PC6009 - Special Topics in Personality and Social Psychology (2023/24)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2023/24 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Special Topics in Personality and Social Psychology | ||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2023/24(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The aims of this module are to (1) provide students with an advanced understanding of developments in theory and research in (a) personality and individual differences and (b) social and cultural psychology; (2) introduce alternative and challenging perspectives on mainstream psychological phenomena; (3) develop and extend students’ understanding of the application of psychological theory to contemporary social issues; (4) facilitate understanding of the historical and cultural specificity of theory and research. The module will enhance students’ employability through knowledge of alternative perspectives on taken-for-granted explanations of psychological phenomena; provide a deeper understanding of how individual, social and cultural factors can influence personal and social wellbeing; provide skills relevant to the application of theoretical knowledge and critical evaluation. The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Prior learning requirements
An introductory psychology module
Syllabus
The module will cover topics from self and identity, social exclusion, and intergroup conflict and cooperation, as well as the social and cultural specificity of psychological phenomena such as motivation, emotion, cognition, development, and psychological health and wellbeing.
Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 4
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Students’ knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, theories and empirical evidence will be developed through lectures and small group discussions (36 hours) and through guided use of learning resources, including web-based material and independent study (114 hours).
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will:
1. Have advanced knowledge of developments in theory and research in (a) personality and individual differences and (b) social and cultural psychology.
2. Be aware of some alternative and challenging approaches to understanding a range of psychological phenomenon.
3. Be able to apply psychological theory to a range of contemporary social issues and problems.
4. Be able to critically evaluate key concepts, theories and empirical research and present coherent arguments about the merits of different types of explanation and methodology.
Assessment strategy
Summative assessment will be via a piece of coursework. Students will choose 3 out of 6 photos (or be allowed to produce their own 3 photos) and write one short reflective essay (500 words) for each photo addressing and combining theoretical and real-life issues taught as part of this module. . Formative assessments will consist of reviewed practice on similar to the summative assessment tasks. Students must obtain a mark of 40% or higher to pass the module.
Bibliography
Chryssochoou, X. (2004). Cultural diversity: Its social psychology. Oxford: Blackwell.
Maltby, J., Day, L., & Macaskill, A. (2017). Personality, individual differences and intelligence (4th Edition). Harlow: Pearson.
Smith, E.R., Mackie, D.M., & Claypool, H. (2015). Social psychology (4th Edition). London: Psychology Press.
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/88EBFD5C-B0A1-B685-9F88-5F7D09FB051E.html?lang=en-US&login=1