Psychology
21 courses · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
PSY 102 Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a study of the basic concepts of chemical dependency. Biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors of drug abuse and dependence will be explored. The impact of addiction on families and society; contemporary treatment techniques, and the addiction counseling profession will be covered. Students interested in being certified as a drug and alcohol counselor should begin with this course. This course is also appropriate for all students interested in learning more about alcohol and other drug uses, abuse and dependency.
PSY 103 The Physiology and Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course will examine how psychoactive drugs affect the nervous system. Ways of classifying drugs will be identified including the processes of physical and psychological dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, and genetic predispositions. Temporary and long-term affective, behavioral, cognitive, biological, and social consequences of psychoactive drug use will be explored. Medical and pharmacological resources in the treatment of substance use disorders and special service needs when working with clients who may be HIV, hepatitis, STD, or tuberculosis positive will also be reviewed.
PSY 104 Prevention, Intervention, and Education
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course will review historical and contemporary approaches to chemical dependency, including prevention, intervention, and education. It will analyze the progression of substance abuse and chemical dependency disorders and will evaluate types of prevention, education, and intervention strategies.
PSY 105 Group Leadership and Process
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the dynamics of group interaction, with emphasis upon the individual's firsthand experience as the group studies itself under supervision. Problems of communication, effective emotional responses, and personal growth will be highlighted. The emphasis will be upon group process as a means of changing behavior.
PSY 106 Case Management, Law and Ethics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course reviews the principles and practice of case management in addiction treatment including the processes of intake, screening, assessment, treatment planning, referral, and documentation. Professional and ethical codes of conduct and behavior are also reviewed and emphasized.
PSY 107 Chemical Dependency Family Counseling
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to explore methods of assisting family members and others to understand and to cope with the alcohol and drug abuse of alcoholics and addicts. Several family therapy modalities will be explored. The approach will be experiential in format and students will participate in exercises that lead to the development of these skills.
PSY 108 Introduction to Psychological and Social Services
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours, 108 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in PSY 106.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised internship in a human service agency or an alcohol and other drug treatment facility. An overview of the field of human services, including alcohol and other drug treatment. The roles of psychologists, sociologists, social workers, family therapists, social service assistants, and addiction counselors are compared and contrasted, and the issues they deal with are described. Through cooperative efforts of provider agencies, the instructor, and the student, the skills utilized for entry-level employment are observed, practiced, and evaluated under supervision.
PSY 109 Directed Field Experience I
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 108 lab hours, 162 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in PSY 106.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised internship in a human service agency or an alcohol and other drug treatment facility. The student intern will have an opportunity to observe human service providers working with clients in agency settings. Ethical guidelines for helping professions, developing cultural competence, stages of change, and motivational interviewing as a helping style are discussed. Interns practice interviewing skills for increasing motivation for positive change.
PSY 110 Directed Field Experience II
- Units
- 6
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 162 lab hours, 216 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in PSY 106.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised internship in an alcohol and other drug treatment facility. This course emphasizes advanced concepts in chemical dependency. Students refine their skills for the 12 core functions of effective clinical practice and compile a professional portfolio in preparation for the state certifying written exam. This course meets the 45-hour supervised practicum requirement for the California Certification Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors.
PSY 200 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL C1000 (ENGL 101) and STAT C1000 (MATH 115).
- Advisory
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in PSYC C1000 (PSY 101).
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 200
This course surveys the various psychological research methods with an emphasis on research design, experimental procedures, descriptive methods, instrumentation, and the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research data. Research design and methodology will be examined through a review of research in a variety of the subdisciplines of psychology.
PSY 201 Introduction to Physiological Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PSY 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 150
This course explores the concept that both psychological experience and overt behavior are the result of nervous system function. Defining and identifying neuroanatomical and neurological terminology are integral parts of this class. Students will analyze and critique research methodology in physiological psychology.
PSY 212 Human Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion PSY 101 and ENGL 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 130
This course surveys biological, sociological, and psychological influences on current sexual attitudes and behavior. Special emphasis is placed on increasing general sexual knowledge, recognizing values, and becoming more comfortable with the subject matter. Critical thinking skills will be developed through examination and analysis of cultural values, the complex research problems, and a wide variety of sexual behaviors. Example topics include: sexual dysfunction, sexual health, sexually transmitted diseases, and variations in sexual behavior.
PSY 230 Social Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion PSYC C1000 (PSY 101) or SOC 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 170
This course studies human interaction and emphasizes the influence of the social context on behavior and experience. Sample topics include social cognition, person perception, attitude formation and change, persuasion, conformity, group processes, aggression, prejudice, attraction and intimacy, gender, and social psychology in the clinic, workplace, and courtroom. Research methods and their ethics will also be addressed.
PSY 232 Theories of Personality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of PSYC C1000 (PSY 101) This course examines both classical and contemporary theories of personality and the basic concepts, assumptions, principles, and implications that underlie them.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The evidence that validates or supports their proposition will be evaluated. This course will further explore the applicability and relevance of the theories to everyday world events, situations and cross culturally. The origination of the theories and the theorist's biographical data will be considered.
PSY 233 Personal and Social Adjustment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of PSYC C1000 (PSY 101).
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 115
This course emphasizes personal and social adjustment through examination of the major theories and issues in the field of psychology. Specific focus is placed on self-awareness, personal growth, interpersonal relationships and communication. Students will also examine current topics in the area of personal and social adjustment in scientific journals.
PSY 234 Abnormal Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ENGL 101 and PSY 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 120
This course provides an introduction and broad overview to abnormal psychology. The course will begin by distinguishing between "normal" and "abnormal" behavior through a historical lens. Specifically, an introduction to the major psychological disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders will be explored and topics covered will include: assessment, diagnosis, treatment, research and prevention of mental disorders. Students will also be challenged to examine their own stereotypes about "abnormal" behavior.
PSY 235 Child Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the psychological development of the person from prenatal period through adolescence. A survey of current psychological theories, such as cognitive, behavioral and social cognitive, and psychoanalytic will be examined regarding the emotional, physical, and social development of the child.
PSY 236 Developmental Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PSY 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 180
Introduction of the psychological development of the person from the prenatal period through old age. A survey of current theories of development including Psychoanalytic, Behavioral, Cognitive, Socio-cultural, and Epigenetic theory and examination of biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial development will be included.
PSY 244 Introduction to Counseling
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of PSY 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction and broad overview to the field of Counseling Psychology. Primary topics covered include counseling theories, a brief history of this specialty, skills, strategies and processes for working with individuals or groups. Additional topics include an introduction to various mental health professions, ethical guidelines, identifying the characteristics of effective helpers and examining the process of personal bias in the counseling relationship.
PSY 301 Organizational Behavioral Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000 (PSY 101) or PSYC C1000H (PSY 101H) This course offers an introduction and broad overview of the psychology of individual and group dynamics in the workplace.
This course will examine topics such as organizational culture and structure, teamwork, group dynamics, managing change, conflict theory, motivation, and leadership. Emphasis is placed on applying course concepts to current workplace issues.
PSY 900 Case Management Essentials
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
The course will provide fundamentals of case management in human services. Procedures for the intake, assessment, and referral of clients will be reviewed and practiced.