Philosophy and Psychology 2009-2010
Senior Fine Arts Elective
Instructor: Mr. Joseph Dibs
Academic Year 2009-2010
e-mail: jdibs@cathedralprepseminary.com
web:
http://teacherweb.com/NY/CathedralPreparatorySeminary/MrJosephDibs/index.html
phone: 718/ 592-6800, x. 600
Text: Ten Theories of Human Nature by Stevensen and Haberman. Other texts
will be either on reserve in the library or from electronic versions online
(at no additional cost).
Course Description: This class is divided into two sections. In the first
semester, the student will be introduced to a study of the nature and history
of philosophy in general. In particular focus will be a detailed
introduction to the thought of Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes,
Kierkegaard and Sartre.
In the second semester, the student will be introduced to the study of
psychology as an academic discipline. In particular focus will be a general
introduction to general principles, history, definitions and concepts in
psychology.
Course Requirements: The class will primarily be lecture based. Each quarter
will have two exams, one based on the class notes, the other on the assigned
readings from the text book. In addition, students are required to submit a
two (2) page integration paper based on an assigned topic each quarter.
Breakdown of the grade per quarter: 50% exams- 50% paper
Required reading in text:
1st quarter: Chapters 4 and 5
2nd quarter: Chapters 6 and 7
3rd quarter: Chapters 8 and 9
4th quarter: Chapter 10
Papers: All papers must be typed in Times New Roman font. The required font
size is 12 point. The paper is to be double-spaced and the margins are to be
1'' on all sides. All references are to be made parenthetically and a works
cited page is required. All papers are to be written according to the APA
(http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ ).
A paper that is cut and pasted from the Internet will be considered
plagiarism and will be awarded an instant 0%.
Major paper topics:
1st quarter: Philosophical Analysis of good and evil in film “Crimes and
Misdemeanors” (1989)
2nd quarter: Philosophical Analysis of the film “I Heart Huckabees” (2004)
3rd quarter: Psychological Analysis of the film “The Hulk” (2003)
4th quarter: Psychological Analysis of the film “Batman Begins” (2005)
By its nature, an integration paper requires the writer to exhibit a
competent grasp on the subject by synthesizing key ideas, referencing the
subject’s own work as well as stating one’s own opinion on the subject’s
thoughts. It is NOT a reflection paper. One must be able to back up every
opinion expressed with clear, concise, rational thought and researched
facts. It is NOT a research paper. One must be able to do more than repeat
what is written on the Internet or in the text about a key figure in
Philosophy and Psychology.
Grading System: 80% exams, quizzes and papers; 20% homework and class
participation
Course Outline:
I. Western Philosophy
A. Towards a Definition
B. Branches of Philosophy
C. Greek Philosophy
1. Pre-Socratics
2. Socrates
3. Plato
4. Aristotle
D. Roman Philosophy
E. Augustine
F. Anselm
G. Thomas Aquinas
H. Renaissance Humanism
I. Descartes
J. Kant
K. Hegel
L. Nietzche
M. Kierkegaard
N. Feuerbach
O. Marx
P. Pragmatism
1. Pierce
2. James
3. Dewey
Q. Heidegger
R. Sartre
S. Camus
II. Human Psychology
A. Towards a Definition
B. Branches of Psychology
C. Psychiatry
D. Methodology
E. History of Psychology
1. Wundt
2. Philosophy and Psychology
F. Freud/ Jung
G. Pavlov
H. Thorndike
I. Watson
K. Jones
L. Skinner
M. Gestalt
N. Maslov
O. Developmental Psychology
P. Social Psychology