Updated: July 24, 2002

Fall 2002

Course Syllabus

Overview:

History and Systems of Psychology is an overview of significant movements, theories, and individuals in the development of contemporary psychology. The course is organized around philosophical themes and includes discussion of the philosophy and sociology of scientific growth, structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, and psychoanalysis. Prerequisite: PY211 and permission of the instructor.

Course objectives:

• To explore and integrate the historical theoretical perspectives in Psychology
• To identify key historical philosophical and psychological theories influencing current psychological theories
• To identify the historical psychological theories that influenced your personal views about psychology
• To develop and appreciate your personal philosophy of psychology

  Schedule:

Aug 26 - 30 Brennan Chapter 1 Introduction Overview, Maps and Discussion
Sept. 2 - 6 Brennan Chapter 2 - Ancient Greece and Middle Ages M: A------ W: B
Sept. 9 - 13 Chapter 4- 5 Renaissance and Modern Science M: C -----W: D
Sept. 16 -20 Chapter 6-7-8 British, German band French Tradition M: E------W: F
Sept.30 - Oct.4 Chapter 9- 10 Competing Models19th Century M: A------W:B
Oct.7 - 11 Chapter 11 Modern Psychology M: C-------W:D
Oct. 14 - 18 Chapter 12 American Functionalism M: E--------W:F
Oct. 21 - 25 Mid-termChapter 13 Gestalt Mid-term
Oct. 28 - Nov.1 Chapter 14 Psychoanalysis M: A----W: B
Nov. 4 - 8 Chapter 15 Behaviorism M: C----W: D
Nov. 11 - 15 Chapter 16 Third Force M: E-----W: F
Nov. 18 - 22 Chapter 17 Neo-functionalism M: A-----W:B
Dec.2 - 6 Chapter 18 Epilogue M: C----W: D
Dec. 9 - 11 Take Home Exam Final Map Pesentation M: E-----W: F

Seminar Groups: There will be six teams A-B-C-D-E-F responsible for in class discussions. M = Monday F= Friday

COURSE EVALUATION:

1. Assigned class presentations. Participation expected per school policy 20%
2. Weekly online two to three page online Group reaction papers due noon on Fridays 25%
3. Six two page individual Personal Reflection Papers due Monday morning 20% (week 2,4,6,8,10,14)
4. Two take home quizzes (mid -term and final) 20%
5. Service Learning Project 15 %

LECTURETTE WEEK ONE

Welcome to History and Systems of Psychology. This course, unlike most other courses you have taken at Norwich University,l integrates online work with in-class activities and Service Learning. This is a very ambitious course with high expectations for all. As one of my more motivated students from last year said, " if you do the work in my class, you get a top grade". This sums it up for this course. The bottom line is to keep up with the work load and you will get top grades. This reflects my personal educational philosophy.

WHERE TO BEGIN? THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A BORING CLASS!

This course begins and ends with you. The first assignment is to develop a personal " life story map", that you will present Week Two. A " life story map" is your personal response to the question, " What in your past life influenced you to be who you are today?" You will be asked to map out these influences from your birth to today and then project your life in the future.

Once you have identified these influences, you will be asked to identify philosophical and psychological themes from which these influences emerged. In other words, you will trace your personal historical journey through the early Eastern and Western philosophers and psychologists. Although this may seem overwhelming now, you will have opportunities during the entire semester to revise and complete your map. Getting started may be challenging, but once you identify key themes in your life, the course will be much like a literary scavenger hunt. In the end, you will have a geneological study of your personal philosophy and psychology mentors.

For the mid-term and final will be assigned a particular philosopher or psychologist from the text and you will have to defend a particular issue from that person's perspective. You will learn your character two weeks before the exams.

The final project for this course will consist of your personal map and philosophical geneology written up and presented to the class. For those that really want to impress me, you can develop a web page of your map.

WHAT IS THIS THING SERVICE LEARNING AND HOW IS IT RELATED TO THE COURSE?

I am glad you asked. Some of you may have heard me talk about Service Learning over the past year. For those really interested, you can learn more by clicking the link above.This may be the most challenging part of the course for all of us. I will give a brief overview here and we can discuss more during the first two weeks of class.

Service Learning allows students to practice and apply what they are studying in theory. For this course, we will be working with Middle School children from Barre. You will get to know them and attempt to identify their personal "school story map". You will be asked to interact with them to identify their philosophical and psychological geneology. More details in class.

HOW CAN WE GET ALL THIS DONE IN ONE SEMESTER?

Good question! Each week the class meets face to face on Monday and Wednesdays. Friday time periods will be reserved for online discussions, readings and Service Learning activities.

WEEK ONE ASSIGNMENTS:

· Read Chapter One: Introducing Psychology's History

Read lecture notes above.

· Complete your personal story board - You will complete a personal history from birth to today. Answer the question, what influenced you to be who you are today? Based on this information, trace your personal philosophical geneology.Due Wednesday

· Friday Assignment: Develop a one page description how this course fits into your current career goals? How will this course enhance it ? Give details. How could this course help you work with a middle school student? For a preview, you may want to read Chapter Two and Rene Descartes article.

Answer Discussion Question Online: Week One

• How can this course, History and Systems of Psychology, be applied to your major and future career intentions?
• Assume you can develop a working mentoring relationship with a young student as part of the Service Learning component of this course, how would this experience enhance your personal development?
• Submit your responses to the CLiCK Discussion by Friday noon.
  
  

Some Helpful links for the course. There are many others online.

http://www.usca.sc.edu/psychology/history/ancient.html

Psych History
http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/links.htm

Descartes and James
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/Mind/Table.html

History of Psychology
http://www.psychology.org/links/People_and_History/