Course Syllabus

Independent Study in Idaho

ISI Website | indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641

PSYC 4150: History and Systems of Psychology

Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho

3 Credits

Instructor Information

Course Instructor: Catherine Kolomitz

  • Email: chamilton@uidaho.edu
  • Phone: 602-524-0714
  • Office Hours: Monday 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. PST
  • Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu on all communications. 

Your course developer and instructor is Catherine Kolomitz, an industrial/organizational psychologist. In 2005, she received her B.A. in psychology and a minor in interdisciplinary organizational studies from Arizona State University. She then went on to receive her M.S. in psychology from the University of Idaho in 2008. She now applies her background of psychological principles, research, and methods to organizational problems.

Course Description

History of psychology as a field of scientific inquiry; overview of development of schools of thought, prominent figures, and key theories.

This course will offer an introduction to psychology through the study of its historical development. From psychology’s founding as an independent discipline to modern schools of thought, an integrative approach will realize the evolution of the field to its current state.

Since the founding of psychology in 1879, various schools of thoughts and methodologies to psychological inquiry have dominated the times. Vehicles of change that have fostered its growth as a scientific discipline are made evident in the intellectual spirit of the times, contextual factors, and pivotal figures who have promulgated their own theories and subject matters. By integrating these factors, we can develop an understanding of the continuity between various psychological domains and serve to create a holistic view of modern psychology.

Prerequisite: PSYC 101/1101 Introduction to Psychology. Recommended preparation: Two upper-division psychology courses

Course Learning Outcomes

  • This course will use a historical approach to the study of the development of modern psychology.
  • Various schools of thought have dominated throughout the course of psychology’s history. Understanding the development of each of these domains through influential contexts, individuals, and events will make evident the relationships between ideas, theories, and research methods within the field of psychology.

Required Materials

  • Shultz, Duane P., and Sydney Ellen Schultz. A History of Modern Psychology. 9th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing, 2008. ISBN-10: 0-495-09799-3; ISBN-13: 978-0-495-09799-0
  • Benjamin, L. T. A History of Psychology: Original Sources and Contemporary Research. 3rd ed. Blackwell Publishing, 2008. ISBN-10: 1-405-17710-1; ISBN-13: 978-1-405-17710-8

Course Rules and Requirements

11 graded lessons, 4 self-study lessons, 3 exams

Graded Lessons

Each lesson includes the following components:

  • lesson objectives
  • reading assignment
  • important terms
  • introductory lecture
  • written assignment (multiple-choice and essay questions)
    • There are ten multiple-choice questions worth 1 point each and two essay questions worth 5 points each, for a total of 20 points per lesson.
    • You will be expected to display an understanding of topics and concepts through the writing of a well-developed and thoughtful essay.
    • Essays are expected to be well written and in paragraph format. They should be written in your own words; any quotations should include complete citations in MLA or APA style. Do not copy from the textbook or any other book.

Lesson Guidelines

  • Students may submit up to 6 lessons at once. Students may submit up to 6 lessons in one week.

  • Wait for grades and feedback on lessons prior to submitting subsequent lessons.

  • Keep a copy of every lesson submitted. Write your name and V Number on every submission.

  • Students may submit lessons via Canvas. Students will receive graded lessons via Canvas.

  • You will typically receive graded lessons within three weeks after the date of the receipt by the instructor.

Self-Study Lessons

Lessons 1, 8, 11, and 14 are self-study lessons, and should not be submitted for grading. The self-study lessons include multiple-choice and essay questions similar to those in the graded lessons; these will serve to foster your understanding of the lesson material and prepare you for exams. Answers to the self-study lessons are included in the Self-Study Key.

Study Hints

  • Complete all assigned readings.
  • Set a schedule allowing for completion of the course one month prior to your desired deadline. An Assignment Submission Log is provided for this purpose.
  • Webpages and URL links in the World Wide Web are subject to change. If you cannot access a link that has been listed in this course, use your favorite search engine (such as Google) to locate the site. To seek assistance or provide any updated information, contact your instructor.

Exams

  • All exams are available in Canvas
  • You must wait for grades and comments on lessons prior to taking each subsequent exam.
  • Exams are closed book and closed notes.
  • See Grade Information for specific information on lesson/exam points and percentages.

Email Standards

Place questions or comments for the instructor in the body of the email.

  • In the email's subject line include: Your name, V number, course subject and number
    • Example: Joe Vandal, V01234567, BUS L321
  • In the body of the email include: Your name, V number, course subject & number, and the date
    • Example: Joe Vandal, V01234567, BUS L321, day-month-year

Grade Information

The course grade will be based upon the following considerations:

Total Points Possible for the Course: 520 

Graded Lessons

There are 11 graded lessons. Each is worth up to 20 points or 3.8% (3.845%) of your grade. Points possible for lessons: 220 points (42.3% of 520 possible course points)

  • Lessons 2–7 
  • Lessons 9–10 
  • Lessons 12–13
  • Lesson 15

Graded Exams

There are three exams, each worth 100 points or 19.2% of your grade. Points possible for exams: 300 or 57.7% (rounded up) of 520 course points total 

  • Exams 1–3

Final Grades 

The final course grade is issued after all lessons and exams have been graded.

Acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism are considered a very serious transgression and may result in a grade of F for the course.

Grading Scale
Points Percent Grade
465–520 90-100% A
413–464 80-89% B
361–412 70-79% C
309–360 60-69% D
0-308 Below 60% F

Course Policies

Refer to the ISI website's Current Students page for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services.