Psychology
15 courses · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
PSY 105 Research Methods in Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- STAT C1000 and PSYC C1000
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 200
This psychology based research methods class will cover the scientific method and various research approaches. Topics covered consist of sampling procedures, descriptive research including observational and correlational studies, experimental research including single and multi-factorial designs, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and ethics in psychological research. Students will apply APA methodology, read, evaluate and interpret research papers, and relate the scientific method to real world situations.
PSY 106 Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Addiction
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- NA
An overview of the role of alcohol and other drugs in society with emphasis on such topics as patterns of use, major categories of drugs, use/misuse/addiction, and approaches to prevention, intervention, and treatment. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for SOC 106 or HUSV 110.
PSY 112 Human Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 130
This course provides an introductory overview of human sexuality from biological, psychological, cultural, and social perspectives within the United States and across diverse cultures. Topics include sexual development across the lifespan, relationships, communication, sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sexual behavior. Emphasis is placed on sexual health, including reproductive health, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections, as well as contemporary issues such as consent, ethics, and the impact of media and culture. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own values and attitudes while developing respect for diverse expressions of sexuality.
PSY 113 Theories Of Personality
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- NA
This course provides an overview of major theories of personality, including psychodynamic, trait, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and social learning perspectives. Emphasis is placed on evaluating personality assessment methods, cultural and ethical considerations, and applications of personality theories to self-understanding, relationships, and contemporary issues in psychological functioning.
PSY 117 Child Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development from conception through adolescence. Emphasis is placed on major theories of development, research methods, and the influence of family, culture, and environment. Applications include child observation, education, health, and contemporary issues related to child development.
PSY 118 Human Development - Lifespan
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 180
This course explores human development from conception to death, including biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on theoretical perspectives, research methods, and the application of developmental principles to real-world issues such as education, health, and aging in diverse cultural contexts.
PSY 119 Abnormal Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 and READ 110
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 120
This course introduces the scientific study of psychopathology and atypical behavior, examining biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors in mental disorders. Students will learn classification and assessment methods, theoretical models, and treatment approaches, with attention to ethical and cultural issues in mental health.
PSY 121 Social Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000 and ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 170
This course examines how individuals think, feel, and behave in social contexts. Topics include social cognition, attitudes, persuasion, conformity, group dynamics, prejudice, aggression, prosocial behavior, and interpersonal relationships, with applications to contemporary cultural and societal issues. This course meets the Social Science GE requirement.
PSY 122 States of Consciousness
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
An exploration of different states of consciousness, the means of attaining those states, their uses, misuses, and consequences. Topics include theories of consciousness, neural correlates of conscious experience, substance use disorders, sleep, dreams, hypnosis, dissociation and dissociation disorders, out-of-body states, near-death experiences, paranormal phenomena, meditation, non-Western methods of altering consciousness, and peak experiences. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or who have received credit for HUSV 122 or ANTH 122.
PSY 127 Emotional Intelligence
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- NA
This course introduces the concept of emotional intelligence as a set of skills related to perceiving, managing, and utilizing emotions in oneself and others. Emphasis is placed on self-awareness, empathy, relationships, workplace effectiveness, health, and strategies for enhancing emotional competence.
PSY 128 Positive Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- NA
This course introduces the scientific study of positive psychology, focusing on well-being, resilience, happiness, and flourishing. Topics include emotions, motivation, creativity, strengths, coping, relationships, and interventions to enhance personal and community well-being across cultures.
PSY 132 Drugs, the Brain and the Body
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- HUSV 110, or SOC 106, or PSY 106
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- NA
Provides an overview of the pharmacology of drugs in substance use disorders with emphasis on drug effects, how drug effects occur, how the body processes drugs, and health consequences of drug use and addiction. Physiologic aspects of addiction and tolerance are explored. Pharmacologic interventions are integrated with other substance use disorder treatment modalities. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HUSV 132.
PSY 142 Co-Occurring Disorders Engagement
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- NA
Concepts, definitions, and features of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders emphasizing attainment of empathic engagement with persons who have these disorders. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or who have received credit for HUSV 142.
PSY 143 Co-Occurring Disorders: Integrated Interventions
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- HUSV 142, or PSY 142
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- NA
A study of the intervention to benefit persons who have both psychiatric problems and alcohol or other drug use problems. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or who have received credit for HUSV 143.
PSY 189 Independent Project in Psychology
- Units
- 1-3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- NA
Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All contracts for these classes must be completed and submitted to the Records Office no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Students may enroll for any combination (unit value) of Independent Projects 189 and/or 389 for a total of four semesters in a specific discipline. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester