Evolution of Modern Psychology

This course provides an analysis of the theoretical and conceptual problems involved in the development of psychology as a science and a consideration of the relationship of psychology to other disciplines. An examination of selected systems of theories, such as Behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, and Freudianism, which have attempted to deal systematically with such persistent problems of psychology as perception, motivation, learning, and personality. Special stress will be laid on problems of definition, basic assumptions, and methods. Students will be guided to design a research project that would test the basic assumptions of alternative theories in the field of psychology. For students with two other upper-level (3000-level or above) Psychology courses, this course serves as the capstone for the Tier III requirement.