Psychology and Child Development

Introduction to the child development major, self-assessments, career opportunities, university and community resources, and the program at Cal Poly. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 2 lectures.

Observation methods and guidance techniques for adults working with children in family, community, and educational settings. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Supervised investigation, including a written report, of a topic chosen with prior approval of instructor. Total credit limited to 6 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter.

Study of theories and research about the development and learning of children and young adolescents within diverse backgrounds, and application to teaching in public school settings. Observations/interactions with children in school settings. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Participation in public schools requires mandated fingerprint clearance. Crosslisted as CD/EDUC 207.

Preliminary teaching experience with children in a preschool laboratory setting. Participant planning, execution and evaluation of age-appropriate activities. Observation is used as the basis for planning for the development of the whole child. 2 lecture, 2 laboratories.

Introduction to research and theory on family relationships and behavior across the lifespan. Contextual influences, diversity of family forms, and topics such as love, mate selection, marital quality, parenting, gender, household work, divorce, and remarriage. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 254.

Introduction to the scientific study of development with emphasis on the lifespan, from infancy to old age. Basic research and concepts in understanding social, emotional, cognitive, contextual, and diversity influences on development. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 256.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Technology applications (e.g., websites, film, podcasts, blogs) as they relate to communication of research and theory in developmental science. Digital tools used by developmental researchers and professionals when working with children, youth, and families. 2 laboratories.

Human development from conception through the second year of life. Examination of theory and research in multiple domains of development. Consideration of environments and activities which enhance the emerging capabilities of infants and toddlers. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

In-depth study of theory and research on development in early and middle childhood, especially within physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains. Consideration of case studies and current practices in light of theoretical perspectives and current research. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

Psychological analysis of the years from prepubescence to young adulthood. Current research on behavior and development during adolescence with emphasis on physical, affective, cognitive, sociocultural, historical, family, peer and school aspects of life during the post-child, pre-adult years. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 306.

Introduction to research methods in child development. Critically evaluating research literature, generating research questions, and conducting observations and interviews with children and adolescents. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Current issues and research concerning how children and youth develop and learn in school. Topics may include motivation, views of intelligence, teacher and student relations, constructivist learning environments, socioemotional learning, school climates, home-school connections. 4 lectures.

How children and youth develop and learn in settings and activities outside of formal schooling, such as everyday family activities, informal learning institutions (e.g., museums), nature, and organized extracurricular activities. Research findings and theoretical perspectives on how activity in such settings supports development and learning. 4 lectures.

Applications of psychological principles to childhood behavioral disorders. Aggression, delinquency, stress reactions, motivational, perceptual-attentional deficiencies, psychoses, anxiety disorders, biological dysfunctions, and social, emotional and intellectual disabilities. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 seminars. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 356. Formerly CD 456.

Supervised investigation, including a written report, of a topic chosen with prior approval of instructor. Total credit limited to 6 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter.

Examination of research and theory on how use of digital technologies (e.g., electronic toys, television, video games, virtual reality, educational technologies, assistive technologies, social media) relates to children's and adolescents' development across domains. 4 lectures. Formerly CD 413.

Current theories and research on the development of interpersonal relationships in childhood and adolescence. Topics may include parent-child relationships, peer relationships in childhood, intimate relationships in adolescence. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 417.

Examination of research on child and adolescent development in diverse families and community settings. Topics include close examination of cultural communities in different countries (cross-cultural) and in the United States (multicultural) using sociocultural frameworks. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

Current developmental and environmental assessments used in care and educational settings and in prevention programs and research. Practice using, creating, and evaluating child assessments. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 431.

Faculty-supervised research experience on various topics related to child and adolescent development. Student apprenticeship with a department faculty member engaging in a research project. Credit/No Credit grading only. Formerly CD 333.

Faculty-supervised research experience on various topics related to child and adolescent development. Student apprenticeship with a department faculty member to conduct aspects of a research project. Credit/No Credit grading only. Formerly CD 433.

Advanced study of theoretical perspectives and research on the development of children and adolescents and the implications for current practice and policy. 4 seminars. Formerly CD 401.

Faculty supervised fieldwork experience. Role of professional apprentice is experienced and analyzed by each student. Credit/No Credit grading only. Formerly CD 330.

Faculty-supervised preprofessional experience in a career-related setting which complements the CD 330 internship. Such roles as master teacher, caseworker, therapeutic intern, administrative aide or program specialist are experienced and analyzed by each student. Credit/No credit grading only. Formerly CD 430.

Issues in child maltreatment, including definitions and forms, causes, consequences, assessment, reporting, treatment, and prevention. Possible links among research, intervention, and public policy will be emphasized. 4 seminars. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 460.

Senior project expectations and skills. Students identify appropriate topics, methods and content for the senior project; to be presented in progress reports. Conduct literature reviews. 2 seminars.

Completion of a project under faculty supervision.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Orientation to the psychology major and psychology as a career. Introduction to requirements of the major, available resources, strategies for academic success, and career options in psychology and related fields. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 2 lectures.

Individual investigation, research, study or survey of selected problems in consultation and with prior approval of instructor. Written report required. Total credit limited to 4 units.

Introduction to the psychological study of human beings. Applications and research in areas such as psychobiology, perception, learning, motivation, consciousness, memory and cognition, personality, emotion, development, psychological assessment, social behavior, psychopathology and psychotherapy. A student may enroll for credit in either PSY 201 or PSY 202, but not both. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area E (GE Area D4 for students on the 2017-19 or earlier catalogs).

Introduction to the psychological study of human beings. Applications and research in areas such as psychobiology, perception, learning, motivation, consciousness, memory and cognition, personality, emotion, development, psychological assessment, social behavior, psychopathology and psychotherapy. A student may enroll for credit in either PSY 201 or PSY 202, but not both. 3 lectures, 1 discussion. Fulfills GE Area E (GE Area D4 for students on the 2017-19 or earlier catalogs).

Skills and techniques of solving problems in large and small groups. Conducting and reporting meetings. Analyses of leadership dynamics in campus organizations. Credit/No Credit grading only. Total credit limited to 6 units. 1-3 activities.

How attitudes, beliefs, and behavior are affected by the social situation. Gender roles, prejudice, aggression, altruism, attitudes and persuasion, liking and loving, and group behavior. Use of social psychology to understand diversity issues, reduce racism and sexism and international conflict, improve relationships, and communicate persuasively. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Introduction to research and theory on family relationships and behavior across the lifespan. Contextual influences, diversity of family forms, and topics such as love, mate selection, marital quality, parenting, gender, household work, divorce, and remarriage. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 254.

Introduction to the scientific study of development with emphasis on the lifespan, from infancy to old age. Basic research and concepts in understanding social, emotional, cognitive, contextual, and diversity influences on development. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 256.

A historical overview of African American psychology, and a critical examination of the psychocultural forces (e.g., history of slavery, racism, oppression, education, familial factors) that have helped to shape the beliefs, attitudes, identities, behavior, and well-being of African Americans.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Application of developmental psychology to self awareness. Includes communication skills, self modification skills and examination of life goals and values. 4 lectures.

Characteristics of functioning organizations and their effects on individuals. Psychological issues relevant to the maintenance of the organization. Motivation, leadership, group phenomena, communication, decision-making, attitudes, personnel selection and organizational change. 4 lectures.

Weekly meetings of students from two distinct self-defined identity groups, with trained peer facilitators, in which readings, experiential activities, informed dialogue, and reflective writing are integrated as a means of encouraging self and group awareness and exploring ways to promote just community across difference. Supplemented by weekly lecture/discussions. 2 lectures, 2 discussions. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Personality theories and research. Assessment, dynamics, and development of personality. Trait, behavioral, social learning, cognitive, humanistic, psychoanalytic and biological approaches. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

Psychological analysis of the years from prepubescence to young adulthood. Current research on behavior and development during adolescence with emphasis on physical, affective, cognitive, sociocultural, historical, family, peer and school aspects of life during the post-child, pre-adult years. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 306.

