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This course provides the student with knowledge about and understanding of the development of psychology as a science and profession. Three general topic areas are examined: psychology’s historical roots in philosophy, natural science, and national cultures; the work of the early psychologists; and, the development of various “systems” or “schools” of psychology in the 20th Century. The course is also concerned with the nature of science, and aims at providing the student with an understanding of how scientific ideas develop, are applied, and change.
| 1. | Through reading, lectures, and discussions, to learn the historical roots of psychology; |
| 2. | Through reading, lectures, and discussions, to learn about the contributions of the early psychologists; |
| 3. | Through reading, lectures, and discussions, to learn about the development of various “systems” or “schools” in the 20th Century; |
| 4. | Through reading, lectures, and discussions, to gain an appreciation of the nature of science, particularly the science of psychology. |
The course requires extensive reading from the textbooks, as well as handouts and internet assignments. The required texts are:
Benjafield, J. G. (1996). A history of psychology. New York: Allyn and Bacon.
Benjamin, L. T. (1997). A history of psychology: Original sources and contemporary research (2nd ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
The specific requirement of the course include:
| Examination 1 | ................................................................................ | 25 points |
| Examination 2 | ................................................................................ | 30 points |
| Expedition Project | ................................................................................ | 15 points |
| Research Paper | ................................................................................ | 20 points |
| Class Participation | ................................................................................ | 10 points |
| Total | ................................................................................ | 100 points |
More specifically:
Examinations 1 and 2. These are mid-term and final examinations (see Schedule). The final examination will also include a 5 point essay focused on an overview of the course. The two examinations will include the following types of items: Multiple choice; fill-ins; identify and define; and short essays.
Expedition Project. The purpose of this project is twofold: (1) to look at the academic lineage of full-time faculty in the Psychology Department at La Salle; (2) to get a sense from those same faculty of the future of their respective specialties and the field in general. Working in teams, students will interview faculty, and will develop a 10 minute presentation for the class. Each team will also submit a two page summary of the research. The dates for Expedition Project presentations are on the schedule. There will also be a planning session on January 27, 2000.
Research Paper. Each student will complete a 10-15 page paper on a topic approved by the professor. The paper will be double-spaced and follow APA style guidelines. There will be special opportunities for several students to research the history of psychology at La Salle.
Class Participation. This is an important part of the course. First, the students in this course typically have a good background in psychology, as well as other relevant sciences and the liberal arts. Share the wealth! Second, much of the material will be new. Given the imperfections of the professor, there should be plenty of questions. There are no dumb questions. (I reserve the right to give dumb answers, however.)
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Office: |
The Gate House on the Belfield Estate (across 20th Street from the stadium; entrance on 20th Street) 215-951-1596 e-mail:burke@lasalle.edu |
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Home: |
215-424-4032 (before 9:30 PM) |
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