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Undergraduate Module Descriptors 2012/13
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PY315: History and Theories of Psychology

Module Title History and Theories of Psychology
Module Code PY315
Module Tutor Dai Jones
School Natural and Social Sciences
CAT Points 15
Level of Study 6
Pre-requisites PYL2XX totalling at least 30 credits
Co-requisites None
Restrictions None
Brief Description This module investigates the major paradigm shifts within psychology and attempts to provide students with the critical skills necessary to evaluate theories of psychology within their historical, disciplinary, social, and political context.
Indicative Syllabus History as metatheory: the use of historical investigation as a tool for evaluating theory development
The historical roots of western thought
Early schools in psychology
The development of social, cognitive, and applied psychologies
The nature and role of contemporary psychology
Issues of debate in contemporary psychology, for example: the philosophy of mind; cognitive modelling; social constructionism; methodological issues.
Learning Outcomes i. Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate that they:
a) Critically understand the influences of other subject areas, particularly philosophy and the natural sciences, on the history of psychology, and on the current nature of the field;
b) Understand the development of theories in psychology, recognising that such development is the result of a number of factors - including outside influences; reflexivity within the discipline; and weight of evidence - and that psychological theories are seldom based on observable facts;
c) Recognise the importance of issues of current philosophical and theoretical concern in psychology, and the implications of these issues for development of the field.



ii. Skills
By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate that they:
a) Can critically reflect upon theories in psychology, interpreting evidence for and against theories to form justifiable opinions about their validity;
b) Have acquired the skills of critical analysis and reasoning;

c) Can use these skills in developing and maintaining an academic argument.
Learning and Teaching Activities Staff/student contact 16%
Student private study 84%
Methods include lectures and group discussions
Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide) 001: 50% Coursework: Standard: 2000 words or equivalent
002: 50% Coursework: Standard: 2000 words or equivalent
Special Assessment Requirements None
Indicative Resources

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.

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