PSY 456: History and Systems of Psychology
Fall 1997
Class Meets: T, R 2:00 - 3:15 Room B64 Carlson
Instructor: Dr. Randall Potter
Office: Room 16 Becht Hall
Phone: 226-2433 (Office) 226-5205 (Home) 226-2295 (Messages)
Office Hours: 9:00-10:00 MWF and 11:00-12:00 TR
Text: An Introduction to the History of Psychology, 3rd ed.
Author: B.R. Hergenhahn
Publisher: Wadsworth
Notes on the Course:
Psychology, as we know it, has existed since the middle of the 19th century.
Prior to that time, psychological thought was limited to the speculations of philosophers and the small amount of behavioral work which was done by biologists and physiologists. We will begin the semester with a consideration of the philosophical roots of psychology - from the time of the pre-Socratic Greek thinkers to the modern Existential philosophers. We will then consider the development of Psychology proper during the 19th and early 20th centuries in the so called systematic psychologies. Finally, we will step back and look at the development of psychology in physiology and the impact that this work had on early development of clinical psychology.
Exams and other forms of evaluation:
There will be three examinations, one following our consideration of the early philosophical roots of Psychology, one after we have considered modern philosophy, and one at the end of the semester. All will be essay exams, and you will be given a set of study questions to aid in your preparation about one week before the exam. Each exam will count equally toward your final grade.
In addition, there will be an opportunity to complete a term paper. For those wishing to obtain a grade of "A" for the course, the paper is required. For all others it is optional. The due date for this is on the schedule of events printed below. This paper should be well crafted and properly referenced and presented.
Strict APA style is not required, but a close approximation is necessary. Grades
for the paper will be determined on content, style, and quality of presentation.
Neatness counts.
Attendance:
Regularity is expected. While all of us have unforseen personal reasons to miss class
occasionally, excessive absence is going to limit what you can gain from the course.
Ten percent of your grade is therefore dependent on attendance. Points will be
assigned each day to those who are in attendance. No penalty will be imposed upon those who do not attend but neither will they be able to gain attendance and contribution points. A doctor's excuse is an explanation of your absence, but will not gain you points for attendance
Grading:
Individual assignments will be graded on a 10 point scale ranging from 0 to 4.5,
which may be considered to be a Quality Point scale. An integer grade (0, 1, 2,
3, 4) marks the midpoint of a grading range. Scores of 0.5, 1.5. 2.5, and 3.5 mark
the dividing line between letter grades. A score of 4.5 is a perfect 100%. These grades will be converted to percentages and averaged before a final letter grade is determined.
When all is said and done, the following scale will be used to assign grades.
An average below 60 percent will earn a grade of "E"
An average between 60 and 70 percent will earn a "D"
An average between 70 and 80 percent will earn a "C"
An average between 80 and 90 percent will earn a "B"
An average of 90 percent or more will earn an "A".
Schedule of Events
PSY456: History and Systems of Psychology
Fall 1996
Aug 25 Introduction Chapter 1
Sept 1 Greek Philosophy Chapter 2
Sept 8 More Greek Philosophy Chapter 3
Sept 15 "Modern" Philosophy Chapter 4 **Exam 1**
Sept 22 The Empirical Approach Chapter 5
Sept 29 Rationalism to Existentailism Chapters 6 & 7
Oct 6 Psychophysiology Chapter 8
Oct 13 Structuralism Chapter 9 **Exam 2**
Oct 20 Darwin and Functionalism Chapters 10&11
Oct 27 Behaviorism and Neobehaviorism Chapters 12 &13
Nov 3 Gestalt Psychology Chapter 14
Nov 10 Mental Illness Chapter 15
Nov 17 Therapy Chapter 16 **Paper due **
Nov 24 The "third force" Chapter 17 **No class Thursday**
Dec 1 Wrap up Chapter 18
Dec 8 Final Exam Week **Exam 3**