WesMaps - Wesleyan University Catalog 2006-2007       Summer Session       Winter Session       Home       Archive       Search
CS92PROD
Discovering the Person: History of the Psychological Sciences
PSYC 310
Spring 2007 not offered
Crosslisting: SISP 312

Discovering the Person surveys major developments in psychology and psychiatry from 1880-1980 with the aim of deciphering the kinds of persons that were "discovered", the techniques of discovery, and the consequences of these discoveries for public as well as private life. We examine characteristics of the new person that were located, catalogued and explained by these sciences including irrationality, sexuality, cognitive powers and fallibilities, emotional processes, neurotic behaviors, intelligence, addictive tendencies, and a receding if not nonexistent will. Considered too are the various scientific grounds for investigating persons (from realist to dynamic nominalist and social constructionist), the evidence sought in the century-long process of
finding and naming psychological kinds, and the modes of producing this knowledge (aggregate methods, case study, and theories). Readings include primary source documents, histories of the disciplines, and challenges to these scientific classifications. Students undertake class presentations as well as a historical project on a topic in the history of modern psychology.

Essential Capabilities: Writing
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA PSYC
Course Format: SeminarGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: PSYC105 OR PSYC101 OR [HIST253 or MDST253 or SISP253]
Fulfills a Requirement for: (PSYC)

Last Updated on DEC-05-2024
Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions. Please include a url, course title, faculty name or other page reference in your email ? Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459