Psychological aspects of death, loss and grief, including scientific findings, person-culture transactions and expressions in the arts and humanities. Personal exploration and interdisciplinary application of psychology to issues such as death anxiety, dying processes, funerals, immortality beliefs, suicide, and grieving. 4 lectures.

Interrelationship between behavior and the built and natural environments. Evaluating and understanding environments, environmental stress, and the human aspects of environmental problems. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Psychological and physiological aging in the context of the culture. Theories and research relating to the issues of stability and both positive and negative changes in perception, learning, memory, intelligence, personality, identity, motivation, sexuality, family relationships, career. Disorders, institutionalization, death and bereavement. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Scientific study of how mental, behavioral, and social processes affect physical health. Topics include health-risk behaviors and promotion of personal control over health improvement, social status and health disparities, stress and coping, and the patient-provider relationship. 4 lectures.

Basic skills and approaches common to helping relationships with children, adults, and families. Examines theoretical, empirical, and practical applications of helping. Differentiation between professional, paraprofessional, and nonprofessional helping relationships. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Investigation of psychological genders and sexualities beyond ideas associated with biological sex. Exploration of sex/gender/sexuality differences from a social psychological (e.g., socialization) perspective. Implications of gender roles (including masculinity, femininity, non-binary) and sexual identities for relationships and health. Course may be offered in a classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as PSY/WGQS 324. Formerly WGS 324.

Scientific study of the enhancement of strengths and optimal functioning in humans. Basic research, assessment and helping concepts in understanding optimal functioning within diverse populations. 4 lectures.

Introduction to research methods used in psychology and other behavioral sciences. Topics include the logic and ethics of research; experimental, correlational, and survey methodology; library search strategies; basic statistical procedures; and the format of the research report. 4 lectures.

Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. Social and psychological issues related to drug use and misuse. 4 lectures.

Thorough introduction to the quantitative aspects of empirical research. Using SPSS statistical software, students will learn how to choose, conduct, and interpret analyses of research data from different behavioral science disciplines. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Relationship between physiological and behavioral processes such as learning and memory, language, sleep, and abnormal behavior. Information processing, biochemistry, and structural organization at the cellular and nervous system levels. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).

Examine the relative influence of genetic and environmental factors on human behavior. Emphasis on the foundation and application of behavioral genetics to the field of psychology. Topics include heritability, gene-environment interplay, ethics, and emerging technologies. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).

Group dynamics applied to teams. Topics include team development, basic team processes, conflict management, decision making, leadership, problem solving, and the impacts of diversity and culture on teams. Focus on effective use of teams in the workplace. Not open to students with credit for PSY 351. 4 lectures.

Psychological, situational, political, and cultural determinants of violence and nonviolence in interpersonal, intergroup, and international conflict. Self-assessment of conflict resolution attitudes, competencies, and behaviors. Negotiation, mediation, and other approaches to conflict management. Educational and structural approaches to violence prevention. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Applications of psychological principles to childhood behavioral disorders. Aggression, delinquency, stress reactions, motivational, perceptual-attentional deficiencies, psychoses, anxiety disorders, biological dysfunctions, and social, emotional and intellectual disabilities. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 seminars. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 356. Formerly CD 456.

Principles and theories of cognition including models of perception, attention, memory, concept formation, language, intelligence, problem-solving/decision making, and creativity. Discusses applications to areas such as artificial intelligence, education, and implications for understanding related fields in arts, sciences, and technology. Course may be offered in a classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Applications of social psychology to education, business and industry, environmental problems, interpersonal and intergroup relations, health and welfare, mass communication, judicial systems, and politics. Analysis of social and organizational problems, methods of intervention, and program evaluation. 4 seminars.

Introduction to the fields of clinical and counseling psychology. History, education and training, theories, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Introduction to diverse settings, ethical principles, legal guidelines, credentialing and employment opportunities. 4 lectures.

The impact of culture, ethnicity, and race on human behavior within the framework of psychological theory and research. Emphasis on ethnic minority groups within the U.S. including: African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, and Latino/a Americans. Not open to students in MS Psychology program. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 seminars. Fulfills USCP.

