James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2016

PY3106 - Theoretical Foundations of Modern Psychology

Credit points: 03
Year: 2016
Student Contribution Band: Band 1
Administered by: College of Healthcare 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

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 25-Aug-2016
Coordinator: Dr Kerry McBain
Contact hours:
  • 26 hours lectures
  • 12 hours tutorials
    Assessment:end of semester exam (40%); quizzes or tests (20%); assignments (40%).

    Cairns, Internal, Study Period 2
    Census Date 25-Aug-2016
    Coordinator: Dr Kerry McBain
    Lecturer: Mrs Lyn Courtney.
    Contact hours:
    • 26 hours lectures
    • 12 hours tutorials
      Assessment:end of semester exam (40%); quizzes or tests (20%); assignments (40%).

      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.