Psychology
13 courses · Las Positas College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026
PSYC 21 Psychology of Race and Identity
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the impact of race and ethnicity on identity in the United States, which focuses on how these influence human behavior and shape one’s understanding of the world around them. We will study a variety of topics related to race, ethnicity, social and cultural group developmental norms and the extent of influence these norms may have on an individual’s worldview. This course seeks to strengthen diversity awareness and knowledge by engaging in difficult discussions surrounding race and identity. This course will review a broad range of theories and research findings regarding race and ethnicity’s influence on human behavior and cognitive process. Topics covered include stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, racism, the intersection between race, ethnicity and other forms of oppression, privilege, and identity development. Students may receive credit for ETHS 5 or PSYC 21, but not both.
PSYC 29 Independent Study, Psychology
- Units
- 0.5-2
- Hours
- 108 hours laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours lab.
PSYC 3 Introduction to Social Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 170
This course will introduce theories and concepts that explain individual behavior in social settings. The topics include research methods, social perception, social cognition, beliefs, prejudice/discrimination, interpersonal relationships, aggression, and group behavior.
PSYC 4 Brain, Mind, and Behavior
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 150
Introduction to the field of biopsychology. The biopsychology of cognitive, perceptual, emotional, developmental, and social processes. Includes the biopsychology of personality, gender, emotions, learning, learning disabilities, drugs, neurological and developmental disorders, and mental health. Examination of information and theory for practical application.
PSYC 6 Abnormal Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 120
An introduction to mental health and the major mental health disorders in adults and children; includes anxiety, mood, personality, sexual, and psychotic disorders. The course will include the study of the major psychological, biological, and sociocultural models of mental health disorders and their treatment.
PSYC 10 Psychology of Human Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 130
Physiological and psychosocial aspects of sexual health in our contemporary society. Understanding the interrelationship of attitude and behavior as it relates to sexual well-being and sexual integrity.
PSYC 12 Life-Span Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 180
Introduction to the psychological, physiological, and socio-cultural factors influencing development from conception through death. Emphasis on the process of normal development and its variations. Examination of theoretical models and research for practical application.
PSYC 13 Psychology of Women
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines the diverse experiences of women from a psychological perspective. Students will explore psychological theory and research on gender and issues that affect women, and will gain insight into how psychologists investigate gender-related issues.
PSYC 15 Abnormal Child Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
An exploration of the emotional, cognitive, developmental, and behavioral problems of childhood and adolescence. Topics include: common stresses and problems of adjustment; the effects of stress, abuse, and traumas on development; intellectual disability, autistic spectrum disorder, and other developmental disabilities; normal and abnormal problems of attention, conduct, mood, anxiety, sleep, eating, sex, learning and speech. Examination of the causes of mental health problems in children and adolescents and approaches to treatment.
PSYC 17 The Psychology of Sleep and Dreams
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the scientific study of sleep and dreams. Major historic, modern, multicultural views and theories of sleep and dreams; research methods in the study of sleep and dreams; the biological basis of sleep and dreams; biological rhythms; individual differences in biological rhythms and their implication for social policies; the stages and cycles of sleep; sleep requirements and changes across the lifespan; the relationship between sleep and daytime alertness, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, and physical and mental health; societal implications of sleep deprivation in diverse populations; theories of dream content, function, and meaning; dreaming and creativity; lucid dreaming; sleep disorders and their characteristics and treatments. Examination of information and theories for practical application.
PSYC 25 Research Methods
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture,, 54 hours laboratory
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000; STAT C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 200, PSY 205B
Introduction to the use of the scientific method in the study of human and animal behavior. Coverage of descriptive, experimental, and non-experimental methods commonly used in psychological research. Topics will include ethical principles in research, hypothesis development and testing, observational methods, survey research, the fundamentals of experimental design, basic data analysis, and the presentation of research findings.
PSYC 27 Introduction to Cognitive Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of cognitive science. Basic issues related to cognition, including perception, memory, language, learning, problem solving, spatial cognition, attention, mental imagery, consciousness, brain damage, development, and artificial intelligence, are considered from the perspectives of psychology, philosophy, computer science, and neuroscience.
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSYC 110
This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations.