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CONTENT AND STRUCTURE OF DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

DATES OF TERMS 2006-7

The first week of Term 1 is devoted to registration and induction, with teaching beginning in the week commencing Monday 2nd October 2006.

Term 1: First day: Monday 25th September 2006

Last day: Friday 15th December 2006

Term 2: First day: Monday 15th January 2007

Last day: Friday 30th March 2007

Term 3: First day: Monday 30th April 2007

Last day Friday 15thJune 2007

Reading week for Term 1 (all students): 6th November – 10th November 2006 Reading week for Term 2 (all students): 19th February – 23rd February 2007 Graduation Ceremonies 16th to 20th July 2007

COMPULSORY COURSES

All students take 5 compulsory courses:

Course

number

Term Course

unit value

Course name

PS 4010 1 & 2 1 Statistics and Research Methods

PS 4030 2 1/2 Social Psychology

PS 4040 1 1/2 Developmental Psychology

PS 4061 1 1/2 Brain and Behaviour

PS 4080 2 1/2 Conceptual Issues

OPTIONAL COURSES

All students take two third-year options chosen from the following:

Course

number

Term Course unit

value

Course name

PS 3050 1 1/2 Health Psychology

PS 3090 1 1/2 Advanced & Applied Social Psychology

PS 3110 2 1/2 Adult Psychological Problems

PS 3120 1 1/2 Developmental Aspects of Abnormal Psychology

PS 3141 1 1/2 Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience

PS 3160 2 1/2 Gender and Psychology

PS 3170 2 1/2 Psychology of Religion

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Introduction to SPSS, with assignment (induction week)

Diploma tutorials (by arrangement)

Optional for students contemplating taking BPS Exam for GBR (not required to pass the course, not assessed): attending lectures in Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Personality and Individual Differences or other courses

COURSE UNIT OUTLINES

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT GRADUATE DIPLOMA

Course Specification 2006-7

Course code PS4010C Course unit

value 1 Status Compulsory

Course title Research Methods

Term in which available Terms 1 and 2

Pre-requisite courses Introductory Course on SPSS

Recommended courses Statistics textbook will be recommended for preparation

Course co-ordinator Dr Kai Thilo (Term I) Professor Marc Brysbaert (Term II)

Course staff Prof Marc Brysbert, Dr Kai Thilo, Dr Scott Glover, Dr Tamar Pincus, Dr Narender Ramnani, Prof Kathy Rastle, Dr Dawn Watling, Dr Hanna Zagefka, Research Demonstrators

Course aims • To provide a working knowledge of the key multigroup and multivariate statistical techniques used in Psychology.

• To equip students with the skills to perform statistical analysis using the SPSS package.

• To provide a more detailed account of some of the research methods used in the social sciences.

• To equip students with the skills to run a study and to report it in the required APA format.

Learning outcomes • A good conceptual understanding of statistical procedures used

in psychology. • A working knowledge of SPSS for statistical analysis • An understanding of the key research methods used in the

social sciences. • The development of the capacity for writing and structuring a

research report. Course content The topics covered include some of the key multigroup and multivariate

statistical techniques used in Psychology. Laboratory reports and workshops cover some of the important quantitative and qualitative research methods used in psychology.

Learning and teaching methods 20 x 4 hour sessions consisting of lectures, workshops and laboratory classes. Specific learning outcomes and assigned reading will be provided for every lecture.

Recommended texts Gravetter, F.J., & Wallnau, L.B. Statistics for the behavioral sciences (any edition). West: St Paul, MN. (150.182 GRA)

Brace, N, Kemp R. & Snelgar, R. (2000) SPSS for Psychologists: A guide to data analysis using SPSS for windows. MacMillan Press

Stangor, C. (2003). Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

In-course feedback The laboratory reports will be returned with individual comments and generic feedback. The course co-ordinator, research demonstrators and key members of staff will be available during office hours or by appointment to answer specific questions.

Assessment Four Lab Reports (60%) Two SPSS exercises (10%) Exam stats and SPSS (30%) Each individual assessment must be completed and an overall mark of 40% obtained.

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT: POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA Course Unit Outline 2006-7

Code: PS4030 Course Value: 0.5 units Status: ie:Core, or Optional Core

Title: Social Psychology Availability: (state which teaching terms)

Term 2

Co-ordinator: Dr. Marco Cinnirella

Course Staff

Dr. M. Cinnirella, Prof. K. Loewenthal, Dr. H. Zagefka.

