|
| Module Availability |
| Available to all first year BSc Psychology students. This module runs throughout the academic year. |
|
|
| Assessment Pattern |
1) One 1200 word coursework essay based on a report of a classic book in psychology (25%)
2) One 90 minute examination based essay and short-answer questions (75%) |
|
|
| Module Overview |
|
|
|
| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
| All level one Psychology modules are co-requisites. |
|
|
| Module Aims |
The aims of the modue are to introduce major theories of historical and conceptual import in psychology and to introduce students to debates about the epistemological status of scientific knowledge. |
|
|
| Learning Outcomes |
| By the end of the course the student should be conversant with the concepts, vocabulary and history of major theoretical 'schools of thought' within modern psychology. Students should be able to apply concepts and theories from the philosophy of science and critical theory to psychological knowledge. |
|
|
| Module Content |
Each of the twenty hour-length lectures will present either;
1) a conceptual and historical overview of a major theoretical framework in psychology (e.g. evolution, psychoanalysis, behaviourism, cognitive science and social constructionism)
2) a biographical overview of the work of a major figure in the history of psychology (e.g. Donald Hebb, Wiliam James, B.F. Skinner, Wilhelm Wundt).
3) an overview of a philosophy of science which has impacted psychology (e.g. Popperian, Kuhnian or social constructionist theory).
4) an example of critical thinking applied to a major theoretical framework in psychology (e.g. feminist critiques of psychoanalysis).
Areas covered and styles of presentation may according to staff interests. |
|
|
| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
| 20 one-hour lectures. |
|
|
| Selected Texts/Journals |
Brysbaert,M.,& Rastle,K (2009). Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Fancher,R. (1996). Pioneers of Psychology (3rd ed). New York: W.W. Norton.
Gentile,B.F.,& Miller,B.O.(eds.) (2009). Foundations of Psychological Thought: A History of Psychology. Los Angeles: Sage.
Greenwood,J.D. (2008). A Conceptual History of Psychology. McGraw-Hill.
Harre,R. (2006). Key Thinkers in Psychology. London: sage. |
|
|
| Last Updated |
01.10.10 |
|
