PYD801 Historical Foundations of Psychology (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MA course in Personality Theory or Theories of Counseling
This course emphasizes understanding professional practice in historical and cultural context, and traces the development of collective understandings and assumptions about psychology since the 18th century. The development of major theories of personality and psychotherapy are considered in historical context. Historical developments in both theoretical and applied psychology are reviewed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Develop a framework for understanding and integrating major theoretical perspectives on personality and psychotherapy.
2. Organize information about major events and individuals in the history of all areas of psychology, showing relations between historical events and people.
3. Evaluate the impact of historical and cultural context on the development of the theory and practice of psychotherapy.
4. Describe the development of psychology as a profession, and to consider future trends and directions.
5. Demonstrate critical analytic skills in reading psychological literature and in oral and written presentation on psychological topics.