History of Psychology - Foundations, Perspectives & Systems

Information is presented in terms of people, ideas, and schools of thought as well as the spirit of the times that influenced their development. The following topics include: a historical foundation; physiological influences; the spirit of mechanism; philosophical foundations; Wilhen Wundt; Eduard Titchener; Structuralism vs Functionalism; Charles Darwin and evolution; Francis Galton; Herbert Spencer and social Darwinism; William James; Applied Psychology and the growth of American Psychology; pioneers in the influence of Animal Psychology; Watson, Pavlov and Thorndike; Gestalt Psychology; Freud and psychoanalysis; and the Neo-Freudians. Some bonus lectures are included to give a broader concept of psychological perspectives.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the history and various theoretical formulations and systems in psychology.

2. Explain the components of various systems and evaluate using critical thinking skills.

3. Recognize new topics in psychology based on perspective and/or schools of thought.

4. Identify fundamental psychological concepts and principles related to history and systems.

5. Recognize how history/systems of the past may be applied in modern psychology.