Course

Unit 1

Philosophical and Physiological Foundations of Psychology

Roots of psychology in philosophy: Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Kant. Contributions of early physiology: Helmholtz, Fechner, Wundt. The emergence of psychology as an independent discipline. Introduction to the “mind-body” debate and early theories of cognition. Create a timeline of key figures and ideas using Canva. Include images and short descriptions of contributions.

Unit 2

Major Schools of Thought in Psychology

Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviourism, Gestalt, Psychoanalysis-Psychodynamics, Humanistic Psychology, and Cognitive Psychology. Historical and cultural contexts are shaping these schools. Key figures: Wilhelm Wundt, William James, John B Watson, Sigmund Freud, Ivan Pavlov, B.F. Skinner, Albert Bandura, Abraham Maslow, Carl G. Jung, Alfred Adler, Karen Horney, Melanie Klein, Erik H. Erikson, Harry Stack Sullivan, Anna Freud, Carl Rogers, Aaron T. Beck, Jean Piaget, Margaret Mead, Margaret Mahler, Conrad Lorenz, Laurence Kohlberg, Leon Festinger, Stanley Schachter, Neal E. Miller, Kurt Lewin and Lev Vygotsky. Comparative analysis: Differences in assumptions, methods, and focus. Create a comparative chart or infographic that shows major schools, founders, and main ideas, using Google Slides or Venngage Free.

Unit 3

Historical Approaches to Studying Mind and Cognition

Early experiments in perception, memory, and learning. Classical experiments in conditioning, attention, and problem-solving. Origins of neuropsychology and brain-behaviour relationships before imaging techniques. Tools and methods historically used to assess psychological phenomena. Conduct a mini historical experiment simulation (e.g., memory recall task) and collect data using Google Forms, then visualize results with Google Sheets charts.

Unit 4

Evolution of Psychological Research Methods

How methodology evolved from philosophical speculation to empirical science. Early experimental designs: Reaction time studies, case studies, and observational research. Development of measurement, reliability, and validity in a historical context. Critical thinking about how historical context influenced the design and interpretation of experiments. Analyse a classic historical study paper (e.g., Wundt or Pavlov) using Zotero (Free) to annotate and summarise methodology and findings.

Unit 5

Ethics and Professional Standards in Historical Context

Evolution of ethical principles in research and therapy. Historical controversies and case studies (e.g., Little Albert, Milgram, Tuskegee). Development of national and international ethical codes. Influence of ethics on research design and clinical practice over time. Create a case study discussion presentation using Google Slides or Padlet on a historical ethical issue, highlighting lessons learned.

Unit 6

Integrative Perspectives and Modern Relevance

How historical ideas continue to influence modern psychology. Reflections on changing perspectives: Mind, cognition, therapy, and brain research. Discussion on emerging trends and technological advances in psychological research. Student-led exploration of a key historical figure, school, or experiment and its modern significance. Produce a short video or digital poster using Canva Free or Clipchamp that connects a historical experiment to a modern psychological application.

Text Books / References

Textbooks

1. Ciccarelli, S.K., Meyer, E.G., & Misra, G. (2008). General psychology. Pearson.
2. Baron, R. A. (2010). Psychology (5th ed.). Pearson.
3. Banyard, P., Norman, C., Dillon, G., & Winder, B. (2021). Essential psychology (3rd ed.). Sage.
4. Schopler, J., Morgan, C.T., Weisz, J.R., & King, R.A. (2024). Introduction to psychology. Medtech Science Press.
5. Myers, D. G., & DeWall, C. N. (2021). Psychology. Worth Publishers.

Suggested Readings

1. Feldman, R. S. (2017). Understanding psychology (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
2. Singh, 
3. A. K. (2012). Tests, measurements and research methods in behavioural sciences. B. B. Printers.
4. Zechmeister, J. S., Zechmeister, E. B., & Shaughnessy, J. J. (2001). Essentials of research methods in psychology. Tata McGraw-Hill Education.

The course History of Psychology as a Science provides an in-depth exploration of psychology’s evolution from its philosophical and physiological roots to its establishment as a scientific discipline. Students will examine the development of major psychological schools of thought, understand the evolution of research methodologies in historical context, and learn how ethical principles in psychology emerged over time. This course lays a strong foundation for understanding contemporary psychological theories and practices through a historical lens.

Course Objectives

• Trace the historical development of psychology, highlighting key theories, figures, and cultural contexts.
• Analyse historical research methods and experiments to understand their evolution and relevance.
• Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate psychological ideas and methodologies historically and contextually.
• Examine the historical evolution of ethical principles in psychology and their modern implications.
• Use beginner-friendly digital tools to explore historical psychology resources, visualize data, and present findings.

Course Outcomes

• CO1: Describe the evolution of psychology as a science, including key figures, schools of thought, and milestones.
• CO2: Critically analyse historical psychological experiments and methodologies.
• CO3: Explain the emergence of ethical guidelines in psychological research and practice.
• CO4: Understand the historical development of concepts such as cognition, memory, and neuropsychology.
• CO5: Use basic digital tools to explore, organize, and present historical psychology content.

CO-PO Mapping