PSYC 4003: History of Psychology

Spring 2006

Ø         My website address: http://www.usao.edu/usao-psychology/walkerc.htm

Course Description and Prerequisites:

This course provides a review of problems, theories and methods throughout the history of psychology.  It will present students with a broad, integrated perspective on the discipline of psychology and its practice.

General Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the origins of contemporary psychology, experimental and applied, and of the continuity of ideas in psychology.
2. develop ideas about important issues in psychology by engaging in a dialog with the important philosophers, scientists, and practitioners of the past.
3. demonstrate an understanding of how the historical and cultural contexts influenced people and ideas in psychology.
4. demonstrate a working knowledge of psychological literacy, i.e., knowledge of facts, terms, and people who are considered to be important by well-educated psychologists.

Required Text

Schultz, D. P. & Schultz, S. E. (2004). A history of modern psychology.  Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Policies

A.  Professionalism-Students are expected to be organized and professional enough to: 

1)       come to class prepared and on time.

2)       complete and turn in assignments as indicated by the course calendar. Assignments handed in late will only receive partial credit (at best).

3)       take tests at the scheduled time.  Make-up exams will only be given when arrangements have been made prior to the scheduled testing date.

B.     Plagiarism/Cheating: Students are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity.  Any student who engages in any form of academic dishonesty will be assigned a failing grade and reported to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs.  Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to plagiarism, fabrication, cheating, assisting another student in academic dishonesty, and forgery or alteration of documents (see the student handbook for definitions and descriptions of each of these). 

C.     Turn off all pagers and cellular phones while class is in session.

D.     Americans With Disabilities Statement: Any student needing academic accommodations for a physical, mental or learning disability should notify student services and the course instructor within the first two weeks of the semester so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

Assignments

Exams 

This course includes three unit exams worth 80 points apiece and a comprehensive final exam worth 160 points.  Exams will be composed of a combination of multiple choice, short answer and short essay questions.  See course schedule for exam dates.  Make-up exams will only be given in case of emergency.  You must contact the instructor before the date of the exam to schedule a make-up test.

Individual Presentations

During the last four class periods of the semester each student will select a historical figure from the history of Psychology (a list will be provided in class) and give an 8-10 minute presentation over that person.  More information will be provided as the semester progresses.  The presentation is worth 50 points.  

Research Report

Each student will be responsible for completing one research report to be turned in on March 7^th.  The research report will be the analysis and review of one (1) research article from the APA journal History of Psychology.  Articles from this journal can be accessed via the PsychARTICLES database that is located on USAO’s Library website.  Each student will select his or her own article from a list provided by the instructor.  Each review will be approximately 2-3 pages in length. 

The review should address the major purpose(s) of the research article, a synopsis of the historical context, any arguments made by the author(s) of the article, any conclusions that the author(s) drew, and your opinion of the article.  Each review is to be typed, double spaced and in Times New Roman 12-point font.  The report is worth 25 points.    

Discussion Leader

Each student will be responsible for selecting a historical figure from the history of psychology from a list provided in class.  The student will lead the class discussion on his or her particular person on a predetermined date in conjunction with the scheduled topic.  In other words, students who select a Psychoanalyst will lead class discussion during the class periods devoted to Psychoanalysis.  Each student will be given 5 –7 minutes to present his or her historical figure.  Each presentation should contain a brief biography of the person’s life (i.e., where they were born, where they went to school etc.) and their major contributions to the field of Psychology.  Each student must provide a one-page handout for every member of the class and at the bottom of that page provide three possible test questions along with the correct answers.  This assignment is worth 25 points.          

Participation

Class participation will be based solely on attendance.  Everyone will begin the semester with 20 points and each absence will result in a 2-point deduction. You are allowed to miss two class periods without penalty (I do recognize that emergencies occur). It is your responsibility to collect the information that was covered in class when you are unable to attend.  

Tentative Course Calendar

Grading

Grades will be assigned as follows:

Attendance

Students who attend class regularly have a better understanding of the course material and earn higher grades than those who do not. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ASSIGNMENTS AND INFORMATION GIVEN AND COLLECTED DURING YOUR ABSENCE.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities.

Syllabus subject to change with notice.