Historical and Critical Perspectives on Psychology

[0.50] credits · Undergraduate

The purpose of this course is to help students understand the socio-historical and theoretical context of modern psychological research and practice. This includes: 1) evaluating basic assumptions underlying modern psychology by drawing on historical, theoretical and philosophical perspectives, and 2) investigating historical and current controversies within psychology. Topics may include the question of psychology's scientific status, the assumptions embedded in psychological theory and research methodology, social constructionism, free will/agency, and the relations between psychology, power, ethics, and politics.