Complete College Catalog 2011-2012 - Rio Hondo College

that comprise this diverse discipline.
Research and theories are presented,
discussed, and evaluated. Topics
covered include biological psychology,
sensation and perception, lifespan
development, learning, memory,
motivation and emotion, cognition,
personality, psychopathology and
social psychology.
3 Units
54 Lecture hours
PSY 112
Lifespan Development
Advisory: ENGL 035 or ESL 198 or
appropriate assessment; READ 023 or
appropriate assessment
Transfers to: UC (credit limit*), CSU
(*Students will receive credit from UC
for only one of the following courses: PSY
112 or CD 106)
This course provides an overview of
human psychological development
across the lifespan. The physical,
cognitive, social, and emotional
changes that occur from the prenatal
period through old age are addressed.
In addition, current research findings
and their applicability to ongoing
developmental problems are explored.
This course is appropriate for the
student seeking to develop a better
understanding of the development
gains and losses that occur throughout
our lives.
3 Units
54 Lecture hours
PSY 114
Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Advisory: ENGL 035 or ESL 198 or
appropriate assessment; READ 023 or
appropriate assessment
Transfers to: UC, CSU
This course provides an introduction
to the study of abnormal behavior
for psychology majors, those with
an interest in abnormal psychology,
or anyone with a desire to further
their understanding of abnormality.
The classification, assessment and
treatment of psychological disorders
will be explored. Students will not
only develop an understanding of
the etiology and diagnosis of such
disorders, as based upon DSM-IV-TR
criteria, but develop an appreciation of
the cultural, historical and theoretical
influences that affect the definitions
and treatment of abnormal behavior.
3 Units
54 Lecture hours
PSY 116
Introduction to Cross-Cultural
Psychology
Advisory: ENGL 030 or ESL 197 or
appropriate assessment; READ 022 or
appropriate assessment
Transfers to: CSU
This course provides an introduction
to the literature of Cross-Cultural
Psychology. This course is organized
around understanding the historical
events leading to research in crosscultural
psychology, and the efforts to
understand human behavior within
an international and multicultural
context. From this context, a variety
of psychological phenomena will
be studied including consciousness,
learning and memory, life-span
development, perception, cognition,
emotion, social psychology, and stress
and coping.
3 Units
54 Lecture hours
PSY 121
Drugs, Society, and Behavior
Advisory: ENGL 035 or ESL 198 or
appropriate assessment; READ 023 or
appropriate assessment
Transfers to: CSU
This course is for the student who
seeks a basic understanding of the
effects of drugs of abuse and an
in-depth consideration of the societal
aspects of psychoactive drugs. It is
designed for those students interested
in furthering their understanding
of psychoactive drugs and those
interested in working with populations
recovering from or at risk for drug
problems. Current and historical
uses of and attitudes towards drugs
will be addressed, as well as drug
use disorders, drug legislation, and
treatment options. Societal and
cultural differences will also be noted.
3 Units
54 Lecture hours
PSY 123
Drug Education and Prevention
Advisory: ENGL 035 or ESL 198 or
appropriate assessment; READ 023 or
appropriate assessment
Transfers to: CSU
This course is designed for
students interested in furthering
their understanding of substance
dependence and those interested in
working with populations recovering
from or at risk for such problems. It
addresses the history, theories, models,
and approaches to substance abuse
education and prevention. In addition
to an academic look at drug abuse,
students will also explore and examine
their own values and beliefs about
substance use and misuse. The impact
of public policy, the media, and drug
education programs on drug use will
all be considered.
3 Units
54 Lecture hours
PSY 127
Introduction to the Physiological
Effects of Drugs of Abuse
Advisory: ENGL 035 or ESL 198 or
appropriate assessment; READ 023 or
appropriate assessment
Transfers to: CSU
This course is designed for students
interested in furthering their
understanding of psychoactive drugs
and those interested in working with
populations recovering from or at
risk for drug problems. It provides an
examination of the pharmacological
actions of drugs of abuse and how this
relates to the physiological, as well as
the behavioral, effects of such drugs.
The properties of drugs that increase
the likelihood of the development of
dependence will be emphasized.
3 Units
54 Lecture hours
PSY 133
Personal and Social Adjustment
Advisory: ENGL 035 or ESL 198 or
appropriate assessment; READ 023 or
appropriate assessment
Transfers to: UC, CSU
This course is designed for the student
interested in furthering their general
knowledge of themselves and the
more applied areas of psychology. An
overview of the principles underlying
mental health and well-being is
provided with the goal of initiating
a process of self discovery through
readings and activities designed
to explore existing beliefs, biases,
and expectations. Topics addressed
include personality theories and
therapy, life span development, stress
and stressors, forms of adaptive and
maladaptive behavior, resources for
effective communication, interpersonal
relationships including friendship
and marriage, sexuality, work and the
development of personal values and a
philosophy of life.
3 Units
54 Lecture hours
PSY 170
Introduction to Learning and Memory
Advisory: ENGL 035 or ESL 198 or
appropriate assessment; READ 023 or
appropriate assessment
Transfers to: UC, CSU
This course details the background and
research that led to the identification
of the different types of learning and
memory. Students will explore topics
in the field of learning and memory
including but not limited to classical
conditioning, operant conditioning,
instrumental conditioning, short-term
and long-term memory, forgetting,
and models of learning and memory.
This course is beneficial for students
that are Psychology majors, students
looking to transfer as a Psychology
major and students that are interested
in learning about the field of learning
and memory.
3 Units
54 Lecture hours
PSY 180
Positive Psychology
Advisory: ENGL 035 or ESL 198 or
appropriate assessment; READ 023 or
appropriate assessment
Transfers to: UC, CSU
This course focuses on the research,
theories, and ideas surrounding,
promoting, and maintaining wellbeing,
good health, and happiness.
Students will explore topics in the
field of positive psychology including
but not limited to wellness, optimism,
flow, happiness, and positive thinking.
This course is beneficial for students
that are Psychology majors, students
looking to transfer as a Psychology
majors and students that are interested
in learning about positive psychology.
3 Units
54 Lecture hours
2011-2012 Catalog Rio Hondo College / 241