Undergraduate SWI-PSY30013-2023

History and Philosophy of Psychology

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.

From

$3,280 $3,530

Your upfront cost: $0

International student?

Duration

13 weeks

Study method

100% Online

Available loans

HECS-HELP
FEE-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Required

Start dates

28 Aug 2023

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2023

Subject details

What you'll learn

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.

Topics covered

- 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

Entry requirements

You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:

one of

SWI-PSY20007-Developmental Psychology
SWI-PSS250 (Not currently available)

and one of

SWI-PSY20006-Cognition and Human Performance
SWI-PSS240 (Not currently available)

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

Description

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.

Assessments

Please note: assessment values are indicative only, details will be advised at the start of the subject.

Essay (35%)
Journal (40%)
Peer Evaluation (25%)

Textbooks

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).