PC5067 - Social and Cultural Understanding of Us and Others (2020/21)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2020/21 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Social and Cultural Understanding of Us and Others | ||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||
| 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 2020/21(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module examines social perception and behaviour in terms of how individuals think about and seek to understand their social world through their interactions with others at the group and societal levels. The module will provide students with an understanding of:
• key theories and models of social psychology in their historical and cultural contexts;
• how these areas can be scientifically and ethically investigated using appropriate research methodologies;
• how knowledge of social psychology can be ethically applied to the ‘real-world’ and their relevance to a range of settings.
This will develop students’ employability by providing a basis of knowledge and understanding which will be beneficial in future work and training (e.g. understanding the underlying dynamics of interpersonal and intergroup relations) and foster skills in the development of psychological assessment, academic argument and critical evaluation.
Prior learning requirements
Any introductory psychology module
Syllabus
Topics will be drawn from: social attribution and cognition, self and identity, intergroup behaviour, language and communication; critical and cross-cultural social psychology.
Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 3
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module is delivered through a variety of teaching and learning methods. A combination of group and individual activities will take place within a framework of lectures, seminars and workshops. Supplementary guided learning via WebLearn and self-managed private study will be provided when suitable.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will:
1. have in-depth knowledge and understanding of key theories relating to social cognition, social identity, and social behaviour and the relationship between individuals, society and culture;
2. have a critical understanding of the potential strengths and limitations of different research method in social psychology;
3. be able to critically evaluate key concepts, theories and empirical work and debate the comparative merits and ethics of different types of explanation and methodology.
Assessment strategy
An essay of 2000 words (excluding references) will address the breadth and depth of core concepts, theories and lines of research in different areas of social psychology and social cognition. A minimum grade of 40% in the assessment is required to pass the module.
Bibliography
CORE
Hogg, M. A. & Vaughan, G. M. (2018). Social psychology (8th Ed.). Harlow: Pearson. [core]
Brown, R. J. (2000). Group processes (2nd ed.), Oxford: Blackwell
Shiraev, E.B. & Levy, D.A. (2013). Cross-cultural psychology: Critical thinking and contemporary applications (5th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson.