Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PSYC 705 G100

Proseminar in History and Systems (3)

Class Number: 3637

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Although telling a coherent account of all of the things that psychologists do in their professional lives is a challenging task, a history is a common way to hold it all together. A history also helps to consolidate an identity for an academic discipline that distinguishes it from other forms of inquiry. Academic histories though typically contain what are ultimately different perspectives on the same subject matter and are often told in a manner that privileges one over another. The study of history itself also has historiographic perspectives that interact with the ways that we tell our histories as well. What we will try to do in this seminar is to come to terms with all of this and openly discuss the merits of various approaches to the historical construction of the discipline. As a rough guide, we will consider the usefulness of thinking about psychology from both a natural science and a human science point of view.

Grading

  • Participation: 10%
  • Presentation/facilitation: 20%
  • Thought paper: 35%
  • Best of 7 reaction papers: 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Walsh, R. T. G., Teo, T., & Baydala, A. (2014). A critical history and philosophy of psychology: Diversity of context, thought, and practice. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.