- UCAS course code
- C800
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Psychology
- Typical A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: ABB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Psychology of Politics, Identity and Society
Unit code | PSYC32242 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 6 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This course unit builds on previous studies in Psychology (principally, PSYC10711 and PSYC21701)*. It offers students the opportunity to critically analyse contemporary societal issues in depth, with reference to current psychological and neuroscientific theory and evidence. The course brings together topics in the related fields of political psychology, media psychology, and social cognition.
Politics:
We will study how people make sense of the political world, and how they decide how to vote; how political parties seek to manipulate and persuade through the media; and how political leaders are able to mobilise collective action.
Identity:
We will consider the impact of social media and social networking on how we see ourselves. Social relationships will be examined - both 'online' and 'offline'. We will also look closely at current portrayals of stereotyped groups on TV, newspapers, and the web.
Society:
Students will engage with debates relating to the role of popular culture in our lives, and consider the benefits and problems associated with new media technologies.
This is an optional Final Year unit for the BSc Psychology programme.
*Familiarity with major theories, perspectives and methods in Psychology is assumed, along with competency in psychological statistics (e.g., Psychology as major or substantive subject for visiting exchange programme students.)
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Social Psychology | PSYC10711 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
Topics and Issues in Social Psychology | PSYC21701 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
Aims
Building on the knowledge acquired in First and Second Year, this unit aims to:
- Extend students' social psychological understanding and to advance their ability to interpret contemporary social and political phenomena with reference to empirical research
- Demonstrate the interconnected nature of psychology, politics, and the media
- Demonstrate how a range of methods and theoretical approaches within social psychology can inform current debates
- Equip graduates to contribute to future debates relating to politics and our social responsibilities, as citizens literate in psychological science.
Teaching and learning methods
This course unit comprises 10 topics plus a final revision week for a total of 11 weeks: 11 two hour lectures, 10 one-hour seminars (based around activities intended to consolidate lecture content), and 10 one-hour reading groups (led by Teaching Assistants, offering the opportunity to critique empirical papers through group work). Lecture content, supplementary reading and resources, and a monitored discussion board will be available via the unit Canvas.
Knowledge and understanding
- Demonstrate an understanding of the interrelated fields of political psychology, media psychology, and social cognition
- Understand how psychological and neuroscientific approaches can be applied to contemporary social issues, with a particular focus on politics, the media, and popular culture
- Understand why theorised processes relating to groups and identity are key to social psychological interpretations of political behavior
Intellectual skills
- Critically evaluate the methods used to study social psychological questions, and the application of varied approaches to political topics
- Develop a reasoned, evidence-based argument for a particular point of view
- Synthesise, analyse and evaluate information using primary sources (e.g., journal articles).
Practical skills
- Critically evaluate design and methodology in research papers
- Discuss empirical findings in a small group context
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Appreciate consequences of social and political behaviour for members of stereotyped, stigmatized, or minority groups
- Demonstrate a willingness to engage in debates relating to our social and ethical responsibilities, as scientists and politically-informed citizens
Evidence the following skills:
- Evaluating research papers
- Presenting a coherent and persuasive argument
- Concise summarising of theories and evidence
- Effective work in groups
- Independent study.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Other | 50% |
Written assignment (inc essay) | 50% |
Assessment Task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
Coursework essay | 3 pages | Students will receive a grade and written feedback 20 working days after the final submission deadline. | 50% |
In-person exam | Up to 3 pages | Students will receive a grade and can request a summary of their performance after the exam board. | 50% |
Feedback methods
See Assessment Methods
Recommended reading
- Cottam, M. L., Mastors, E., Preston, T., & Dietz, B. (Eds.). (2016). Introduction to political psychology (3rd ed.). Routledge.
- Haslam, S. A., Reicher, S. D., & Platow, M. J. (2011). The new psychology of leadership: Identity, influence and power. Psychology Press.
- Huddy, L., Sears, D. O., & Levy, J. S. (Eds.). (2013). The Oxford handbook of political psychology (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199760107.013.0023
- Meshi, D., Tamir, D. I., & Heekeren, H. R. (2015). The emerging neuroscience of social media. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 19(12), 771-782. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2015.09.004
- Wallace, P. (2015). The psychology of the internet (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Lectures | 22 |
Seminars | 10 |
Tutorials | 10 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 158 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Matthew Farr | Unit coordinator |