Psychology-Counseling
9 courses · Las Positas College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026
PCN 5 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- SWHS 110
An introductory overview of social welfare and societal institutions in the U.S. that structure the provision of social services. This course takes a historical perspective on the development of U.S. social work and human services through a social justice lens. Special attention is given to the evolution of social welfare programs and institutions, contemporary social problems, current service delivery systems, policies, procedures, and the essential tasks of culturally responsive social workers in those settings.
PCN 10 Career and Educational Planning
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Exploration of the concept of career, educational and life planning focusing on personal career development through self-assessment. Emphasis on clarification of individual interests, values, needs, abilities and decision making styles, investigation of occupational opportunities in the world of work, and introduction to job search strategies, resume writing and interview skills. Designed for those undecided or uncertain about their career and educational plans.
PCN 13 Cultural Identity and Diversity in Social Work and Human Services
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores of issues relating to the multicultural community in which we live with a focus on improving individuals understanding of other cultures and how those different cultures impact the American lifestyle. Through a social work and counseling lens, students will analyze how the convergence of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, age, and class interact to shape the experiences of individuals, including interpersonal relations and communication.
PCN 18 University Transfer Planning
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the resources and planning process needed to ease the transition from community college to a four-year college or university. Students will develop a personalized transfer action plan, prepare for major and general education requirements, and gain an understanding of application deadlines and important deadlines. Recommended for students transferring to four-year colleges or universities.
PCN 20 Thriving in College
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the essential concepts, knowledge, and skills needed for college success. Students will analyze topics such as motivation, decision-making, interpersonal communication, multicultural awareness, and learning theory. Additionally, they will use problem-solving strategies in areas like goal setting and career development.
PCN 30 Student Success and the College Experience
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores concepts, knowledge, and skills relevant to college success. Students will engage in critical analysis on a variety of topics, including motivation, decision making, interpersonal communication, multicultural awareness, and learning theory. Problem solving strategies will be applied to areas including goal setting, career development, wellness, and accessing campus resources.
PCN 35 Drugs, Health, and Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PH 103
This course provides an overview of the epidemiology and toxicology of substance abuse and its relevance to personal and public health. Students will be introduced to the concept and theories of substance abuse and dependence, the definition of licit and illicit drugs, and the pharmacologic, neurologic and physiologic effects of selected substances on the human brain and body are explored. Political, social and economic factors involved in the supply and demand for drugs will be discussed. Differences between drug schedules are discussed and explored along with epidemiologic data on the prevalence, incidence, and trends of smoking, alcohol, prescription and other drug dependencies in the U.S. will be covered, as well as risk factors associated with the use and abuse of these substances. Current options for recovery and a survey of local resources will be reviewed.
PCN 50 Social Work and Human Services Seminar
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- PCN 5 or PSYC C1000 or SOC 1
- Corequisite
- PCN 50L
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- SWHS 120A
This course provides the student who is participating in a supervised field experience in a community organization, agency, or institution with a weekly class meeting that provides the academic element to the experiential course offering. The application of concepts gained in the prerequisite or corequisite course to the field experience will be emphasized. This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to develop skills that would facilitate gaining employment in the social work and human services field.
PCN 50L Social Work and Human Services Fieldwork
- Units
- 2
- Prerequisite
- PCN 5 or PSYC C1000 or SOC 1
- Corequisite
- PCN 50
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- SWHS 120B
This course offers the student a supervised field experience in a community organization, agency, or institution, allowing the student to apply knowledge and learn new skills outside of the classroom environment. This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to observe, practice, and develop skills that would facilitate gaining employment in the social work and human services field. Students will participate in 108 hours of fieldwork per term, including both in- and out-of-class hours.