History Of Psychology (Certificate Of Completion)

A historical account of theoretical formulations and influential systems in psychology.

What you'll learn
This course gives a historical account of theoretical formulations and influential systems in psychology.
Identify the history and various theoretical formulations and systems in psychology.
Explain the components of various systems and evaluate using critical thinking skills.
Recognize new topics in psychology based on perspective and/or schools of thought.
Requirements
There are no requirements or prerequisites for taking this course.
Description
While psychology did not emerge as a separate discipline until the late 1800s, its earliest history can be traced back to the time of the early Greeks. During the 17th-century, the French philosopher Rene Descartes introduced the idea of dualism, which asserted that the mind and body were two entities that interact to form the human experience.Many other issues still debated by psychologists today, such as the relative contributions of nature vs. nurture, are rooted in these early philosophical traditions.So what makes psychology different from philosophy? While early philosophers relied on methods such as observation and logic, today’s psychologists utilize scientific methodologies to study and draw conclusions about human thought and behavior.Physiology also contributed to psychology’s eventual emergence as a scientific discipline. Early physiological research on the brain and behavior had a dramatic impact on psychology, ultimately contributing to applying scientific methodologies to the study of human thought and behavior.This course presents the historical foundations of psychology. Information is presented in terms of people, ideas, and schools of thought as well as the spirit of the times that influenced their development. The following topics include: a historical foundation; physiological influences; the spirit of mechanism; philosophical foundations; Wilhen Wundt; Eduard Titchener; Structuralism vs Functionalism; Charles Darwin and evolution; Francis Galton; Herbert Spencer and social Darwinism; William James; Applied Psychology and the growth of American Psychology; pioneers in the influence of Animal Psychology; Watson, Pavlov and Thorndike; Gestalt Psychology; Freud and psychoanalysis; and the Neo-Freudians. Some bonus lectures are included to give a broader concept of psychological perspectives.Learning Objectives1. Identify the history and various theoretical formulations and systems in psychology.2. Explain the components of various systems and evaluate using critical thinking skills.3. Recognize new topics in psychology based on perspective and/or schools of thought.4. Identify fundamental psychological concepts and principles related to history and systems.5. Recognize how history/systems of the past may be applied in modern psychology.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction

Section 2: Why Study the History of Psychology

Lecture 2 History of Psychology - Schools of Thought

Section 3: Philosophical & Physiological Influences on Psychology

Lecture 3 Philosophical Foundations & The Spirit of Mechanism

Lecture 4 Physiological Influences & Brain Research

Section 4: The New Psychology - Structuralism & Functionalism

Lecture 5 The Founding Father of Modern Psychology - Wihelm Wundt

Lecture 6 Sturcturalism - Edward B. Titchener

Lecture 7 Functionalism - Evolution, Darwin & Galton

Lecture 8 Social Darwinism: Herbert Spencer & William James

Section 5: Applied Psychology & Behaviorism

Lecture 9 Applied Psychology in the United States

Lecture 10 Pioneers in Animal Psychology

Lecture 11 John B. Watson

Lecture 12 B.F. Skinner & Operant Conditioning / Behavior Modification

Section 6: Gestalt Psychology & Psychoanalysis

Lecture 13 Gestalt Psychology

Lecture 14 Psychoanalysis - Sigmund Freud

Lecture 15 The Neo-Freudians & Ego Psychology

Section 7: Psychological Perspectives & Concepts on Human Behavior

Lecture 16 Psychology's Perspectives

Lecture 17 Research Methods in Psychology

Lecture 18 Cultural Influences on Human Behavior

Lecture 19 Freud's Iceberg Theory

Lecture 20 Childhood & Adolescent Mental Health Disorders

Lecture 21 Personality Disorders

Lecture 22 Social Influence / Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment

Lecture 23 Historical Views and Treatment of the Mentally Ill

Lecture 24 Clinical Psychology & the Mental Health Profession

Lecture 25 Sex Therapy Steps 1-9

Section 8: Final Course Reflection & Certificate of Completion

Lecture 26 End of Course Thank You!

This course is ideal for: anyone wanting to learn more about the history of psychology and psychological concepts; and psychology students to take prior to the start of the semester (this course is required for all psychology majors as a core course for graduation).