
Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- C800
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
Unit code | PSYC21151 |
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Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 2 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Offered by | Division of Psychology and Mental Health |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
The course unit focuses on the historical development of psychology as a science and the way in which earlier philosophical ideas were transformed within the context of psychology, leading to the different approaches to psychology that can be discerned throughout its history. It will also deal with the philosophy of science and consider how science develops over time, the extent to which one can define a scientific method, and the extent to which psychology exemplifies the characteristics of scientific method. Finally, it will deal with the development of philosophical ideas about the mind that later fed into psychology.
Aims
The unit aims to:
(1) provide a comprehensive introduction to the history of psychology
(2) illustrate the way in which different approaches to psychology rest on different philosophical presuppostions
(3) provide an introduction to the philosophy of science and show how it relates to psychology
Teaching and learning methods
This unit will be taught via lectures and seminars
Supplementary reading, resources and a monitored discussion board will be provided via Blackboard.
Knowledge and understanding
- A thorough knowledge of the historical development of psychology
- A clear understanding of the philosophical presuppositions that underlie different approaches to psychology
- A clear understanding of different schools of thought in the philosophy of science and the different ways in which they think about scientific method
Intellectual skills
- An ability to appraise different approaches in psychology in relation to fundamental ideas about the nature of mind and science
Practical skills
- Use the library and electronic sources to support academic reading
- Discuss empirical findings and historical, theoretical and philosophical underpinnings with others on a discussion board
- Plan, research and write up an essay on a topic in the area of conceptual and historical issues in psychology
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Evaluate complex ideas and theories in relation to evidence and argument
- Situate theories in their broad theoretical and historical frameworks
- Relate different methods of investigation to general theories of scientific method
- Additionally, students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in: Synthesising information; summarising theories and evidence; critical thinking; evaluating research; presenting concise and persuasive arguments
Assessment methods
Essay - 85%
Discussion Board Contributions - 15%
Feedback methods
Feedback will be provided via grades on Blackboard and individual/cohort level feedback
Recommended reading
Brysbaert & Rastle: (2013) Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology (2nd edition)
Study hours
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 84 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Johan Hulleman | Unit coordinator |