PSY 490: History and Systems of Psychology

Course Description

This course will focus on the major ideas and sociohistorical factors that relate to the study of the mind and behavior, and have shaped the field of psychology as a scientific discipline. Topics include: the evolution of this field of study from its roots in the philosophy of Ancient Greece and Rome, the beginning of the scientific method, Darwinian theory, the establishment of the major psychological schools of thought, and the rise of applied psychology. The student can have no more than 6 credits remaining in their major to complete in their degree program prior to enrolling in this course. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

  • ENG 101: English Composition 1
  • ENG 102: English Composition 2
  • PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
  • 3 additional credits in Psychology

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Interpret the major ideas, questions and assumptions that have contributed to the development of psychology as a discipline.
  2. Evaluate and analyze real-world problems using concepts covered in this course.
  3. Explain, integrate and synthesize psychological concepts in an organized, clear fashion.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Discussions (Weeks 1-8)

35%

Exams (Weeks 3 & 5)

20%

Written Assignments (Weeks 4, 5 & 8)

15%

Research Paper (Week 7)

15%

Cumulative Final Exam (Week 8)

15%

Total

100%

 

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

  • American Psychological Association. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 7th ed. American Psychological Association., 2020. ISBN-13: 978-1-4338-3216-1
  • Leahy, T. H. (2018). History of Psychology (8th Edition). Routledge N. Y. ISBN-13: 978-1-138-65242-2

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1,2,3

Topics: Science, History, and Psychology & The Legacy of Ancient Greece

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 1: Science, History, and Psychology (pgs. 8-32)
    • Chapter 2: The Legacy of Ancient Greece (pgs. 35-74)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussions

2

1,3

Topics: Antiquity: 323 B.C.E. to 1000 C.E. & The Premodern World: 1000 C.E. - 1600 C.E.

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 3:  Antiquity: 323 B.C.E. to 1000 C.E. (pgs. 75- 101)
    • Chapter 4: The Premodern World 1000 C. E. -1600 C.E. (pgs 105-125)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussions

3

1,2,3

Topics: The Scientific Revolution & The Enlightenment

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 5: The Scientific Revolution (pgs. 126-154)
    • Chapter 6: The Enlightenment (pgs. 155- 194)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussions
  • Complete Exam 1 (Chapters 1-4)

4

1,2,3

Topics: The Ascent of Science & The Psychology of Consciousness 

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 7: The Ascent of Science (pgs. 195-219)
    • Chapter 8: The Psychology of Consciousness (pgs. 229-264)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit Week 4 Assignment - Reflection Paper

5

1,2,3

Topics: Psychology of the Unconscious & The Psychology of Adaptation

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 9: The Psychology of the Unconscious  pgs.265-299 
    • Chapter 10: The Psychology of Adaptation (pgs. 300- 345)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Submit the Week 5 Assignment - Thesis Statement
  • Complete Exam 2 (Chapters 5-8)
  • Begin working on your research paper, due Week 7

6

1,2,3

Topics: Behaviorism & Cognitive Sciences

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 11: Behaviorism (pgs. 349-396)
    • Chapter 12: Cognitive Science (pgs. 397-434)
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Continue working on research paper, due Week 7

7

1,2,3

Topics: Rise of Applied Psychology & The Psychological Society

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 13: The Rise of Applied Psychology 1892-1939 (pgs. 437-476)
    • Chapter 14: The Psychological Society 1940-2000 (pgs. 477-506)
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Submit the Week 7 Assignment - Research Paper

8

1,2,3

Topics: Creating a Concept Map and Final Exam

  • Readings:
    • No readings from the textbook this week.
  • Review chapters for the Final Exam
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in discussions
  • Submit the Week 8 Assignment - Concept Map
  • Complete Week 8 Final Exam
Final Exam
Chapters 1-14
SLOs 1-3

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.