Course Finder

C-ID: PSY 170.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social & Behavioral Sciences)

• Advisory: PSYCH 1.

This course considers individual human behavior in relation to the social environment. The power of the situation, other individuals, and the social group will be examined. Emphasized topics include: aggression, prejudice and stereotypes, interpersonal attraction, attitudes and attitude change, conformity, group phenomena, gender roles, cultural norms, person perception, and social cognition.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

• Advisory: PSYCH 1.

This course provides an introduction to biological, environmental, social, and psychological determinants of psychopathology and behavioral deviation. Historical and current theories of abnormal mental or behavioral functioning, their implications for therapy, and community support systems are discussed. An integrative survey of theory and research in abnormal behavior, and intervention and prevention strategies for psychological disorders are also introduced.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social & Behavioral Sciences)

• Advisory: PSYCH 1.

From a psychological perspective, this course traces physical, emotional, social and intellectual development throughout the lifespan from conception through aging and dying. Special attention is paid to the interaction of biological, environmental, and psychological factors on development. The way familial, cultural and socioeconomic influences impact the individual will receive special emphasis. Theories and research regarding physical, cognitive, personality, and social development are used as a foundation to understand lifespan issues, developmental problems, and practical implications at each stage of development.

C-ID: PSY 150.

IGETC AREA 5B (Biological Sciences, non-lab)

• Prerequisite: PSYCH 1.
• Advisory: ENGL 1.

This introductory course emphasizes the biological approach and methods as tools for adding to our understanding of human psychology and neuroscience. Information about the functioning of the human nervous system is used to provide insight into mental, emotional, and behavioral processes. The role of biological factors underlying sensation, perception, motivation, learning, thinking, language processes, and psychopathology is stressed. 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.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

• Advisory: PSYCH 1.

This study of sexual behavior begins with anatomy and physiology, reproduction, and other biological topics. Pre- and post-natal development, gender differentiation, and psychosexual development are discussed to provide the background for considering the diversity of adult sexuality. In regularly scheduled small group meetings, the student is given an opportunity to explore and compare his or her own psychological and behavioral dynamics with the different values, beliefs, and practices of other individuals and other cultures.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social & Behavioral Sciences)

• Advisory: PSYCH 1.

This course provides an introduction to personality psychology. Topics covered include the utility of personality in predicting behavior, the influences of personality, the major theories of personality development and dynamics, and the application of personality theory and concepts to health, psychopathology, and treatment. Assessment of personality will also be discussed. This course will use a lecture, discussion, and demonstration format in exploring these topics.

• Prerequisite: MATH 54 or PSYCH 7; PSYCH 1, ENGL 1, and admission to the SMC baccalaureate degree program.

This upper division Cognitive Psychology course addresses how humans learn to process information in their environment as well as how they decide how and when to act on their environment. This course includes a survey of cognitive psychology, specifically, the science and study of how people acquire, represent, transform and use verbal and nonverbal information. In this context we will explore sensation and perception of objects, surfaces, space, and motion. Additionally, key cognitive functions are explored including imagery, memory, representations of knowledge, language, decision making, thinking and reasoning, attention and vigilance. Finally, we will review developmental considerations in cognitive psychology from early infant cognition to maturation and cognition as we age.

This course is open only to students who have been admitted to SMC’s Bachelor of Science program in Interaction Design. See ixd.smc.edu for more information.

• Advisory: PSYCH 1.

This course will examine the psychological literature covering a variety of contemporary topics. The areas may include: the psychology of prejudice, Eastern and Western psychology, experimental psychology, the psychology of learning, ecological psychology, the psychology of crime and incarceration, and other areas selected by the faculty. There may be a different focus each semester this course is taught.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social & Behavioral Sciences)

Satisfies Global Citizenship

This course will focus on the theory and application of psychological principles as they relate to the causes of, and potential solutions to, current global environmental problems. Modern ecological issues (such as global climate change, habitat-loss, etc.) have their historical origin in human behavior; this class will focus both on relevant causal behaviors, and on the mental mechanisms that give rise to such behavior. An evolutionary perspective will be employed to identify the pathways by which the clash of a “universal human nature” and the modern environment results in an “evolutionary mismatch.” Evolutionary models such as the “tragedy of the commons” will be elucidated with relevant and real world examples. In addition, the course will explore potential avenues to effectively reshape human kind’s social, technological and economic relationship with its environment. As such, a systems approach will be taken that considers the human as a part of, as well as an influence on, ecosystems. Cutting edge research will be integrated from different domains of psychology (cognitive, social, developmental and evolutionary, etc.) as well as related fields (genetics, behavioral economics, game-theory, anthropology, etc.) to comprehensively study the human-environment interaction.

