The History and Systems of Psychology course is designed to introduce students to major historical figures and historically important systems within the academic discipline of psychology. In addition, this course attempts to place psychology within the context of history, assumptions about knowledge, and perspectives on human behavior (i.e., worldviews). This context will help us to examine the antecedents and development of psychology as a science and come to a systematic understanding of the various perspectives in psychology. We will examine the persistent problems or questions of interest to psychologists, and the dominant paradigms and models operating in contemporary psychology. Throughout the course, we will emphasize methods of investigation, the historical figures and forces (Zeitgeist) that shaped the theories and methods, and relevance to current conceptions of mind and behavior.

The History and Systems of Psychology course is designed to introduce students to major historical figures and historically important systems within the academic discipline of psychology. In addition, this course attempts to place psychology within the context of history, assumptions about knowledge, and perspectives on human behavior (i.e., worldviews). This context will help us to examine the antecedents and development of psychology as a science and come to a systematic understanding of the various perspectives in psychology. We will examine the persistent problems or questions of interest to psychologists, and the dominant paradigms and models operating in contemporary psychology. Throughout the course, we will emphasize methods of investigation, the historical figures and forces (Zeitgeist) that shaped the theories and methods, and relevance to current conceptions of mind and behavior.