Psy 421: Systems and Theories
of Psychology
TTh 12:30-1:50, Park 250, Fall 1998
SYLLABUS
e-mail: segal@acsu.buffalo.edu
Phone: (716) 645-3650 ext 361
Office: 361 Park Hall
Office hours: Wed. 10-12
Text : Connections
in the History and Systems of Psychology. B.
Michael Thorne and Tracy B. Henley, 1997. New York: Houghton Mifflin
In this course we examine
some of the ideas that have shaped psychology. The approach that we take
is a historical one. Basically, we will tell a story about psychological
concepts (and methods). As long as there has been civilization, people
have been interested in how we know, perceive, and feel, and why we do
what we do. The scientific study of psychology is continuous with this
history. We will try to understand why beliefs were held, and how they
developed. We study where concepts began, how different concepts interrelate
and form systems, and how particular systems developed and changed as a
function of interactions with new ideas, conceptual analyses, social contexts
and data. The course should be both interesting and worthwhile. It should
enable you to get a more integrated view of psychology, and more of a sense
of what psychology is as a discipline and a science.
The textbook (CHSP) is
quite good. It contains more than enough topics to fill a semester, and
there are pretty good presentations of many of them. The topic sequence
of the course will be determined primarily by CHSP although we will spend
more time on some than on others and additional topics may be introduced.
Thus there there are likely to be reading assignments in addition to those
in CHSP. You are expected to read the assigned material prior to their
discussion in class. Many of the topics that we discuss are among the most
influential ideas in the history of civilization, and often require some
mulling over to appreciate. There isn't enough time in class to discuss
all of the important people and ideas we read about, so if there are issues
you particularly wish to discuss, it is your responsibility to introduce
them into a discussion. Class time should be spent in clarification, discussion
and drawing relationships, as well as in the presentation of new ideas.
Class requirements include
writing a paper, and taking a midterm and a final
exam. The purpose of the paper is to give you an opportunity to demonstrate
an understanding of a seminal topic in the history of psychology and to
present your understanding in a coherent and literate manner. The paper
should show evidence of an ability to integrate your own thoughts with
ideas found in the literature. Sources of possible topics are the headings
and subheadings of chapters, the Glossary of Terms in the back of the book,
or from other sources. Your course grade will be based primarily on the
written assignments (Approximately 30% midterm, 30% term paper, 40% final),
but contributory discussion may be considered.
Note: "If you have a disability (physical
or psychological) and require reasonable accommodations to enable you to
participate in this course, such as note takers, readers, or extended time
on exams and assignments, please contact the Office of Disability Services,
25 Capen Hall, 645-2608, and also me during the first two weeks of class.
ODS will provide you with information and review appropriate arrangements
for reasonable accommodations."
CHAPTER and TOPIC SEQUENCE
Chapter 2--Introduction of many important
ideas and some of the ancient Greek philosophers associated with them.
Hippocrates, Plato, Aristotle, and others
Final Exam --Dec. 21, 11:45 am -2:45
pm
Norton 209
Guidelines
for the paper.
Content
1. The topic should be on a theme central to some part of psychology.Sources
of possible topics are the headings and subheadings of chapters, the Glossary
of Terms in the back of the book, or from other sources.
2. The paper should include a discussion of the historical influences
of the topic
3. The paper should include a description of the central concepts
of the topic.
4. The paper should identify what the current status of the topic
is.
Form
1. The paper should be typed and checked for spelling and grammatical
errors.
2. The sentences should coherently flow and be written in competent
prose.
3. Direct quotes must cite source and page numbers.
4. The paper must include a list of references at the end of the
paper which includes all of your sources. This should be in APA format,
which means including author(s) date of publication, title of article,
book or chapter, (if journal article--volume number and page numbers) (if
book--city and publisher), (if book chapter--editor(s) and book citation).