History and Philosophy of Psychology
UndergraduateSWI-PSY300132024
Course information for 2024 intake
Break down some of the big theories of psychology and analyse them. Afford yourself a fuller picture of the history of psychological study, and the real-life figures who pioneered it. Ponder the nature of the mind and the philosophy of science.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
History and Philosophy of Psychology
About this subject
Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
- Describe significant figures, events, and ideas in the history of psychology;
- Interpret the significance of these figures/events/ideas with respect to their context;
- Identify the impact of these figures/events/ideas on evolution of psychology as a discipline;
- Critically evaluate the philosophical, social, and scientific basis for psychological concepts and methods;
- Synthesise arguments concerning psychological opinion, theory, and practice.
- The nature and limits of psychology
- Philosophical and physiological precursors to psychology
- The emergence of modern scientific psychology
- Big theories and movements in psychology, such as: psychoanalysis/psychodynamic, Gestalt, behaviorist, humanistic, cognitive, cognitive neuroscience
- Philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, and psychology as a science
- Psychological theory and methods
- Philosophical, scientific, social aspects of issues in psychology, e.g., mental illness, therapy, gender, sex, culture, consciousness
This subject provides students with a broad and eclectic view of the history and philosophy of psychology. It surveys a selection of interesting and influential events, people, and ideas and uses these as a focus to critically examine issues that directly and indirectly shape the discipline as it is practiced today.
Please note: assessment values are indicative only, details will be advised at the start of the subject.
- Essay (35%)
- Journal (40%)
- Peer Evaluation (25%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
SWI-PSY20007-Developmental Psychology (no longer available)
SWI-PSS250 (Not currently available)
and one of
SWI-PSY20006-Cognition and Human Performance (no longer available)
SWI-PSS240 (Not currently available)
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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