Psychology Courses
This course introduces the methods, facts, and theories of modern psychology. Survey of learning, motivation, development, personality, abnormal and social behavior. Offered every semester.
An interesting introduction to a topic in the field of Psychology.
The rationale and methods of statistical inference through two-way analysis of variance and correlation. Offered every semester.
Lecture/laboratory course emphasizing various methods of psychological research. Includes research report writing, application of statistics, and computer usage. Requires concurrent registration in affiliated lecture and lab section. Offered every semester. Prerequisites: PSYC 101. PSYC 260 and RHET 203.
An introduction to the biological correlates of behavior. Offered every semester. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
This course will address the issues of diversity as explored in the discipline of psychology. The focus will depend on the expertise and interests of the faculty member. Details are available from the Department of Psychology whenever the course is offered. Offered intermittently. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
This course examines the psychology of prejudice with a particular focus on the effects of interpersonal discrimination. We examine the fundamentals of how and why we are prejudiced against each other, as well as search for ways to decrease prejudice. Stereotypes and prejudice regarding groups defined in terms of their sex, ethnic background, religious or cultural beliefs, sexual orientation, race, national origin, social class, age and groups defined by multiple combinations of these factors are considered. We focus on understanding prejudice with the goal of social justice for all people regardless of their group membership. Offered intermittently. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
Study of major mental health and related social issues facing individuals from different cultural groups. Attention will be focused on four major ethnic groups in North America: African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian Americans, and American Indians. Offered every year. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor.
This course increases understanding of the similarities and differences among cultures through experimental evidence, group experience, and class discussion. Offered every year. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor.
The study of individual motives, cognitions, attitudes; the role of the individual in groups and society; behavior as influenced by social forces. Offered every semester. Cross-listed with SOC 321. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or SOC 150.
Psychological development from birth to adolescence, emphasizing current theory and research. Topics may include perception, cognition, social understanding, language acquisition, attachment, gender role development. Offered every semester. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
An intensive study of abnormal behavior, emphasizing definitions, etiologies, symptoms, dynamics, and treatment. Offered every semester. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 270. The combination of BIOL 115 , BIOL 365 and BIOL 366 can be substituted for PSYC 270 for ESS majors.
Comprehensive survey of current psychological issues facing the Asian American community. Topics include family issues, acculturation, ethnic identity, psychopathology, and culturally-responsive treatment strategies. Offered every year. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
A review of approaches currently supported in contemporary psychology so as to understand normal human personality in terms of theory, assessment, application, and relevant research. Offered every year. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
An overview of theories of learning, memory, and cognition with an emphasis on human information processing. Offered every year. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and either PSYC 270 or BIOL 105.
Introduction to the profession of clinical psychology. Career paths, psychodiagnosis, psychotherapy, and community mental health. Offered intermittently. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 270 and PSY 313.
This course addresses the ways in which an individual's psychology may influence his or her adjustment to illness; and the prevention of illness through health-promoting practices. Offered every year. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 270 or equivalent recommended.
An introduction to the psychology of group behavior including work behavior, emphasizing personnel decisions, training and career development, job satisfaction, supervision and leadership, the work environment, and research methods in psychology. Offered intermittently. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor.
The dynamics of maladjustment and psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Origins, treatment, and preventive measures. Offered intermittently. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 312.
A general survey of the sociological, psychological and physiological factors related to sexual behavior. The course examines theoretical issues and empirical findings from scientific sources. Offered intermittently. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
This course is designed to promote interaction, dialogue, and understanding among students through study of specific contemporary topics in psychology. Offered intermittently. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor.
This course promotes interaction, understanding and appreciation between students from different generations. The class will be comprised of students from the University of San Francisco (USF) and older adult students from the Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning at USF. The course will examine how stereotyping and prejudice affect the self-concept and attitudes towards other groups (including age, religion, ethnicity, etc.). This will be done through dialog, readings, experiential classroom activities, and two field trips. Offered intermittently. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor.
This course reviews the social-psychological research literature, including the impact of biological and environmental factors on sex differences. Offered intermittently. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
This course surveys the development of modern psychological thought from an historical perspective. Offered intermittently. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and Junior standing.
This course examines psychological change in adulthood and old age. Offered intermittently. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or permission of instructor.
This course covers a variety of areas, the focus depending on the expertise of the instructor. Historical perspective and empirical research are stressed. Offered intermittently. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.
This course introduces the student to the neural bases of mental functioning. It emphasizes both lower-order functions such as motor control and attention, and higher-order functions such as memory and emotion. Offered intermittently. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 270.
An advanced seminar introducing the student to the field of child abuse and neglect. Explores the definition, epidemiology, etiology, treatment, and prevention of child maltreatment. Prerequisites; PSYC 101 and PSYC 312 or their equivalents.
Advanced study of research methods in psychology, including a review of the scientific approach, research design and measurement, and research ethics. The research focus will depend on the expertise of the instructor and will be highlighted on the class schedule each semester. Regular topics include: Sibling Relationships, Social Psychology of Aging, Sensation and Perception, Social Influence, Foster Children, Dreams and Mediation, Community Health, Acculturation, Applied Social Psychology, Changing Misconceptions, and Measurement: Peace and Conflict. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 260, RHET 203, and PSYC 265, plus additional prerequisites per Class Schedule.
A seminar designed to explore in-depth issues in an area of psychology. Emphasis will be on the latest trends and theories in psychology and reflect the interests of the instructor. Junior or Senior standing required. Offered intermittently. Prerequisite: Junior standing and permission of instructor.
Service Learning in a variety of community settings relevant to psychology (e.g., hospitals, mental health and youth guidance centers, old age homes, pre-school and day care centers, and other public service organizations). All Practicum credits must be done in one semester, unless by permission of the instructor. Offered every semester. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and Junior standing.
Psychology majors initiate and complete a significant reading and research project under the direct supervision of faculty. Permission to take this course must be obtained in writing from the instructor, department chair, and dean. Offered every semester with instructor approval. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 260, RHET 203, PSYC 265 and Junior standing.
Limited to students pursuing an Honors in Psychology; admission is by application letter or approval of instructor. In this seminar students prepare a research proposal, including an IRB application, a literature review, and a detailed description of how the independent and dependent variables will be measured. Students will also critique the proposals of class members. Offered Spring semester. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 260, RHET 203, PSYC 265 and PSYC 388.
Limited to students pursuing an Honors in Psychology. In this seminar students execute the research proposal developed in PSYC 498, including data gathering and analysis, as well as preparation of a written thesis and poster suitable for oral presentation. This course is completed in addition to the 48 units required for the psychology major. Offered Fall semester. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, PSYC 260, RHET 203, PSYC 265, PSYC 388 and PSYC 498.
