Exploring the History and Foundations of Psychology

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PSYC 3026
Course ID icon
Course ID
204612
Campus icon
Campus
Magill, Online
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Psychology
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Eden Thain
Course level icon
Course level
3
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

The aim of this course is to develop students' critical understanding of the practice of contemporary psychology through examination of the forces that have shaped its history and are shaping its present and future status. Students will develop advanced knowledge of psychology through the critical exploration of the history of psychology, contemporary psychology (including psychology in Australia, psychology in the service of the State, psychology and science, psychology and power, and psychology and culture) and current expectations for the future of psychology.

Course learning outcomes

  • Research and locate psychology within the broader social, political and global context
  • Critically analyse the history of psychology and its implications for human behaviour and social control
  • Explain the implications of particular world views concerning psychology for practice and research

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 04/09/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 21/08/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 18/09/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 16/10/2026

Class details

Magill

Class number
Class number 59534
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 120
Available
Available 119
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
3 Aug - 29 Oct - Magill ,
Class number
Class number 54592
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
6 Aug - 17 Sep Thursday 2:10pm - 3pm Magill Amy Wheaton, H2-05
15 Oct - 29 Oct Thursday 2:10pm - 3pm Magill Amy Wheaton, H2-05
Class number
Class number 54593
Section
Section TU02
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
6 Aug - 17 Sep Thursday 3:10pm - 4pm Magill Amy Wheaton, H2-05
15 Oct - 29 Oct Thursday 3:10pm - 4pm Magill Amy Wheaton, H2-05
Class number
Class number 54594
Section
Section TU03
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
4 Aug - 15 Sep Tuesday 3:10pm - 4pm Magill Amy Wheaton, H2-04
13 Oct - 27 Oct Tuesday 3:10pm - 4pm Magill Amy Wheaton, H2-04
Class number
Class number 54595
Section
Section TU04
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 29
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
4 Aug - 15 Sep Tuesday 2:10pm - 3pm Magill Amy Wheaton, H2-04A
13 Oct - 27 Oct Tuesday 2:10pm - 3pm Magill Amy Wheaton, H2-04A

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed 1 of HLTH1016 Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences/PSYC2012 Introductory Research Methods

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed BEHL3037 Exploring the History and Foundations of Psychology at the University of South Australia

Assumed knowledge

N/A

Textbook(s)

N/A

Inherent requirements

N/A

Other resources

N/A

Assessment

N/A

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Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.