History of Psychology and the Evolution of Contemporary Practice
ECHD(EPSY) 8010
3 hours
History of Psychology and the Evolution of Contemporary Practice
Course Description
Exploration of the history of psychology and the development of
the four specialty areas of contemporary practice: clinical,
counseling, industrial/organizational, and school psychology.
Major figures and corresponding systems are studied, including
contemporaneous political and cultural events, movements, and
counter-movements. The influence of women and minorities will
be emphasized.
Athena Title
History of Psychology
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ECHD 8010E, EPSY 8010E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
To understand and appreciate the major figures and systems in psychology’s history.
To understand and appreciate contemporaneous political and cultural movements and events that affected systems and theorists.
To understand and appreciate the role of underrepresented groups (LGBT, women, and people of color) in the history of psychology.
To understand and appreciate how psychology has impacted society.
To understand and appreciate how history has evolved into contemporary practice.
To understand and appreciate the foundations of specific specialties within psychology.
a. How to provide a survey of your specialty.
b. Examine the historical development of your specialty, including the social and political forces that shaped the profession. Identify and examine the contributions of important figures in your specialty.
c. Begin the process of establishing a professional identity within your specialty.
d. Students will become familiar with professional organizations that are central to specialties.
Topical Outline
The hallmark of doctoral training is the (guided) individual pursuit of knowledge. Although one is challenged and supportive by various professionals (faculty, supervisors, committee members), ultimately it is up to the doctoral student to establish an independent (although inter-connected) professional path. This is true in research and in clinical practice.
Required Texts:
1. Selected readings available electronically and posted on ELC.
2. Guthrie, R. V. (2004). Even the rat was white: A historical view of psychology (2nd Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.
3. Benjamin, L. T. (2014). A brief history of modern psychology. Hoboken: Wiley, 2014.
4. Free online textbook/resource http://psychclassics.yorku.ca.
5. You will pick a text or primary source on History and Systems; you must notify the instructor of your choice.
