Lower-Division

PSY 101 (4) PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT–GE

Introduction to theories and issues in psychology as these relate to the student’s own level of need to develop socially, mentally, and spiritually. Attitudes and skills which contribute to academic success; specifically understanding Point Loma as an academic, religious, and social culture have special focus. Colloquium, lectures, and small group laboratory experiences are used. Required of all first-year freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 24 units. All others take Psychology 103 to fulfill general education requirements.

PSY 103 (3) GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY–GE

A survey of psychology as an empirical/behavioral science. Topics include biological correlates of behavior, learning, cognition, emotion, motivation, personality, assessment, development, psychopathology, psychotherapy, and social psychology.

PSY 270 (2-4) CAREER EXPLORATION

Students are placed in local mental health or social service agencies to obtain direct exposure in the field. The goal is to help them evaluate their career options and direction. May be repeated up to a total of six units. Graded Credit/No Credit.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and approval of departmental faculty.

Upper-Division

PSY 300 (4) PERSONALITY AND ADULT DEVELOPMENT

An introductory survey of classic theories and contemporary empirical research in the fields of personality and adult development psychology. Distinct domains of knowledge regarding human nature, individual differences, and adult development and aging are covered. Emphasis is placed on developing a greater capacity for self-awareness and critical thinking.

PSY 301 (4) PHYSIOLOGICAL AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

A study of the anatomical and physiological bases of mental events and behavior. Offered fall only.
Prerequisites: Psychology 103 and 390 or consent of instructor.

PSY 308 (4) DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY – BIRTH THROUGH ADOLESCENCE

A systematic study of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of the individual from birth through adolescence. Meets the California state guidelines for the Liberal Studies major.

PSY 320 (3) SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

A study of the theories and methods of social interactions in the development of personal and group behavior. Topics include attitudes, communication, and pro-social and anti-social behaviors.

PSY 321 (3) ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Study of etiology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various forms of abnormal behavior from various psychological perspectives.
Prerequisite: One of Psychology 103, 308, Family and Consumer Sciences 150 or consent of instructor.

PSY 325 (4) CLINICAL AND COMMUNITY INTERVENTIONS

This course provides an overview of the fields of clinical and community psychology. It focuses on individual, family and systems, social-community, bio-psycho-social, and health interventions. Career directions within the mental health professions are introduced. Theories and interventions include cognitive-behavioral, humanistic-existential, psycho-dynamic-psychoanalytic, and systems. Focus is on how therapists apply therapeutic knowledge in a variety of settings.

PSY 330 (4) Moral Psychology and Cultural Values

Introduction to the psychological study of morality, prosocial behavior, and character development, including a survey of historical and contemporary theories or morality. Includes a particular emphasis on the role of cultural norms and values, as well as an analysis of the ways in which such values are developed and transmitted in contemporary culture (e.g., media, academics, family, etc.). Small group activities are included. Offered fall only.
Prerequisite: Psychology 101

PSY 341 (3) GROUP COUNSELING

An introductory survey of theories used to modify, ameliorate, or change personal behavior using group methods. Laboratory experiences required. May be repeated once up to a total of six units.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

PSY 345 (3) GROUP DYNAMICS

A laboratory learning experience in the formation and development of small group processes with emphasis upon understanding the effects of individual dynamics on the group.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

PSY 350 (3) CLINICAL AND RESEARCH ASSESSMENT

A detailed study of selected psychological assessment instruments used in clinical and research settings. Emphasis is placed on reliability and validity, as well as selection of tests for diagnosis, treatment planning, and research.
Prerequisites: Psychology 390 and Mathematics 203.

PSY 360 (3) HUMAN SEXUALITY

Survey of behavioral, personality, and psycho-biological components of human sexuality, with emphasis upon delineation of facts from sexual myths, social context, and values. Offered spring only. Open to students who are not Psychology majors.

