PSY1007 : History of Psychology
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- Module Leader(s): Mrs Barbara-Anne Robertson
- Other Staff: Prof. Vicki Bruce
- Owning School: Psychology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
The module aims
•to describe different approaches that have been taken historically to answering questions about the human mind, and the different kinds of answers that have been forthcoming;
•to integrate material from other modules taught in Stage 1 by focussing on topics that resonate with other Stage 1 modules;
The module content
•highlights developments from ancient Greek philosophy through to the establishment of experimental psychology in the late 19th century, and the growth and changes in the discipline in the 20th century.
•describes the history of psychology within the context of the history of scientific investigation more generally.
Original Summary:
Outline Of Syllabus
An historical approach is taken to areas already familiar from other modules studied at Stage 1. We trace historical and contemporary developments in the study of visual perception, cognition, cognitive neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience. We outline the history of the nature-nurture debate, the impact of evolutionary theory, and historical approaches to intelligence and personality.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 28:00 | 28:00 | Preparing for and completing the end of module examination (28 hours) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 5:00 | 5:00 | Preparing for and completing the practice essay (5 hours) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Working in their mentor groups |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Class based video and discussions sessions. 2 video sessions and 2 exam prep and feedback sessions. |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 2 | 4:00 | 8:00 | Critically analysing key texts and developing group presentations. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 10 | 4:00 | 40:00 | Background reading around lectures each week |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module will describe how psychology emerged as a discipline from earlier philosophical and scientific investigation, and will outline some of the main methods that have advanced modern psychology.
Lectures are used to impart core knowledge of these historical developments. Additional classroom and small group sessions enable the students to discuss or think about some of the topics in more detail. The sessions will include demonstrations and discussions, video material, and/or in depth study of readings to illustrate principles from the lectures. The aims of the additional sessions will be (1) to guide reading for the module (2) to help consolidate the taught material (3) to provide practice in addressing exam questions and (4) to develop oral and group discussion skills. Skills outcomes are addressed by group-work to develop a presentation about, key papers, individuals or events, and sample exam questions based on the material will be set for students to practice writing an exam essay to time.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 90 | Unseen exam. 2 essay questions to be answered from a choice of 5. |
| Oral Presentation | 5 | 2 | M | 5 | Mainly for formative assessment |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 5 | Mainly for formative assessment |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Notes on assessment:
Written exam - Formative assessment as well as summative assessment as students will have their exam scripts returned in a class room session in Stage 2 for discussion of strengths and weaknesses.
Essay (trial exam essay) - Largely formative assessment but 5% of the module mark to encourage completion. These essays will also be graded on a scale from 0 (no submission) to 5 (excellent)
(mapping to university marks of 0, 35, 45, 55, 65 and 75).
Group presentation - all members of a group will receive a mark on a scale from 0 (no presentation delivered) to 5 (excellent) (mapping to university marks of 0, 35, 45, 55, 65 and 75).
Rationale and relationship of assessment methods to learning outcomes:
The trial and actual exam essays will assess the knowledge outcomes but also help students develop the skill of writing exam essays. Working in a group to develop a presentation focused on particular papers will help contribute to both knowledge and skills outcomes.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PSY1007's Timetable