DOMINIC W. MASSARO, editor
University of California, Santa Cruz

The History of Psychology Textbook: Diverse Approaches and Different Goals

A Brief History of Modern Psychology
By Ludy T. Benjamin, Jr. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2007. 246 pp. Paper, $31.50.

By Fuchs and Viney (2002, p. 5) conclude that a course in the history of psychology serves as an advanced integrative force in our curricula, encourages higher level critical thinking, and fosters a healthy skepticism that can free students "from the pervasive influence of fads in the field." This course can also instill deep and empathic sensitivities to cultural diversity and correct students' "narrowness in their spatial, cultural, and temporal worlds" (Fuchs & Viney, 2002 p. 5) and may help broaden awareness of "narrow provincial, class, and regional prejudices" (Watson, 1977, p. 64). A history of psychology course is offered regularly at most colleges and universities and is often required of majors (Fuchs & Viney, 2002). The format of the course and number of students enrolled vary from small graduate seminars to large undergraduate lectures. In many departments of psychology the course serves as a capstone course representing the culminating experience for majors.