Psychology

About Us

The discipline of psychology embraces all aspects of the human experience — from the functions of the brain to the environments in which humans and other animals develop; from child development to aging. Psychology is a science based on a large body of social science and behavioral science research and which is expanding its boundaries to overlap with neuroscience and health science. Psychologists study two critical relationships: one between brain function and behavior, and one between the environment and behavior. As scientists, psychologists follow scientific methods, using careful observation experimentation and analysis to learn more about the world in which we live and its inhabitants. (American Psychological Association)

Psychology Courses

 

PSYC 1300 Learning Framework
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A study of the research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition, and motivation; factors that impact learning; and application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. (May also be offered as EDUC 1300.)

PSYC 2301 Introduction to Psychology
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A survey of the basic principles underlying human behavior and mental processes. Emphasis will be placed on major areas of study in the field of psychology, such as motivation, development, thought processes, and personality. Core Curriculum course.

PSYC 2302 Applied Psychology
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A study of the application of basic psychological principles to adjustment decisions in daily life. This will include such topics as interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, stress, group processes, friendship, love and marriage, and career choices.

PSYC 2303 Business Psychology
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
Survey of psychological principles applied to the work place. This course will introduce students to the psychosocial, interpersonal, and behavioral dynamics of people in organizations. The importance of effective communication, leadership, cultural diversity, and teamwork within an organization will be explored.

PSYC 2306 Human Sexuality
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading.
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
This course is designed to provide an understanding of human sexuality, identity, orientation, and behavior, and the variations in these dimensions of this important aspect of human experience. It includes information on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes associated with sexuality. Theory, research methods, and applications of research to the facilitation of gender identity development and understanding of the human sexual response are covered. The course also provides information on the treatment of sexual dysfunction, and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and irresponsible sexual behavior.

PSYC 2307 Adolescent Psychology
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
Psychology of adolescence is a study of the relationships among the physical, emotional, social and psychological factors that influence growth and development from puberty to early adulthood (ages 12-18).

PSYC 2308 Human Growth and Development: Childhood and Adolescence
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A study of normal physiological, intellectual, and emotional development and functioning of the child from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on normal child development, the family, parent-child interaction, and the psychological and cultural forces affecting them.

PSYC 2311 Human Growth and Development: Adulthood and Aging
Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 or 2308 or Department Approval; Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A study of the normal physiological, intellectual, and emotional development and functioning of the human life cycle from adulthood through death.

PSYC 2314 Human Growth and Development: Lifespan
Prerequisites: PSYC 2301 or Department Approval; Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A developmental psychology course designed to provide an understanding of human behavior and characteristics from conception through death. This course includes information on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes throughout the lifespan. Theory, research, and applications are covered.

PSYC 2315 Psychology of Adjustment
Prerequisites: PSYC 2301; Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A study of human behavior, applying psychological theory to the development of the well-adjusted individual. Techniques for managing stress, reducing anxiety, coping with anger, increasing assertiveness, and achieving self-control are considered.

PSYC 2316 Psychology of Personality
Prerequisites: PSYC 2301; Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
This course covers personality theories that apply to both normal personality and abnormal behavior. Some of the theories covered are psychoanalytic, cognitive, learning, and sociocultural. Current research on the biological foundations of mental health and illness is covered in detail. These theories are related to mental disorders such as major depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Case studies of individuals enhance comprehension of mental disorders. Treatment by psychotherapy and drugs is discussed as well as ethical, legal, and social issues relating to the mentally ill.

PSYC 2317 Statistical Methods in Psychology
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite) and be placed into Math 0312 (or higher).
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
An introduction to the use of scientific methods in psychology and to the statistical analysis of data. Attention is given to descriptive, correlational, and inferential statistical methodology.

PSYC 2319 Social Psychology
Prerequisites: PSYC 2301; Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A study of social cognition, social behavior, interpersonal relations, and group membership. Emphasis on theories, research, and applications.

