Curriculum Information

This module will comprise several strands which together will combine to develop students’ psychological literacy. “Psychological Literacy” is the idea that the knowledge of human behaviour and development gained through learning about psychology can actually be used to improve individual and organisational functioning. However to move towards this, students need to develop academic skills that will help them to “think like a psychologist”. This module therefore includes skills such as finding and reviewing literature, critical reflection, application of ethical standards, planning and producing written and oral communications to different audiences as well as conventions used in the discipline such as citing and referencing practices.

These skills will be supported by a process of reviewing and reflecting on key studies drawn from the companion modules on this course (Introduction to Biological & Cognitive Psychology; Psychological Development in the Social World) as well as evaluating some of the historical debates in Psychology and discussions around individual differences. Core content included in this module will extend these debates and discussions; covering questions of pathology and change, conscious and unconscious processes, happiness and life satisfaction, personality and intelligence (including creativity, emotional and practical intelligence) and evolutionary psychology. Key questions such as whether psychology is a science, the debates around psychology and race, IQ and social class and the contributions of positive psychology will also be considered.

Delivery of this module will be in the form of seminars, workshops and a “psychological skills clinic” which will support students’ reflections on their own development. Formative assessment activities will be included to support the completion of students’ summative assignments.