Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - PSYC 402 D100

Advanced Topics in History and Theoretical Psychology (4)

Introduction to the Philosophy of Psychological

Class Number: 3974

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Jun 29, 2020: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201, 210, 308 (or 207), 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

Psyc 402/705
This course consists in an introduction to a fairly broad cross-section of issues pertaining to the philosophy of psychological science. It is portioned into four major sections: The first encompasses in a general introduction to the philosophy of science, and will include an introduction to some basic philosophy of science concepts, as well as to the various approaches to and perspectives on such issues as scientific explanation, inference, and theory-building. The second section will include a description of key historical movements in the philosophy of science and the debates that have arisen over how scientific inquiry should proceed. The third section of the course will briefly turn to some challenges to rationality-based philosophy of science frameworks. The final section will consider issues specific to the philosophy of psychological and other related sciences, including topics such as the history of measurement and inference as they pertain to psychological phenomena, construct validation as a dominant approach to theory-building, and alternative accounts of explanation for the discipline of psychology as a whole.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

To gain a basic understanding of general philosophy of science concepts and to be able to identify and critically examine the underlying philosophical foundations of the various theoretical approaches which have dominated in psychological science from its inception through current dominant perspectives.

Grading

  • Readings Journal: 10%
  • Major Paper Outline: 10%
  • First Draft: 20%
  • Final Draft: 30%
  • Presentation: 15%
  • Participation: 15%

NOTES:

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Intersession runs May 11 - June 22nd

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Godfrey-Smith, Peter. (2003). An introduction to the Philosophy of Science: Theory and Reality. University of Chicago Press.

Articles and other handouts made available via Canvas

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.