PSYC 2370 Cross-Cultural Psychology
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
A course designed to explore and better understand psychology from a multicultural perspective. The course will examine similarities and differences among cultures and the context of their development. Discussions, lectures, and assignments will explain how culture influences a group´s way of thinking and behaving. Core Curriculum Course.

PSYC 2374 The Psychology of Women
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into college-level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0349 as a co-requisite).
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
This is a freshman or sophomore college level course on the psychology of women or gender. This course is designed to analyze and clarify the psychological issues in women\'s lives that are responsible for the "gender gap" in success. The course focuses on diversity and challenges that women of various cultures face in the twenty-first century. Strategies for overcoming the effects of sexism and racism in the various life states are also addressed.

PSYC 2389 Academic Cooperative in Psychology
Prerequisites: Must be placed into college-level reading and college-level writing.
Credit: 3 (3 lecture, 0 lab)
An experiential-learning instruction program designed to integrate textbook and classroom knowledge with practical hands-on experience in an applied area of psychology. In conjunction with class seminars, the individual student will set specific goals and objectives in the study of human social behavior and/or social institutions.

Psychology Faculty

Resident Faculty

Denise Boyd (Ed.D., University of Houston)
Professor of Psychology
Child Development, Learning, Memory
Office:EDC A230
Phone:713.718.6535
E-mail:denise.boyd@hccs.edu
  
  
Saundra Boyd (Ph.D., University of Houston)
Professor of Psychology
Lifespan Development, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Human Sexuality
Office:EDC A231
Phone:713.718.6244
E-mail:saundra.boyd@hccs.edu

  
David Gersh (Ph.D., Stony Brook University)
Professor of Psychology
Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology
Office:EDC A231
Phone:713.718.6243
E-mail:david.gersh@hccs.edu

  
Genevieve Stevens (Ph.D., University of Houston)
Professor of Psychology
Abnormal Psychology, Gerontology, Adult Psychology, Counseling Psychology
       
Office:EDC A230
Phone:713.718.6536
E-mail:genevieve.stevens@hccs.edu


  
Madeleine Wright (Ph.D., University of Michigan)
Professor of Psychology
Psychology of Women, African American Issues, Positive Psychology, Developmental Psychology
Office:EDC A234
Phone:713.718.6245
E-mail:madeleine.wright@hccs.edu


  

 

Adjunct Faculty

Mary Aamodt
E-mail:mary.aamodt@hccs.edu
Voice mail: 

 

Larry Brown
E-mail:larryh.brown@hccs.edu
Voice mail:713.533.1559

 

Stephanie Chapman
E-mail:stephanie.chapman@hccs.edu
Voice mail:281.546.2998

 

Bill Davis
E-mail:bill.davis@hccs.edu
Voice mail: 

 

Marshall Getz
E-mail:marshall.getz@hccs.edu
Voice mail: 

 

Dona Izzo
E-mail:dona.izzo@hccs.edu
Voice mail:713.462.6542

 

Nicole Leitner
E-mail:nicole.leitner@hccs.edu
Voice mail:

 

 

 

Olivia McGill
E-mail:olivia.mcgill@hccs.edu
Voice mail: 

 

Joe Moon
E-mail:joe.moon@hccs.edu
Voice mail: 

 

Melissa Moore
E-mail:melissa.moore@hccs.edu
Voice mail: 

 

Randall Murphy
E-mail:randall.murphy@hccs.edu
Voice mail:713.484.6417

 

Laura Renee
E-mail:laura.renee@hccs.edu
Voice mail: 

 

Renelda Roberson
E-mail:renelda.roberson@hccs.edu
Voice mail:832.633.6130

 

Jana Sever
E-mail:jana.sever@hccs.edu
Voice mail: 

 

Carol Watson
E-mail:carol.watson@hccs.edu
Voice mail:713.661.3231

 

Nathalie Wolk
E-mail:nathalie.wolk@hccs.edu
Voice mail: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

Click on the name of your textbook to download the Supplementary Handbook.

 

The World of Psychology, 6e, by Wood, Wood, and Boyd