The learning outcomes will be achieved through the following teaching methodologies:
Lectures: Communication of knowledge and ideas from lecturer to student.
Problem Solving – Students will participate in group activities to apply knowledge and theory to examples.
Class Discussion –Students will be actively encouraged to participate in debates and discussions.
E-Learning – VLE (Blackboard) will be used.
Module Aim:
The aim of this module is to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of Social Psychology including theories of social behaviour, attitudes and processes of interaction with others. The module will encourage students to examine how they present themselves to others and how they interpret social situations. Links will be made to the student’s experience in Media Studies and Public Relations.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Describe key theories, models and studies in Social Psychology
LO2
Discuss methodological approaches and ethics in relation to Social Psychology research
LO3
Problem-solving and team work skills
LO4
Ability to make connections between theories in Social Psychology and Media Studies
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Introduction to Social Psychology:
Social Psychology as a discipline,
The relevance of Social Psychology,
Conducting research in Social Psychology,
Ethics in Social Psychology.
The Self
The Self Concept;
Symbolic Interaction Theory;
Gender Identity;
Ethnic Identity;
The role of culture in the structure of the self concept.
The Presentation of Self
Social Interaction;
Impression Management;
Impression Formation.
Socialisation Process
Definition of the socialisation process;
Agents of Socialisation;
Mechanisms of socialisation;
Role models;
Norms;
Attitudes
How attitudes are formed and maintained;
Prejudice and Discrimination;
Cognitive Dissonance Theory;
Research on attitudes.
Persuasion
Research on persuasion;
Self-Generated persuasion.
Groups
The Nature of Groups;
Group Development;
Conformity;
Power of Groups.
Aggression
Biological and Social Factors which influence aggression; Does the Media influence aggression?; Reducing aggression; Empathy
Interpersonal Attraction and Relationships
Love and attraction; Attachment styles; resolving conflict in close relationships
Prosocial Behaviour
Personal and situational factors; Altruism; Helping Behaviour
Stereotypes, Prejudice and Discrimiation
Contributing factors; consequences of being stereotyped; Overcoming stereotypes
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
70.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Other
Written examination
1,2
10.00
n/a
Other
Students will carry out a group project.
1,3,4
20.00
n/a
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Formal Exam
3 hour written examination
1,4
70.00
End-of-Semester
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment