Psychology and Parapsychology: Historical and Conceptual Issues (U03530)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PPL-4-PPH

The aim of this course is to explore key historical and conceptual issues in psychology by studying its historical relationship to parapsychology and its predecessors (phrenology, mesmerism, spiritualism, and psychical research). The course will consider questions such as: what is the difference between science and pseudo-science?; in what ways is scientific knowledge socially constructed?; in what sense is psychology scientific, or are parapsychology and its predecessors pseudo-scientific?; how have psychologists and parapsychologists sought to establish scientific expertise and authority?

? Keywords : Parapsychology; History of Psychology; Science

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Normally Psychology 3 methodology or equivalent

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Psychology, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Block 3 only

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
14/01/2008	14:00	15:50	Room S.1, 7 George Square	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	14:00	15:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: the historical development of psychology and parapsychology; the problem of demarcation in science; the role of social processes in the construction of psychological and scientific knowledge; the contribution of history to our understanding of psychology, parapsychology and science.