Social Psychology

Social Psychology attempts to describe and explain the impetus behind our social interactions.

This course provides an opportunity to explore the principles of social psychology and to give a reference point to understand behaviours we are familiar with.

This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in society and a willingness to read, discuss and think.

The course is also an optional module in the Pathway to a degree in Healthcare.

Learning and teaching

There will be lectures, classroom debates, group workshops, seminar presentations and video material. The emphasis will be on active learning to help you develop an understanding of the subject matter and its relevance to the real world.

Coursework and assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved.

Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

You will not have formal examinations but you may have class tests.

You may be asked to write assignments, keep a course journal or put together a portfolio.

Our assessments are flexible to suit the course and the student.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning.

Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

Reading suggestions

There is not a course book for this course. Your tutor will suggest a variety of books that you can borrow from the library.

You may want to buy books but these can be second hand and you may want to share with other students.

The reading list that follows is a list of suggestions which may help to give you some ideas, if you want to do some reading before the course begins, but feel free to read around the subject and follow your own interests:

• Mcllveen R. & Gross R. (1998) Social Psychology, London: Hodder & Stoughton Aronson E.,
• Wilson T.D. & Akert R.M. (1997) (2nd ed.) Social Psychology, Harlow:
• Longman ATKINSON R. ATKINSON, R. SMITH. R.E. AND BERN D.J. (11th ED 1994 or later) Introduction to Psychology. London:Harcourt Brace
• Jovanovich Beck, A. T., M.D, (1989) Love Is Never Enough: How Couples Can Overcome Misunderstandings, Resolve Conflicts, and Solve Relationship Problems Through Cognitive Therapy. New York: Harper Perennial
• GLIETMAN H. (2002) Psychology 5^th ed.   New York: WW
• Norton Wright R. (1994) The Moral Animal. London: Abacus
• HAYES N.(1993) Principles of Social Psychology, Hove: Lawrence Erlhbaum Associates
• Student information site
• Encyclopaedia of Psychology
• General social psychology website.

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.