PC6059 - Social and Cultural Psychology (2018/19)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2018/19 | ||||||||
| Module title | Social and Cultural Psychology | ||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences | ||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2018/19(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
This module develops students’ knowledge of social and cultural psychological concepts and theories with the focus on the application of psychological theory to a range of contemporary issues related to psychological phenomenon such as self and identity, prejudice and discrimination, social exclusion, and intergroup conflict and cooperation. It additionally introduces theory and research on the cultural specificity of psychological phenomena such as motivation, emotion, cognition, development, and psychological health and wellbeing.
Module aims
The aims of this module are to (1) provide students with an advanced understanding of developments in social and cultural psychological theory and research; (2) introduce alternative and challenging perspectives on mainstream psychological phenomena; (3) develop and extend students’ understanding of the application of social and cultural psychological theory to contemporary social issues. 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 social and cultural influences 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.
Syllabus
The module will cover topics from self and identity, prejudice and discrimination, social exclusion, and intergroup conflict and cooperation, as well as the social contextual and specificity of psychological concepts such as motivation, emotion, cognition, development, and psychological health and wellbeing.
Learning and teaching
Students’ knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, theories and empirical evidence will be developed through lectures and small group discussions (40 hours) and through guided use of learning resources, including web-based material and independent study (110 hours).
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will:
- Have advanced knowledge of social and cultural psychological theory and research.
- Be aware of some alternative and challenging approaches to understanding a range of psychological phenomenon.
- Be able to apply social and cultural psychological theory to a range of contemporary social issues and problems.
- 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 seen exam of two hours (100%). Formative assessment will consist of a series of in class and online tests throughout the module.
| Component | Percentage of overall mark | Learning outcomes |
| Seen exam | 100 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
Bibliography
Chryssochoou, X. (2004). Cultural diversity: Its social psychology. Oxford: Blackwell.
Hogg, M.A. & Vaughan, G.M. (2013). Social psychology (7th edition). Harlow: Pearson.
Smith, E.R., Mackie, D.M., & Claypool, H. (2015). Social Psychology (4th Edition). London: Psychology Press.
Shiraev, E., & Levy, D. (2004). Cross-cultural psychology (2nd edition). London: Pearson.