Module Code:

PS112

Module Name:

Psychology in Context

Module Credits (CATS):

24 CATS Psychology

30 CATS Philosophy with Psychology

30 CATS Psychology & GSD

Module Convener

Jesse Preston

Module Teachers

Jesse Preston, Hester Duffy, Elizabeth Maylor, Lara Ayala Nunes

Module Aims

This module will introduce the history of psychology and core topics in developmental and cognitive psychology. Previous knowledge of psychology will not be assumed. Taken together, PS111 Brain and Behaviour and PS112 Psychology in Context provide a general introduction to Psychology designed to support work in the second and third years of the Psychology Honours Degree.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• be familiar with and able to discuss some of the classic studies in the areas of psychology set out above;
• have a critical appreciation of some of the main concepts and theories in each of the areas;
• locate modern psychology in a wider intellectual and historical context;
• understand the parts played by social psychology, developmental psychology, and the study of memory in psychology as a whole; and
• take a historical perspective on psychology as a science.

Assessed by:

Assessments (1 for each of the 4 sections) and 1 exam plus an additional assignment for 30CATS students

Module Work Load

Module Length

24 Weeks

Lectures

One lecture a week

Seminars

One seminar every second week

Attendance

Attendance at lectures and seminars is compulsory

Assessed work:

1. Written assignments (compulsory for all students)

32% (24 CAT) or 20% (30 CAT)

Assessed work:

For 30 CATS 20%

Exam

24 CATS 68%

Exam

30 CATS 60%

Module Reading List

Any one of the following four text books (and recent earlier editions) will provide back-up reading and could therefore be considered suitable for buying:

Gleitman, H., Gross, J., & Reisberg, D.(2010). Psychology (8th ed.). New York: W.W. Norton & Co.

or:

Kowalski, R., & Westen, D. (2011). Psychology (6th ed.). Hoboken, N. J., USA: Wiley.

or:

Martin, N. G., Carlson, N.R., & Buskist, W. (2013). Psychology (5th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.

or:

Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Fredrickson, B. L., Loftus, G. R., & Wagenaar, W. A. (2009). Atkinson & Hilgard's introduction to psychology (15th ed.). London: Wadsworth.

These will provide a basic introduction to much of the material to be covered in the module. Other essential reading will be indicated by members of the module team, and made available in the Library or via links on the module's web pages. Full information about the module, including past essay and exam questions, and lecture and seminar handouts, is also available on the module's web pages.