Psychology
10 courses · Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
PSY 112 Lifespan Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at the college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 180
This course provides an overview of human psychological development across the lifespan. The course addresses the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that occur from the prenatal period through death; explores the development issues of stability versus change, continuity versus discontinuity, and nature versus nurture; examines the perspectives of major developmental theorists, including Freud, Erickson, and Piaget; and considers current research findings and their applicability to ongoing developmental problems. This course is appropriate for students who want to develop a better understanding of the developmental gains and losses that occur throughout our lives.
PSY 114 Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 120
This course provides an introduction to the study of abnormal behavior for psychology majors, those with an interest in mental illness, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of how psychological "abnormalities" are defined, studied, and treated. The classification, assessment and treatment of psychological disorders will be explored. Students will not only develop an understanding of the etiology and diagnosis of such disorders, as based upon the criteria provided in the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ("DSM"), but develop an appreciation of the cultural, historical and theoretical influences that affect the definitions and treatment of abnormal behavior.
PSY 121 Drugs, Society, and Behavior
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ADS 110X
This course is for the student who seeks a basic understanding of the effects of drugs of abuse and an in-depth consideration of the societal aspects of psychoactive drugs. It is designed for those students interested in furthering their understanding of psychoactive drugs and those interested in working with populations recovering from or at risk for drug problems. Current and historical uses of and attitudes towards drugs will be addressed, as well as drug use disorders, drug legislation, and treatment options. Societal and cultural differences will also be noted.
PSY 127 Introduction to the Physiological Effects of Drugs of Abuse
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ADS 140X
This course is designed for students interested in furthering their understanding of psychoactive drugs, and those interested in working with populations recovering from or at risk for drug problems. The course examines the pharmacological actions of drugs of abuse as they relate to the physiological and behavioral effects of such drugs, and emphasizes the properties of drugs that increase the likelihood of developing substance use disorders.
PSY 180 Positive Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course focuses on the research, theories, and ideas surrounding, promoting, and maintaining well-being, good health, and happiness. Students explore topics in the field of positive psychology including but not limited to wellness, optimism, flow, happiness, and positive thinking. The course is beneficial for students majoring in psychology, or looking to transfer as a psychology major.
PSY 190 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 Lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 and the ability to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- MATH 110, SOCI 125
This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics inlcuding basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics.
PSY 200 Research Methods in Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000, PSYC C1000H, PSY 190 or STAT C1000 or STAT C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 200
This course provides an introduction to the philosophy of science and the examination of hypothetical deductive methods and their relationship to theory. Topics include the nature of experimental research and design, experimental and non-experimental research-including group and single-subject designs, literature reviews, research ethics, the collection and analysis of data, and writing APA-style reports. Collection, handling, and analysis of original empirical data during and outside of class, and in both experimental and nonexperimental designs, are an integral component of the course. The course is designed for students intending to pursue a degree in psychology.
PSY 210 Biological Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 150
This course is designed for students interested in understanding the biological processes that underlie human behavior. The biological basis of normal and abnormal behavior—including sensory systems, brain and behavior relationships, and underlying neurochemical processes—is explored, as is the extent to which biological processes interact with environmental influences to determine behavior.
PSY 210H Biological Psychology Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- ENGL C1000, PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 150
This course is designed for students interested in understanding the biological processes that underlie human behavior. The biological basis of normal and abnormal behavior—including sensory systems, brain and behavior relationships, and underlying neurochemical processes—is explored, as is the extent to which biological processes interact with environmental influences to determine behavior. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program.
PSY 299 Directed Study: Psychology
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 54-162 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Independent Study/Directed Study is intended for students who have the ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written or oral reports and/or appropriate projects. To enroll in an independent study/directed study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average, a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent Studies/Directed Studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students will be expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress shall be evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for Independent Studies/Directed Studies shall be the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title V regulations with one unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, six (6) hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress through the semester. Students may take directed study courses for a maximum of three (3) units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of nine (9) units college wide.