE D9)
54 lecture hours
Equivalent to: PSY 101

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): Student must be eligible for the Citrus College Honors Program or obtain a recommendation from an Honors instructor.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

The course is an introduction to psychology as an empirical science involving a synthesis of theory and research within the domains of behavior, cognition and affect. Students are expected to work and participate at an honors level which includes demonstrating strong critical thinking skills through analysis of social scientific literature and original research in a seminar style class format.

PSY 102
Psychobiology
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus B1; CSU; UC; IGETC 5B; CSUGE B2)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 or PSY 101H.

Strongly recommended: BIOL 104 or BIOL 105 or BIOL 105H; ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H.

This course introduces the scientific study of the biological bases of behavior and its fundamental role in the neurosciences. Physiological, hormonal, and neurochemical mechanisms, and brain-behavior relationships underlying the psychological phenomena of sensation, perception, regulatory processes, emotion, learning, memory, and psychological disorders will be addressed. The course also notes historical scientific contributions and current research principles for studying brain-behavior relationships and mental processes. Ethical standards for human and animal research are discussed in the context of both invasive and non-invasive experimental research.

PSY 103
Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus A3; CSU; IGETC 2A; UC; CSUGE B4)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): MATH 040 or MATH 150 or direct placement based on multiple measures.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

An elementary course in statistical concepts designed especially for students in the social and behavioral science areas. The development of basic skills in descriptive statistics and inferential statistics is stressed. Initial emphasis will be placed on understanding the normal curve and its properties. Special attention will then be given to parametric tests (Pearson's correlation, Z test, t-tests, ANOVA) as well as non-parametric tests (Chi Square).

PSY 203
Research Methods in Psychology
4 Units (AA/AS; CSU; IGETC 2A; UC; IGETC 4I; CSUGE D9)
54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
Equivalent to: PSY 104

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 or PSY 101H; PSY 103 or MATH 165 or MATH 165H.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

An introductory course in research methodology designed for students in the behavioral and social sciences. The application of basic skills in descriptive and inferential statistics is stressed, as well as critical analysis of experimental and non-experimental research methods in basic and applied research settings.

PSY 205
Developmental Psychology
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4I; CSUGE D9)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

Developmental psychology is the scientific study of progressive changes in behavior, cognition, and abilities. Attention is paid to issues related to the roles of nature and nurture in developmental processes.

PSY 206
Child Growth and Development
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4I; CSUGE D9; CSUGE E)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course examines major physical, cognitive, social and emotional developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.

PSY 212
Psychological Disorders
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4I; CSUGE D9)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 or PSY 101H.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course introduces the scientific study of psychopathology and atypical behaviors, broadly defined. Students investigate abnormal behavior from a variety of perspectives including biological, psychological, and sociocultural approaches. An integrative survey of theory and research in abnormal behavior, and intervention and prevention strategies for psychological disorders are also introduced.

PSY 220
Introduction to Social Psychology
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4I; CSUGE D9)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

An introduction to the study of social psychology emphasizes the nature of socially determined behavior as seen in the areas of conformity, propaganda, prejudice, social roles, social process, social perception, and culturally determined personality.

PSY 225
Psychology of Human Sexuality
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4I; CSUGE D9; CSUGE E)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

An introductory survey of the psychological bases and dimensions of human sexuality with emphasis on the socio-cultural factors involved in intimate relating, sexuality, and loving.

PSY 226
Psychology of Women
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; IGETC 4I; CSUGE D4; CSUGE D9)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course will examine theory and research on female development from birth to death, taking into consideration psychological, sociological and biological factors. Implications for personal and social change will be emphasized through critical analysis of contemporary gender issues, data and psychological theory.

Associate Degrees

* See the Counseling department for updates to the degree.