select and investigate a specific topic related to the history of psychology. The term essay is intended to have students bring together findings from literature in the history of psychology and related fields to illustrate and justify a clear argumentative position.
Instructions for the essay
i.
Term Essay
For the term essay, students are required to select and investigate a specific topic related to the history of psychology. The term essay is intended to have students bring together findings from literature in the history of psychology and related fields to illustrate and justify a clear argumentative position.
The term essay must be word-processed, conform to APA format (refer to Publication Manual of the APA, 6th ed.), and consist of 8-13 single-sided (1″ margins, 12-point Times Roman font), double-spaced pages excluding the title page, references, and any tables/figure/appendices. Do not include an abstract. Do not insert unnecessary space between paragraphs or sections to increase the number of pages. Essays consisting of fewer than 8 pages will be penalized in proportion to the extent of the page shortage.
A strong essay may critically examine the historical development of a particular psychological construct or school of thought. Students may also choose to examine the influence of particular psychologists, either alone, in tandem or in comparison to one another. Regardless of the approach taken, the essential point is for students to choose a topic that is: 1) In line with the subject matter of the course; 2) Goes beyond the material covered in class, in order to demonstrate a capacity for independent research and; 3) Specific enough to permit the student to bring together existing research on the topic in service of their own argumentative position – a good essay allows the voice of the student to be clearly heard.
Some examples of strong topics for term essays are listed below. These are meant to provide an idea of the type of topics that make for successful essays. Students are encouraged to select their own topic based on the types of media and questions they find personally relevant and worth exploring.
Topic Examples:
1)
The return of the repressed: How the tenets of psychoanalysis have been reimagined by cognitive neuroscience.
2)
A historical analysis of psychological models for understanding homosexuality.
3)
The making of “prodigy”: How G. Stanley Hall and John Watson changed the role of psychology in education and child development.
Term essay marking is broken down as follows:
Introduction – 15 Marks
– Clearly introduces the topic and defines constructs to be considered
– Outlines the essay’s argumentative process
– Indicates a specific issue to be addressed and a reason behind its importance
– Lists the premises of an argument that addresses the issue
– Briefly proposes the final position that will be argued by the essay
Content – 50 Marks
– Reviews theoretical/research material and evidence that is relevant to the topic investigated and to the argument proposed
– Information is accurate
– Citations are supplied as required
– Avoids distracting, unnecessary detail
– Demonstrates awareness of major findings and approaches in the chosen topic
-Uses labels, constructs and terminology correctly
– Demonstrates extensive research and strong understanding of the subject area
Argument – 30 Marks
– Integrates existing theories and/or research findings to synthesize a distinct argument
– Analyzes argumentative position into its assumptions and premises, then provides evidence and reasoning to support each of these
– Content is organized to reflect and compliment the logical structure of the argument
-Argument remains consistent throughout the essay
APA Format – 5 Marks
-Title page, headings, citations, and references adhere to most recent APA guidelines (see the Basics Tutorial @ http://www.apastyle.org/). An abstract is not required.
Brief Recommendations:
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Begin reading and collecting research materials early. This is a long-term project and should reflect extensive reflection on a selected topic.
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Consult The TA or professor if you encounter difficulty or uncertainty in developing your ideas. We are here to help.
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Make the essay focused and consistent. Keep your reader in mind and remember that you are trying to convince them of your argument. Be sure each of your points has a clear purpose and that it fits cogently with points that come before and after.
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Avoid circular logic
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Avoid making either whiggish or presentist assumptions about the connections among historical events
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Your argument should take both intra-institutional and extra-institutional factors into account. That is, keep in mind that the context for your topic is constituted by both what was happening in the field of psychology and society in general at any given historical point. Making the connection between these interdependent contexts and your topic will sharpen the critical historical perspective of the essay and thereby strengthen your argument.
Course Syllabus
Required Readings:
A History of Psychology: From Antiquity to Modernity (8th ed.) by Thomas Hardy Leahey. Pearson.
Text is available at the University of Toronto Bookstore (214 College Street, Phone: 416.640.7900)
Supplemental Readings (optional):
Putting Psychology in its Place (3rd Ed.). By Graham Richards. Routledge.
A History of Psychology in Letters (2nd. Ed.) By Ludy Benjamin. Blackwell.
A History of Modern Psychology in Context. By Wade Pickren and Alex Rutherford. Wiley.
Portraits of Pioneers in Psychology. Various Authors. APA.
A Brief History of Modern Psychology. By Ludy Benjamin. Blackwell.