Application and practice of psychology in both the civil and criminal justice systems. Examination of police and investigative psychology, correctional psychology, expert witness testimony, psychological evaluations for the courts, understanding aggression. 4 lectures.

Individual investigation, research, study or survey of selected problems in consultation and with prior approval of instructor. Written report required. Total credit limited to 4 units.

Supervised experience in various community, governmental, educational, or research settings. Especially designed for individuals in applied settings requiring additional hours or a pre-fieldwork training experience. Applied psychological, developmental, or educational experiences determined by participating institution, supervising faculty member, and student. Cannot be substituted for PSY 448, PSY 449, PSY 453, or PSY 454. Credit/No Credit grading only. Total credit limited to 4 units.

Normal and abnormal behavior in everyday life. Anxiety, somatoform, dissociative, mood, childhood, personality, psychotic, cognitive, eating, and substance use disorders and their treatment. 4 lectures.

Survey of the philosophical and scientific roots of modern psychology, pioneer laboratories, systems, and schools of psychology, the refining of experimental methods, and applications of psychology in testing and psychological services. Examination of contributions by women and minorities in psychology. 4 seminars.

Current theories and research on the development of interpersonal relationships in childhood and adolescence. Topics may include parent-child relationships, peer relationships in childhood, intimate relationships in adolescence. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 417.

Concepts, theories, and research related to the development of the self across the lifespan. Examination of the influence of temperament, culture, individuation, self-esteem, self-awareness, roles and identity on maturity. 4 seminars.

Principles of sensory systems, psychophysics, attention and the perception of color, shape, movement, space, and time. Survey of the development of perception through the lifespan. 4 lectures.

Current developmental and environmental assessments used in care and educational settings and in prevention programs and research. Practice using, creating, and evaluating child assessments. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 431.

Theory and practice of psychological measurement and testing. Principles of test construction, administration, and interpretation. Survey of common testing domains such as intelligence, scholastic aptitude and achievement, and personality. 4 lectures.

Modern principles and theories of memory from a psychological and biological perspective. Discussion of different types of memory (e.g., short-term, episodic, semantic, implicit), variables that affect memory (e.g., emotion, stress, sleep), and real-life applications (e.g., disorders, eyewitness testimony). Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Faculty-supervised research experience on various topics in psychology. Student apprenticeship with a department faculty member to conduct research. Responsibilities include some or all of the following: collecting data, entering and/or analyzing data, electronic literature search, report writing. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Faculty-supervised research experience on various topics in psychology. Student apprenticeship with a department faculty member to conduct research. Responsibilities include some or all of the following: collecting data, entering and/or analyzing data, electronic literature search, report writing. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Basic elements of marriage and family therapy and crisis intervention. Emphasis on concepts, goals, and techniques of various family therapy approaches and family crisis intervention. 4 lectures.

Supervised fieldwork experience in various community, governmental, and educational settings. Applied psychological, developmental, or educational experiences determined by participating institution, supervising faculty member, and student. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Supervised fieldwork experience in various community, governmental, and educational settings. Applied psychological, developmental, or educational experiences determined by participating institution, supervising faculty member, and student. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Theoretical and philosophical foundations of the experimental analysis of behavior. Principles of classical and operant conditioning including aversive control of behavior through punishment and avoidance learning and the theoretical basis for behavior therapy techniques and applications of learning principles in education and health settings. 4 lectures.

Issues in child maltreatment, including definitions and forms, causes, consequences, assessment, reporting, treatment, and prevention. Possible links among research, intervention, and public policy will be emphasized. 4 seminars. Crosslisted as CD/PSY 460.

Discussion of occupational and graduate school opportunities and current issues in psychology for the purpose of defining professional objectives and individual projects for PSY 462. Preparation for Senior Project by developing an annotated bibliography that will inform the organization and direction of their project. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 seminars.

Design and completion of a faculty-supervised project in psychology. The project must be presented in a formal, written report. Minimum of 60 hours total time.

Psychological, cultural, ecological and behavioral influences on human development in different cultural settings. Focuses on from one to three different cultures outside the U.S. in any given quarter. 4 seminars.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 4 seminars.

