PS 343 - Psychology and Society in Paris

This course explores the history and development of psychology in Paris (and Europe). It aims to raise students' awareness of the role and representation of psychologists and their tools in Parisian society. To this end, we will present the main historical (from ancient thinkers to today's professionals) and conceptual landmarks that have made 21st-century Parisian psychology so rich and diverse. We will thus address the influence of philosophy and physiology on the birth and evolution of different currents in psychology, as well as the methods of use of experimental psychology, child psychology, psychoanalysis, cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, and occupational psychology in Paris. Class discussions, participation in educational games and tests, and personal reflection will allow students to explore the cultural links and relevance of different approaches to psychology in the face of contemporary issues. A PowerPoint presentation will accompany each class. This course includes two meetings with psychologists who will present their career paths and practices in psychology: a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, formerly a psychologist at the Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, now in private practice, and an occupational psychologist who supports professionals in distress within an occupational health service at a public industrial and commercial establishment in Paris. Three visits to institutions where psychologists work (possibly the Cité des enfants at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie, the Museum of the History of Psychiatry at Sainte Anne Hospital, or an Adoma social residence and an ALFI boarding house) are also planned.