Major Code 2001.00
West's Psychology Department has a comprehensive selection of courses providing quality instruction to all students whether they are Psychology Majors, or traditional students looking for General Education (GE) credit, or non-traditional students seeking to round out their education. Courses are offered at a variety of convenient times and are taught by highly qualified instructors who are dedicated to making their classes as interesting and useful as possible. Below, please find a brief description of our course offerings.
1 General Psychology I (3) UC:CSU (CAN PSY 2)
This course presents an overview of the major fields of psychology, including research methods, learning and conditioning, biopsychology, memory, intelligence, health psychology, motivation and emotion, perception, human development, social psychology, personality, psychotherapy, and abnormal psychology. The history of modern psychology and its roots in philosophy is presented. Particular attention is given to the application of psychological concepts to the problems people find living in contemporary society.
2 General Psychology II (3) UC:CSU
Prerequisite: Psychology 1.
This course examines behavior from a biological, physiological approach. A detailed examination of the anatomy and physiology of the neuron and brain is provided, including the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. Sensory systems are presented, including vision, audition and somato-sensory. A biopsychological perspective is taken to study motivation, emotion, language, sleep, consciousness, sexual behavior, and mental illness.
14 Abnormal Psychology (3) UC:CSU
This course deals with maladaptive or abnormal behavior of human beings. Topics covered include history of abnormal psychology, classifications, clinical frameworks, causal factors, treatment and outcomes of maladaptive behavior, assessment utilizing the DSM-IV, therapy, and prevention. Major categories of mental disorders are presented including mood, anxiety, stress, somatoform, disassociative, psychosexual, personality, and schizophrenia.
16 Intimacy, Marriage, and Family Relationships (3) UC:CSU
This course deals with the psychological aspects of dating, love, and marriage. It is designed to provide students with a basic positive attitude toward the potential of marriage and to prescribe the circumstances that make the marital union an opportunity for a growing, greater, "other-centered" self-realization.
37 Psychology of Codependency and Family Systems (3) CSU
Prerequisites: Psychology 64 and 65.
This course examines the issues and problems in relationships between the chemically dependent person and his/her friends, family, colleagues in the workplace, and love relationships.
NOTE: This class is offered in alternating semesters with Psychology 68. Psychology 37 is offered in Fall, and Psychology 68 is offered in Spring.
41 Life-Span Psychology: From Infancy to Old Age (3) UC:CSU
This course presents the psychological development of the person from the prenatal period through old age and death. Each of the eleven stages of life is presented. Emphasis is placed on theories and their application to the behavioral, cognitive, social and biological aspects of human development. Psychosocial and life-span approaches are employed to illustrate the interconnectedness of all stages of life.
43 Principles of Group Dynamics I (3)
Using the class as a group, principles of group dynamics are studied from both experiential and theoretical perspectives. Related topics include historical developments, dynamics, leadership, diversity, assessment, treatment, and practice in a group situation.
52 Psychological Aspects of Human Sexuality (3) UC:CSU
This course addresses the psycho-sexual development of the individual and the values that are learned in our culture and comparative information from other cultures. The history of attitudes toward sexuality in America is studied. The anatomy and physiology of the human reproductive system, the physical and emotional orgasmic response, life-long development, sexually transmitted diseases, myths and misconceptions about the sexual response, sexual variance and dysfunction are presented. The interaction of personality and sexual behavior is explored. The student can achieve an understanding of his or her own unique sexuality.
63 Alcohol/Drug Studies: Prevention and Education (3) CSU
This course focuses on drug and alcohol abuse prevention in different communities including families, schools, and the workplace. Strategies for implementing programs and obtaining government approvals are presented. Relapse issues and cultural differences are also considered.
NOTE: This course is offered in alternating semesters with Psychology 67. Psychology 63 is offered in Fall, and Psychology 67 is offered in Spring.
64 Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Abuse (3) CSU
This survey course includes drug classification, drug physiology and psychopharmacology, theories of addiction, history and theories of treatment, dual diagnosis, drug testing and social policy, recovery and rehabilitation, and other related topics. This course is also the introductory course for drug and alcohol counseling programs.
65 Chemical Dependency: Intervention, Treatment and Recovery (3) CSU
An introduction to treatment and recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction including the physiology of addiction, criteria of addiction, and the various treatment modalities with an emphasis on family and different populations. Other aspects include models of recovery, rehabilitation, relapse, and aftercare.
67 Counseling Techniques for the Chemically Addicted (3) CSU
This course emphasizes counseling techniques for the chemically addicted. Major elements include ethics and confidentiality, interview and assessment techniques, observation and listening skills, dual diagnosis, crisis intervention, and documentation processes.
NOTE: This course is offered in alternating semesters with Psychology 63. Psychology 63 is offered in Fall, and Psychology 67 is offered in Spring.
68 Biopsychology of Chemical Dependency: Drugs, Behavior, and Health (3) CSU
Prerequisite: Psychology 64.
This course offers comprehensive instruction on the pharmacological and behavioral effects of all major categories of both legal and illegal psychoactive substances, including an overview of contemporary and historical drug regulation and abuse, and a detailed review of the nervous system.
NOTE: This class is offered in alternating semesters with Psychology 37. Psychology 37 is offered in Fall, and Psychology 68 is offered in Spring.
84 Fieldwork I, Drug/Alcohol Studies (3)
Prerequisites: Psychology 63, 64, 65 and 67.
This is the first of two required internship classes in the Drug/Alcohol Studies program. It provides observation and interaction opportunities with clients and counselors at provider clinics. This course satisfies half of the fieldwork hours required by CAADE.
NOTE: Students must provide their own transportation to clinic sites.
85 Fieldwork II, Drug/Alcohol Studies (3)
Prerequisite: Psychology 84.
This is the second of two required internship classes in the Drug/Alcohol Studies program. It provides observation and interaction opportunities with clients and counselors at provider clinics. This course satisfies half of the fieldwork hours required by CAADE.
NOTE: Students must provide their own transportation to clinic sites.
185 Directed Study - Psychology (1) CSU
285 Directed Study - Psychology (2) CSU
385 Directed Study - Psychology (3) CSU
Allows a student to pursue Directed Study in Psychology on a contract basis under the direction of a supervising instructor.
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