PSYCH 40 is the same course as ENVRN 40. Students may earn credit for one but not both.

• Advisory: PSYCH 1.

This course emphasizes the study of psychological processes involved with the construction of communication including perception, motivation, learning, and emotion. The course will cover issues involved in giving, receiving, and interpreting verbal and non-verbal behavior in a variety of interpersonal situations. Attention will be given to the intersection of gender, culture, and social identities and how these factors shape how we communicate with ourselves, with other individuals, and via mass communication and technology. Experiential exercises, including role-playing and small group interactions, provide opportunities to increase awareness of personal communication styles and to develop more effective communication skills including active listening, conflict resolution, and assertive language.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

• Advisory: PSYCH 1.

This course provides insight into and preparation for establishing relationships as the basis for a successful and fulfilling individual, marital and family life. Included are values clarification, communication techniques, current views of male and female roles in society, mate selection, sexual involvement and adjustment, family planning, and child rearing. Special emphasis is placed on the need for compromise and adjustment in a marriage and family unit in our rapidly changing society. This course will use lecture, discussion, and experiential formats in exploration of these topics.

C-ID: PSY 200.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

• Prerequisite: PSYCH 1.
• Advisory: MATH 54 and eligibility for English 1.

This course surveys various psychological research methods with an emphasis on research design, experimental procedures, descriptive methods, instrumentation, as well as collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting of research data. Research design and methodology are examined in a variety of the sub disciplines of psychology. Ethical considerations for human and animal research are explored. Students are introduced to critical thinking and the application of the scientific method to psychological questions. The course contains both lecture and practical experiences via the formulation and completion of original research conducted in small groups. Various descriptive and inferential statistical approaches are explored and utilized to evaluate data.

IGETC AREA 4 (Social & Behavioral Sciences)

Satisfies Global Citizenship

• Advisory: PSYCH 1 and eligibility for English 1.

Community psychology focuses on the impact of society on individual and community functioning. As a prevention science, Community Psychology seeks to understand relationships between environmental conditions and the well-being of community members. Through the application of psychological principles, community psychologists seek to understand the ecological context of human experiences, empower individuals and communities, initiate action research, and implement social change. In this course, students will be introduced to the history, goals, and methods of community psychology and community mental health. Using a community engagement approach to learning, students will learn outside of the classroom through service learning within community based organizations. Students will have the opportunity to explore topics within the classroom and the community such as: family and community violence, oppression, criminal justice, community mental health, and mental health policy.

Please see “Independent Studies” section.

Please see “Independent Studies” section.

This course teaches and instills in older adults communication techniques and skills designed to improve their interactions with family members, friends, and service providers, including adult children, grandchildren, landlords, health professionals, and other significant individuals. Older adults practice new communication techniques and deepen their understanding of themselves, their peers, and other significant people in their lives.

This course helps Latino/Hispanic older adults learn more about the school system in California, how their grandchildren fit into the school system, and ways in which they may help their grandchildren be successful in and out of school. Older adults learn grandparenting skills, with an emphasis on building self-esteem and setting goals. Latino/Hispanic older adults also learn about the developmental stages through which young adult and elementary school children are passing. This course is taught in Spanish in cooperation with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

This course assists older adults in coping with the death of a close relative or family member; the loss of mobility or deterioration of their physical condition; or the loss of their job or financial status due to a significant change in their life. Older adults share their emotions about life-changing events with their peers and develop coping strategies that help them deal with life transitions in a more comfortable manner.

This course assists older adults who are facing a change in their lifestyle because they are now single. Older adults explore topics such as dealing with isolation, ageism, depression, eating patterns, and social interactions. The course assists older adults in making the necessary transitions and adjustments to live a happy and successful life as an older single person.

In this course, students gain a basic understanding of the principles of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and renewable energy alternatives. Basic electrical theory, the variables of PV system design, and sizing of PV systems are introduced. Topics include the scientific and math principles, physical properties, system components, codes, cell efficiency, and safe installation procedures for prevalent technologies. Students examine the cost and paybacks influencing adoption of solar technologies, as well as its potential in solving energy and environmental problems.