Examination of social psychological frameworks for understanding the origins and consequences of prejudice and ways to improve relationships between people who come from different social groups (e.g., race, ethnicity, class, age, sexual orientation, gender). Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills USCP.

Recent empirical and theoretical discoveries pertaining to the neural basis of cognition, including methodologies, applications, and controversies. Focus on reading and discussing research articles in the areas of perception, memory, language, decision making, executive function, neuroimaging, and more. 4 seminars.

Part-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Major credit limited to 6 units; total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Full-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Major credit limited to 6 units; total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advanced study planned and completed under the direction of a member of the department faculty. Open only to graduate students who have demonstrated ability to do independent work. Enrollment by petition. Only 6 units may be applied to degree requirements.

Advanced course in brain-behavior relationships. Neuropathology of brain disorders including the neurochemical etiology and treatment of mental illness and chemical dependency. 4 seminars.

History, development, and systemic foundations of the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. Major models and theories of family therapy with focus on the sociocultural contexts of defining healthy and dysfunctional dynamics, treatment goals, and associated approaches. Current issues relating to professional identity and functioning in the field. 4 seminars.

Etiological, assessment, diagnostic, and treatment models of child and adolescent disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Genetic, neurobiological, environmental, and sociocultural factors of childhood disorders within a developmental perspective. Current theory, research, and practice emphasized. 4 seminars.

Overview of the counseling profession, history, philosophy, theory, and ethics. Emphasis on developing interviewing, assessment and communication skills. 3 seminars, 1 activity.

Psychological, cultural, and ecological analysis of the experiences and histories of various cultural groups within the United States. Development of personal self-awareness of multicultural issues and culturally relevant counseling skills. 4 seminars.

Counseling theories and concepts applied to individuals. Develop skills in interviewing, assessment, intervention selection, termination and crisis intervention. Ethics and law included. 4 seminars.

Ethical, legal and case management issues related to individual, child, family and group therapy. Client rights and professional orientation to ethical standards and state regulation of clinical practice. 4 seminars.

Assessment of mental status. Diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, treatment planning, treatment case documentation and research applied to client psychopathology. 4 seminars.

Group therapy theory, leadership and research applied to client assessment, screening, treatment selection, evaluation and termination. Ethics, law included. 4 seminars.

Theory and application of advanced approaches in psychotherapy, including, but not limited to: cognitive-behavioral therapies, psychodynamic therapies and humanistic/existential therapies. The Class Schedule will list therapy selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 seminars.

Applied experience and instruction in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and treatment of individuals, couples, families and children under direct supervision of faculty in program clinic. Total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to graduate students and selected seniors. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 4 seminars.

Theory and application of process, structural and systems approaches to family therapy. Assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of family therapy. Ethics and law related to family therapy. 4 seminars.

Assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and therapeutic modalities appropriate for children and adolescents. Both theoretically based and empirically based treatment approaches presented. Instruction in the assessment and treatment of abuse and neglect of children with relevant ethics and law. 4 seminars.

Administration, scoring and interpretation of psychological tests. Reliability and validity of psychological measures. Ethical and cultural issues in testing. 4 seminars.

Antecedents to sex-role identity, gender aware therapy, couple therapy, treatment of spousal/partner abuse; human sexuality, behavior, and psychosexual dysfunction. 4 seminars.

Supervised experience in applied psychotherapeutic techniques, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individual, marital, family and child relationship problems. Total credit limited to 16 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Weekly seminar with on-site and university supervisors.

An overview of community mental health as envisioned via California's Mental Health Services Act. Examination of the opportunities and challenges in delivering effective mental health services in publicly-funded settings. Exploration of concepts and practices, including the recovery model and innovative approaches. 4 seminars.

Research methods relevant to practitioners in counseling psychology and human services. Basic understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics as well as applications related to these topics. 4 seminars.

Etiological and biopsychosocial factors, as well as assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of substance use disorders. Differential diagnosis, co-occurrence with other conditions, unique population concerns, including use across the lifespan, and local treatment options will be discussed. 4 seminars.

Completion of a thesis pertinent to the fields of psychology and human services. Total credit limited to 8 units.