Women have contributed to the discipline of Psychology since its inception. Names like Freud, Maslow, and Skinner are perhaps more well-known, but the significant contributions of women to the field cannot be underestimated. In this course, students will examine the development of the discipline from a female perspective.

We will explore the history of women in Psychology, from the rarely discussed pioneers to the contemporary female voices in the discipline today. Starting with a discussion of how women were viewed and defined by early psychologists, the course will then examine the role women played in the expansion of psychological theories, constructs and ideas. We will discuss how the Civil Rights Movement, the Women’s Movement, and feminist critique and analysis contributed to the development of more inclusive psychological theories and therapies. Finally, we will discuss the future of Psychology and how women will continue to influence the field with their unique perspectives and insights.