Psychology in Context (PS1201)
Module Leader: Dr Darren Ellis
Main aims:
This module provides an introduction to psychology, through an outline of its major theoretical traditions, in particular, psychoanalysis, behaviourism, humanistic psychology. The module will also consider the social and cultural aspects of the traditions and related perspectives, compare and contrast them, and explore how they have been applied.
Main Topics
The course does not provide a comprehensive introduction to psychology. The focus is on three major psychological perspectives on the study and care of the individual. First, some general questions about the history and nature of psychological inquiry are raised. Three major traditions are each considered in terms of their basic concepts, the understandings they offer, and the social contexts of their emergence and development. Real world examples are used to extend appraisal of each of the psychological perspectives. The course ends with some reflections on the interrelations between psychological knowledge and its applications.
Introducing Psychology.
Psychology as science and technology. Influences on modern psychology - natural science, social and political changes in the nineteenth century and twentieth centuries.
Psychoanalysis.
Freud: Dreams, repression and phantasy; Psychosexual development; Models of the Mind: The topographical model (unconscious, preconscious and conscious) and the structural model (Id, ego and superego); Self and society through Freud’s account of Narcissism, Eros and Thanatos; Society and Superego, Group psychology. Critiques and revival of Freudian psychology.
Behaviourism.
The development of behaviourism: Classical and operant conditioning; Behaviour modification interventions; cognitive behaviour modification. Achievements and limitations of the behavioural approach.
Humanistic Psychology.
Overview of major humanistic theorists and their contribution to psychology: Maslow and self-actualisation; Fromm on freedom and alienation; Laing on labelling and depersonalisation; Rogers and client centred therapy and implications for the therapeutic encounter. Current critical debates: From person-centred psychology to psychological surveillance; social and cultural aspects of the psychologisation of everyday life.
Reflecting on the three forces in psychology.
Comparing and contrasting psychoanalysis, behaviourism and humanistic psychology with reference to understanding the individual, society and relevance for psychological wellbeing.
