- UCAS course code
- C812
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Foundations of psychology
| Unit code | EDUC13011 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 1 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
The purpose of the unit is to introduce and acculturate students into the idea of studying psychology as a science and through a range of perspectives. Major topics include:
- What is Psychology (e.g. is it the science of mind, or is it the science of experience)?
- What encapsulates ‘science’ as a practice?
- Major schools of psychology (e.g. Philosophy, psycho-physics, Introspection, Behaviourism + neo-behaviourism (Wundt, Skinner et. al), Humanism)
- Differences between European and American schools of thought
The taught content will be augmented by formative, online activities, including case-based study examples and online quizzes.
Aims
To provide coverage of the BPS qualifying syllabus core area of cultural and historical origins of Psychology.
To introduce students to the study of psychology as a science by examining the social and cultural construction of psychology through the lens of major shifts in paradigm and
perspective. Attention will be paid to its application to 'real world questions' with particular regard to education.
Teaching and learning methods
Face to face lectures (e.g. including whole class discussion and debate, case/scenario based learning, and other approaches to learning and teaching)
Supplementary e-learning resources provided online
Knowledge and understanding
Demonstrate understanding of the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline, its historical origins, development and limitations.
Be able to comparatively analyse and evaluate phenomena relating to human functioning from a range of different perspectives.
Intellectual skills
Be able to comparatively analyse and evaluate phenomena relating to human functioning from a range of different perspectives.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Be able to problem solve by clarifying questions, consideration solutions and evaluating likely outcomes
Take charge of their own learning and undertake self-directed study to produce a credit-bearing assignment
Written communication
Oral communication (contributing to discussion and debate)
Working with others (group work, case-based work)
IT skills (word processing, accessing electronic databases and library facilities, managing references)
Assessment methods
Students are a provided a case-vignette and asked to select one psychological approach (as studied in class) in order to consider to what extent this psychological perspective helps us understand the situation.
Length: 1,500 words
Weighting: 100%
Feedback methods
Online via Blackboard/Turnitin
Recommended reading
Gross, R. (2015). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (7 Ed.). London: Hodder
Forshaw, M. (2012). Critical thinking for psychology: A student guide. West Sussex: BPS
Blackwell.
Hayes, N. (2000). Foundations of Psychology (3 Ed.). London: Thomson.
Ruscio, J. (2005). Critical Thinking in Psychology: Separating Sense from Nonsense. Belmont, CA: Thomson, Wadsworth.
Slife, B. (2010) Taking sides: Clashing Views on Psychological Issues. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| eAssessment | 20 |
| Lectures | 15 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 65 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Michael Wigelsworth | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Activity | Hours Allocated |
Staff/ Student contact | 10* interactive lectures @ 1.5 hours 15 |
Facilitated, formative online activities | 20 |
Private study, reading and assignment preparation | 65 |
Total Hours | 100 |