Introductory description

This module will introduce the history of psychology and core topics in developmental, social and cognitive psychology.

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.

The class covers four different subjects that represent a sample of research and theoretical topics in psychology.: 1) History of Psychology; 2) Developmental Psychology, 3) Social Psychology, and 4) Psychology of Ageing and Memory.
Psychology in Context is part of a general introduction to Psychology designed as a foundation for further learning in second and third years of the Psychology Honours Degrees.

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 fundamentals of qualitative and observational research methods in psychology;
• understand the parts played by developmental psychology and the study of memory in psychology as a whole; and
• be able to take a historical perspective on psychology as a science.

Indicative reading list

Gleitman, H., Gross, J., & Reisberg, D.(2010). Psychology (8th ed.). New York: W.W. Norton & Co.
Kowalski, R., & Westen, D. (2011). Psychology (6th ed.). Hoboken, N. J., USA: Wiley.
Martin, N. G., Carlson, N.R., & Buskist, W. (2013). Psychology (5th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.
Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Fredrickson, B. L., Loftus, G. R., & Wagenaar, W. A. (2009). Atkinson & Hilgard's introduction to psychology (15th ed.). London: Wadsworth.

Subject specific skills

an awareness of the breadth of topics falling within the disciplines of Psychology
familiarity with the basic aspects of some of the most common research approaches to Psychology
presentation of understanding and evaluation of topics in Psychology within a structured and coherent argument

Transferable skills

effective communication skills to develop an argument supported by relevant evidence
familiarity with collecting and organising stored information found in library books and journal collections, and online, critical evaluation of sources;
effective personal planning skills.