BSc Psychology

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Introduction to Social Psychology

Course unit fact file
Unit code PSYC10711
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Offered by Division of Psychology and Mental Health
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

This unit provides an introduction to Social Psychology. The course covers a series of fundamental topics in this area, including: interpersonal relationships, prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination, the social self, social influence and cross-cultural psychology. To reflect the breadth and depth of social psychological research currently carried out in the UK and worldwide, this course draws upon studies across different approaches and traditions, highlighting current research and classic studies that illuminate the nature of social thinking and behaviour. 

Aims

This unit aims to:

Offer an introduction to the discipline of Social Psychology, and provide students with knowledge of central topics and key areas of research inquiry in this field.

 

Teaching and learning methods

This unit will be taught via lectures and empirical work lab classes.

Course content, lab materials, supplementary reading and resources and a monitored discussion board will be available via the unit Blackboard site.

Knowledge and understanding

Understand how different theoretical perspectives from social psychology provide competing explanations of social behaviour (i.e., interpersonal conflict and violence, relationship formation, the impact of culture on social behaviour). 

Intellectual skills

Interpret research findings in key social psychological topics; Apply social psychological theories to understand contemporary social issues and real-world behaviour; Objectively interpret the results of analyses in the context of research design.

Practical skills

Carry out a piece of practical social psychology, with guidance; Write an introduction and method section in a clear and coherent report format and in accordance with APA guidelines.

Transferable skills and personal qualities

Question and reflect on obstacles to diversity, tolerance and social inclusion as experienced in their personal and future professional lives. Present information, ideas and arguments in written form with due regard to the target audience and discipline conventions.

Assessment methods

Half Lab Report (Introduction and Method) - 80%

Discussion Board Posts - 20% 

Feedback methods

Students will recieve a grade and written feedback

Recommended reading

Hewstone, M., Stroebe, W., & Jonas, K. (Eds.). (2015). An introduction to social psychology. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons

This book is available electronically through the university library website.

Study hours

Independent study hours
Independent study 82

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Doron Cohen Unit coordinator

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