PSYC5544 · Psychology

Psychological Insights from Caribbean and African Epistemologies

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

This course expands and challenges the traditionally Western-centered foundations of psychology by exploring how Caribbean and African epistemologies deepen our understanding of core psychological topics, including the self and health. Through engagement with seminal works in philosophy, psychology, literature, and contemporary research, students will examine how expanding psychology beyond Western paradigms is essential to fully capturing the complexity of human experience. A key component of the course involves students developing their own projects, critically integrating insights from Caribbean and African epistemologies into their areas of interest. Whether through research, creative expression, or applied practice, students will be encouraged to explore how these perspectives can enhance psychological inquiry, ethical considerations, and real-world problem-solving. By the end of the course, students will not only broaden their understanding of psychology but also contribute to the necessary expansion of its scope and knowledge base.