BSc Psychology / Course details

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 Year 3 unit for the BSc Psychology programme, falling within the Psychology in Society theme.

*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.) 

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. 

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 Blackboard site. 

• 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 

• 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). 

• Critically evaluate design and methodology in research papers
• Discuss empirical findings in a small group context
• Use electronic resources such as library databases and online journals to search for appropriate literature 

• 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. 

Students will receive a grade and written feedback for the essay and a grade for the exam

• 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.