Systems and Theories of Psychology – I

Paper Code: 
PSY 314
Credits: 
03
Contact Hours: 
45.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course Objectives (COs):

This course will enable the students to –

 

  1. To familiarize students with the paradigmatic issues involved in the development of psychology as discipline.
  2. To help students to develop a critical appreciation of basic issues and scientific enterprises.
  3. To introduce the alternative voices in the discipline of psychology.

Course Outcomes (COs):

 

Learning Outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

PSY 314

Systems and Theories of Psychology - I

The students will be able to –

CO53: To describe the key contributions of major figures in the history of psychology.

CO54: To relate the major perspectives in psychology with the individuals responsible for articulating them.

CO55: To understand how historical trends and events have influenced the development of psychology as a scientific discipline.

CO56: To demonstrate an understanding of major questions/ideas that has driven psychological thought throughout its history.

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Demonstration, Team teaching

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Simulation, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks, Field practical

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects

 

9.00
Unit I: 
Understanding the nature of science:
  • Positivist approach
  • Explanation
  • Casual approach
  • pragmatic approach & phenomenology
  • Basic issues of psychology
  • Consciousness and mind-body relationship
  • Determinism and Free will
  • Empiricism and rationality

 

9.00
Unit II: 
Antecedents of Psychology:
  • Philosophical antecedents
  • Rene Descartes
  • Aristotle and Plato
  • Physiological antecedents
  • Weber, Fechner, Helmholtz
9.00
Unit III: 
Associationism:
  • Associationism of S-R
  • Pavlov
  • Thorndike
  • Associationism as a System
  • Criticism
9.00
Unit IV: 
Structuralism
  • Wundt
  • Titchener
  • Structuralism as a System
  • Criticism
9.00
Unit V: 
Functionalism:
  • James
  • Dewey
  • Functionalism as a System
  • Criticism
Essential Readings: 
  • Brennan, J.F. (1991). History and Systems of Psychology. New Jersey. : Prentice Hall.
  • Leahey, T.H. (1994). A History of Modern Psychology. New J: Prentice Hall.
  • Marx, M.H. and Hillix, W.A. (1986). Systems and Theories in Psychology. New York: McGraw Hill.
  • Schultz, D.A. (1981). History of Modern Psychology. Academic Press.
References: 
  • Boring, E.G. (1950). A History of Experimental Psychology. New Jersey: Appleton Century Craft.
  • Chaplin, T. and Kraweic, T.S. (1979). Systems and Theories of Psychology. New York:  Holt Rinehart and   Winston
  • Heidbreder, E. (1993). Seven Psychologies. New York: Appleton Century Crofts.
  • Singh, A.K. (2015). The Comprehensive History of Psychology. New Delhi: Motilal Banarasidas.
  • Woodworth, R.S. and Schehan, N.R. (1974). Contemporary Schools of Psychology. New York: Ronald Ross Press.
Academic Year: 
2021-22
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