PY3106 - Theoretical Foundations of Modern Psychology

Credit points:	03
Year:	2010
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Arts & Social Sciences

This subject will examine the history of psychological thought from its pre-Socratic beginning (ca. 600-450 B.C.) through to the great schools of psychology in the first half of the last century. Topics will include: historiography of psychology; philosophy of psychology; Greek, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance psychologies; empiricism; rationalism; associationism; mechanism; utilitarianism; naturalism; voluntarism; structuralism; functionalism; psychoanalysis; behaviourism and neobehaviourism; gestalt psychology. The subject is not meant simply to imbue in students a "respect for the ancients", although we shall see that the most profound problems that occupy contemporary psychologists were anticipated centuries, even millenia, ago. Rather, it is only against the backdrop of historical/cultural forces that current preoccupations will be seen to make sense at all.

Learning Outcomes

• critically evaluate conceptual frameworks (paradigms) underlying contemporary theory and practice in psychology;
• enhance skills in locating, reading and interpreting historical sources relevant to the discipline;
• gain an understanding of, and appreciation for, the philosophical and life science roots of contemporary psychology;
• relate the history of psychology to that of other disciplines in the social sciences, sciences and humanities.

Assumed Knowledge:	To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points (four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level
Prerequisites:	PY1101 OR PY1102

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 26-Aug-2010
Coord/Lect:	Dr Larry Fiddick.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 12 hours tutorials - 12 hours tutorials 12 hours practicals - 12 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (25%); quizzes or tests (40%); presentations (25%); tutorial attendance and participation (10%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 26-Aug-2010
Coord/Lect:	Dr Larry Fiddick.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures - Three days of lectures 23 to 25 July AND three days lectures 24 to 26 September 12 hours tutorials - 12 hours tutorials 12 hours practicals - 12 hours of practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (25%); quizzes or tests (40%); presentations (25%); tutorial attendance and participation (10%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.