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Academic Year 2005/2006

Discovering the Person: History of the Psychological Sciences
PSYC 310 SP

Discovering the Person surveys major developments in psychology and psychiatry from 1880-1980 with the aim of exploring the kinds of persons that were "discovered", the techniques of discovery, and the consequences for public, and private life. We examine characteristics of the new person located and explained by these sciences including irrationality, complex sexuality, cognitive fallibilities, mechanical emotional processes, neurotic risks, challenged intelligence, complicity, addictive tendencies, and a receding if not nonexistent will. Considered too are historical interpretations of psychological persons, (from realist to dynamic nominalist and social constructionist) and the evidence needed to understand the century-long process of finding and naming psychological kinds as well as the modes of producing this knowledge (aggregate methods, case study, and theories). Readings include primary source materials, histories of the disciplines, accounts of particular psychological subjects, and challenges to these scientific classifications. Students undertake a historical project on a selected problem in the history of modern psychology.

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA PSYC    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: PSYC105 OR PSYC101 OR [HIST253 or MDST253 or SISP253] Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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