Introductory description

Is human cognition (the way the mind works) universal? Or do culture and society affect how we see the world? How do we understand (or misunderstand) each other in a multi-cultural society? In this module you will first learn about important aspects of cognition, such as perception, attention and memory before going on to examine the extent to which cognition is influenced by culture and society.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY AND CULTURE
Psychology and culture
Perception
Attention
Memory

CULTURE AND COGNITION
Concepts
Individual differences in cognition
Thinking and reasoning
Emotion

CULTURE AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Conformity, compliance and obedience
Stereotypes and prejudices
Social and cultural identity

CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION
Culture and language
Non-verbal communication
Multilingualism and multiculturalism

Learning outcomes

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

• Provide a thorough grounding in theories and research findings related to intercultural interaction and linguistics.Provide a solid foundation in relevant research skills and methods, both quantitative and qualitative;Enable students to analyse cross-linguistic features and contexts, and authentic cross-cultural and intercultural discourses using both quantitative and qualitative methods.Enable students to undertake an in-depth study of issues relating to intercultural linguistics.

Indicative reading list

Matsumoto, D. & Juang, L. (2013). Culture and psychology. Fifth Edition. Cengage Learning
Berry, J. W., Poortinga, Y. H., Breugelmans, S. M., Chasiotis, A., Sam, D. L. (2011) Cross-cultural psychology: Research and applications. Third Edition. Cambridge: CUP.
Hewstone, M., Stroebe, W., & Jonas, K. (2015) An introduction to social psychology. Sixth Edition. Wiley.
Galotti, K. M. (2014) Cognitive psychology in and out of the laboratory. Fifth edition. Sage.
Heine, S. (2011). Cultural psychology. Second Edition. Cengage Learning

Research element

Students in this module will read and critically analyse empirical studies of culture, cognition, and society. For summative essays, students should conduct independent research into studies in these areas.

Interdisciplinary

The module integrates theories and findings from linguistics, cognitive psychology, social psychology, anthropology, intercultural communication studies, and other fields.

International

This module incorporates theories and examples from multiple national, cultural, and linguistic contexts. The module also promotes active learning and intercultural reflection amongst a highly international cohort of students.

Subject specific skills

Understand and explain key concepts, models and research findings relating to culture, cognition and society
Understand and explain similarities and differences in cognition and behaviour across cultures
Understand and explain key concepts, models and research findings relating to attitudes, beliefs and values in the field of cross-cultural psychology
Be familiar with the main concepts and terminology of cognitive psychology, social psychology and cross-cultural psychology
Understand and explain similarities and differences in cognition and behaviour across cultures
Understand and explain key concepts, models and research findings relating to attitudes, beliefs and values in the field of cross-cultural psychology.

Transferable skills

Communicate effectively in English in mixed cross-cultural groups
Work effectively with others in group work
Use a range of tools and resources effectively in the preparation of coursework
Retrieve, evaluate critically and select relevant information to support coherent arguments
Critically evaluate key concepts, models and research findings relating to culture, cognition and society.