Undergraduate Course: History and Theory of Psychology (PSYL10124)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course examines conceptual and historical issues in Psychology, such as the nature of psychological knowledge, the ways it has been constructed, and how it has changed the way we think, feel and act. |
| Course description |
This course examines conceptual and historical issues in Psychology, such as the nature of psychological knowledge, the ways it has been constructed, and how it has changed the way we think, feel and act.
Psychology is traditionally defined as the 'science of mind', but what is 'science', and what is 'mind'? To understand Psychology, we need to understand what it has been, and why it has regularly changed. In doing so, we can see how and why psychological knowledge is created. We can also see how it shapes the ways we understand ourselves, and how it has been used to change other people.
The course will be based on a range of readings, and will offer students the chance to think more critically about the nature and function of psychological knowledge.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
Students MUST have passed:
Psychology 2A (PSYL08011) AND
Psychology 2B (PSYL08012)
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | Research Methods and Statistics (PPLS08001) is recommended. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 3 Psychology courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 125 |
| Course Start |
Block 4 (Sem 2) |
| Course Start Date |
26/02/2018 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 10,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
88 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Essay: 1500 words (100%) |
| Feedback |
Focused in class discussion about how to answer key questions, with clarity and brevity, including discussion of written examples. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- An understanding of the problems of defining key concepts, such as science and mind.
- Knowledge of changes how Psychology has been done, and an understanding of the reasons for this.
- Knowledge and understanding of the reflexive nature of psychological knowledge.
- An ability to think critically about the assumptions on which psychological knowledge depends.
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Reading List
There is no single textbook, and specific references will be provided during lectures. However, the following texts cover several key themes of the course:
Danziger, K. (1997). Naming the mind: how Psychology found its language. London: Sage.
Lamont, P. (2013). Extraordinary beliefs: a historical approach to a psychological problem. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Richards, G. (2010). Putting Psychology in its place: critical historical perspectives. 3rd edition. London: Routledge.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Peter Lamont
Tel: (0131 6)50 3372
Email: peter.lamont@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Catherine Renton
Tel: (0131 6)50 3602
Email: crenton2@ed.ac.uk |
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