PSGE 6615: History and Systems of Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that psychology became a formal discipline. PSGE 6615: History and Systems of Psychology is a course that delves into the development of psychology as a field and examines the various approaches to understanding human behavior and cognition. In this article, we will explore the key topics covered in the course, including the major theories and thinkers, and their impact on contemporary psychology.
The first section of the course provides an overview of the history of psychology. Students learn about the origins of psychology in philosophy and natural science, and how it evolved into a distinct discipline. The major figures in the history of psychology, including William James, John Dewey, and B.F. Skinner, are also introduced.
The second section of the course covers the early approaches to psychology. Students learn about structuralism, functionalism, and behaviorism, and the key thinkers associated with each approach. They also explore the limitations of these early approaches and how they paved the way for the emergence of new schools of thought.
The third section of the course focuses on psychoanalytic psychology. Students learn about Sigmund Freud and his theory of psychoanalysis, including the concepts of the conscious and unconscious mind, the id, ego, and superego, and the stages of psychosexual development. They also explore the impact of psychoanalytic psychology on contemporary psychology and psychotherapy.
The fourth section of the course covers humanistic psychology. Students learn about Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, and their focus on human potential, personal growth, and self-actualization. They also explore the limitations of the humanistic approach and how it paved the way for the emergence of new schools of thought.
The fifth section of the course focuses on cognitive psychology. Students learn about the information-processing approach to cognition, including attention, perception, memory, and problem-solving. They also explore the limitations of the cognitive approach and how it paved the way for the emergence of new schools of thought.
The sixth section of the course covers evolutionary psychology. Students learn about the evolutionary basis of behavior and cognition, including the concepts of adaptation, natural selection, and inclusive fitness. They also explore the limitations of the evolutionary approach and how it has been integrated with other approaches to psychology.
The seventh section of the course covers contemporary approaches to psychology. Students learn about the biopsychosocial approach, the sociocultural approach, and the positive psychology movement. They also explore the limitations of these approaches and how they have been integrated with other approaches to psychology.
In conclusion, PSGE 6615: History and Systems of Psychology is a course that provides a comprehensive overview of the history of psychology and the major approaches to understanding human behavior and cognition. Students gain a deep understanding of the key concepts and thinkers in the field, and how they have influenced contemporary psychology.
FAQs
Overall, PSGE 6615 is an important course for anyone interested in psychology. By examining the history of the field and the major approaches to understanding human behavior and cognition, students gain a deep understanding of the key concepts and thinkers in the field. The course provides a solid foundation for further study in psychology and related fields, and prepares students for a variety of careers in the field.