MODERN PSYCHOLOGICAL CONCEPTS AND PRACTICE IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Undergraduate

The focus for this course is the historical evolution of various contemporary psychological concepts and practices. It begins with a general introduction to the intersection of psychology, historiography, and philosophy of science. Then, unlike the traditional “grand narrative” history, students learn about the history of psychological concepts and methods by starting with the present and then investigating their more proximate influences. Topics will vary year to year but may include: the history of statistics, the development of psychotherapy, and the history of introspection and its use as a psychological method; other topics include the history of consciousness, behaviour, memory, the self, race, gender, and sexuality. Debates over how research should proceed with regard to these topics will also be addressed. PREREQUISITES: PSY 1010, 1020 AND, for Psychology Majors, EITHER all three of PSY 2700, 2730, 2750 OR PSY 2780 and 2790; AND, for non-majors, PSY 2510 NOTE: Psychology 2020 is strongly recommended. Three hours a week