PSY 380 (3) FAMILY DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY THERAPIES

Introduction to the normative stages and crises affecting families over the life span, and to the major theories of family and marital psychotherapy. Emphasis on how various models work with relational systems to facilitate development through times of crisis and developmental transition. Also focuses on therapeutic issues of substance abuse, and on legal issues involved in child, spousal, and elder abuse. Family developmental theories are applied to community organizations in order to assist students in understanding how system principles are used in community consultation. Offered spring only.
Prerequisites: Psychology 321 and Psychology 325 or consent of instructor.

PSY 390 (4) RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN I

Students gain experience in methods of design, data collection, management, and analysis. Students begin a significant research project.  This course must be taken in the semester immediately preceding Psychology 391.
Prerequisites: Psychology 103 and Mathematics 203 (this course may be taken concurrently or with the consent of instructor).

PSY 391 (4) RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN II

Study of design and of research in psychology and the use of statistics. Practice in the integration of design and statistics is included. Students finish a significant research project.  This course must be taken in the semester immediately following Psychology 390.
Prerequisites: Psychology 103, 390, Mathematics 203, or consent of instructor.

PSY 400 (2) HISTORY AND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY

A study of important ideas and debates in the history of psychology as they reappear in contemporary theory and research (e.g., the mind-body problem; nature-nurture). This course also provides a comprehensive review of important theories and findings in psychology in preparation for the GRE Subject Exam. An overview of the graduate school application process is offered.
Prerequisites: Senior standing or spring semester of the junior year, if applying to graduate school in the fall of the senior year.

PSY 409 (4) PSYCHOLOGY OF COGNITION AND LEARNING

A study of the major theories and empirical findings in the fields of cognition and learning, as well as practical applications to human behavior. Laboratory activities may be included.
Prerequisites: Psychology 103 and 390 or consent of instructor.

PSY 410 (3) ISSUES IN PSYCHOTHERAPY–THEOLOGY INTEGRATION

More detailed study of issues involved in the integration of theological insights and  psychotherapy approaches within the therapeutic setting. Includes an overview of the historical relationship between religion and psychotherapy, differing models of the therapeutic relationship, and various models for integrating psychotherapeutic theory with theological world views. Introduces specific issues that arise in conducting therapy with religious persons, including criteria for evaluating healthy and unhealthy forms of religious belief. Offered spring only.
Prerequisites: Psychology 321 and Psychology 325 or consent of instructor.

PSY 420 (3) MORAL DEVELOPMENT AND CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY

Psychological and theological studies of the meaning of moral character and of the relationship between processes of moral development, religious faith, and the experience of God. Emphasis is placed on understanding moral developmental determinants of religious experience, and on the application of psychotherapeutic principles in facilitating moral character change. A multi-disciplinary approach is taken to encourage integrative scholarship in the areas of faith development, spiritual formation, and character change. Integration within the Wesleyan theological tradition is emphasized. Open to students who are not Psychology majors.
Prerequisites: Psychology 101 or 103 and Bible 101 or 102.

PSY 460 (3) THE HUMAN CHALLENGE

A course designed to engage students in a systematic interdisciplinary reflection on some of the challenges of an examined and well-lived life. It poses three human challenges for interdisciplinary (literary, philosophical, psychological, and theological) dialogue: 1) the challenge of evolving a philosophic faith; 2) the challenge of expanding one's capacity to love; and 3) the challenge of broadening one's personal identity and vision of meaningful, creative work. Students read literacy works that embody these adult developmental themes as well as selective articles from philosophy and psychology. Offered spring only.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

PSY 470 (3-4) PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY

Students are placed in local mental health or social service agencies to obtain training in specific psychological skills. May be repeated up to a total of seven units. Graded Credit/No Credit.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and approval of department faculty.

PSY 490 (1-3) SPECIAL STUDIES IN PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed study of selected individual topics in psychology. Designed for advanced students to go deeply into an area not included in the curriculum. May be repeated up to a total of six units. Offered on demand.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

PSY 499 (1-4) RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY

Open to students of proven ability. Designed for students to undertake a significant self-initiated research project. May be repeated up to a total of six units.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and approval of department faculty.