Module manager: Harry Parker
Email: H.Parker@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is approved as a discovery module
We live in an age of neuroscience, with scientists able to map the human brain in incredible detail, using functional scans to explain clinical presentations and character traits, and even question our notions of free will. The technology is seemingly new and dazzling, but belief that the sciences of mind and brain can underpin completely new ways of seeing ourselves, and the world around us, is not. In this module you will explore some key ideas in neurological and psychological thinking over the last 300 years, and examine how these have been linked importantly with different aspects of society. From the provision of welfare, justice, education and military defence, to the development of advertising, economics and identity politics, you will consider how the sciences of mind and brain have changed throughout history, and how they have influenced the way we understand and organise some of the most important institutions in our society. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module has three main objectives. Firstly, that you will examine a broad range of theories and technologies in the history of psychology and neuroscience, and recognise how these have arisen in response to debates around broader social, political and economic issues over the past 300 years. Secondly, that you will in turn develop a critical assessment of the claims made by practitioners in the mind and brain sciences, and the uses to which these have been put by different social institutions. And thirdly, in evaluating the arguments and analyses of a range of primary and secondary sources, you will appraise various scientific attempts to explain and manipulate ‘human nature’, and formulate your own critical account of the ways mind and brain sciences have influenced, or reflected, wider society.
The learning activities in this module achieve these objectives by introducing you to a series of key episodes in history where the interaction of social concerns with the growing sciences of mind and brain created significant new insights or practices. Lectures provide an overarching historical framework for the module, as well as outlining key developments, whilst also suggesting new and challenging interpretations with which you will engage further through group discussions and private study. In seminars you will continue to examine and debate the meaning and merits of these historical ideas and events, whilst responding to academic sources that offer contrasting accounts and methodologies, and applying your own critical judgements.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
LO1: Analyse the changing nature of neuroscientific and psychological thinking, and its influences from, and on, wider social events or concerns.
LO2: Critically evaluate differing views of the role and value of neuroscience and psychology, in both historical and contemporary society.
LO3: Critically interrogate the role of academic history in understanding the legacies of various neuro-psychological ideas.
LO4: Formulate and defend your own account of the interaction of mind, brain and society.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
LO5: Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)
LO6: Undertake independent research to identify, evaluate and synthesise relevant material to support knowledge and analysis of topics (Academic, Work-Ready, Digital skill)
This module teaches students core skills of the history of science, including knowing the way that scientific knowledge and technologies are contingent and socially embedded, studying their stories using techniques of research, interpretation and critique of texts, and developing fresh perspectives through historical argument and writing.
Topics could include (but are not limited to):
- Education and psychology
- Welfare and Utilitarianism
- Social psychology
- Psychology and the self
- War psychology
- Identity politics
- Neuro-expansion
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Each student is invited to complete ONE piece of formative work, for which they will receive written feedback.
For the essay, students are invited to submit a plan or literature review, based on one essay title from the list provided.
Students should read and reflect on (i) the feedback they received in previous summative assessments, (ii) the PRHS marking criteria and (iii) the specific guidance provided on the summative assessment in this module, and identify for themselves the type of formative feedback that will be most beneficial for them.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits for the essay will take the same form as the original assessment. Students resitting the essay must select a different essay question from the list provided for the original attempt.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team