Aims:

1. To introduce key social-psychological theories, which students will be encouraged to compare and criticise. 2. To help students to understand how some social psychological theories have been applied to real life situations.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Explain how social psychology has contributed to the understanding of human behaviour, in relation to the topics considered this term.

To criticise the social psychological research relating to these topics. To identify research articles relevant to those topics, using computerised databases.

Course Content:

Will include the social psychology of:- attitudes; relationships; the self-concept; reducing prejudice and group conflict; attribution theory; and non-verbal behaviour.

Teaching & Learning Methods

20 hrs lectures; 78 hrs private study = 100 hours (half a unit) Lecturers with particular areas of expertise will provide an introduction to the theories relating to each topic and describe relevant research evidence, both supporting and contradicting the theories. Where relevant, students will be asked to complete questionnaires, used in research to measure the concepts described, so that students are able to relate theory to their own experiences. Students will be asked to read relevant research papers, both to be provided on handouts and identified by searching computer databases. They will be asked to provide concise verbal summaries of papers in tutorials and to critically evaluate the evidence presented.

Key Bibliography:

Recommended texts Hogg MA and Vaughan GM. Social Psychology 4th edition, 2005. Harlow, London: Pearson. First year B.Sc. Psychology students should have already purchased this book for their first year social psychology. Also useful: Hewstone, M, Stroebe, W, Stephenson, G, and associates, 1996. Introduction to Social Psychology 2nd (or later) edition. Oxford: Blackwell.

Formative Assessment and Feedback:

Coursework will be returned with feedback and guidance about how it could be improved. The tutorial system will also be used to provide feedback to B.Sc. Psychology students.

Summative Assessment:

Exam (%) (hours) 2-hr examination (67%). Coursework (%) Assessed essay 2500 words (33%) Both elements must be passed.

The information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication, but may be subject to change as part of the Department’s policy of continuous improvement and development. Every effort will be made to notify you of any such changes.


Course code

PS4040A Course unit value 0.5 Status

Core

Course title Developmental Psychology

Term in which available

Term 1

Pre-requisite courses

none

Recommended courses none

Course co-ordinator

Dr Dawn Watling

Course staff Dr Dawn Watling Course aims • To provide a detailed account of some of the main theoretical and empirical

issues emerging from recent research in developmental psychology with particular emphasis on research design, methods of data collection and alternative theoretical explanations of development from infancy to adolescence.

Learning outcomes • To develop an understanding of major issues of current theoretical

controversy within developmental psychology. • To develop an understanding of key empirical methods and procedures

within developmental psychology. • To develop the capacity for critical analysis of developmental psychology

research and the ability to carry out independent reading.

Course content The topics covered include reading and spelling, social cognition, autism, concepts and categorisation, and cognitive development. A more detailed account of research techniques in developmental psychology is also included and skills in critical analysis are developed.

Learning and teaching methods

9 x 2hours lectures plus 1 revision session. Specific learning outcomes and assigned reading will be provided for every lecture.

Recommended texts Harris, M. & Butterworth, G. (2002). Developmental psychology: A student’s handbook. Hove: Psychology Press.

In-course feedback The compulsory coursework will be returned with individual feedback. In addition, students will receive general guidance about ways in which the coursework could have been improved. The course co-ordinator will be available during office hours or by appointment to answer questions about course content.

Assessment The coursework will be a critical analysis of a recent research paper Coursework (Term 1 2,000) 33% Examination (Term 3) 67% Both elements must be passed.

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT: POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA Course Specification 2006-7

Course code


Core

Course title Brain and Behaviour


Term 1


Course co-ordinator

Narender Ramnani

Course staff Narender Ramnani, NET Course aims This course aims to illustrate how human behaviour may be explained by underlying

processes in the brain not only at the level of the synapse but also at the level of small and large scale neuronal networks.

Learning outcomes To develop an understanding of causal and correlational links between the specific processes in the brain and the behaviour of simple and complex organisms. To develop an understanding for the different methodologies involved in determining structure-function relationships in the brain.

Course content Content will cover neuronal structure, function and information transmission; the organisation of the nervous system and how this reflects some principles of information processing; principles and methods (anatomical and physiological) used to study information processing in the brain; learning in simple systems; evolution and function in the primate frontal lobe; the biology and psychopharmacology of reward and reinforcement.


A series of lectures and one revision session. PowerPoint presentations will be given throughout the course. Handouts (including a reading list) will be available in the lectures.

Recommended reading Some of the lectures will be covered in M.S. Gazzaniga, R.B. Ivry, G.R. Mangun. “Cognitive Neuroscience” (2nd Edition). Norton, 2002. However, there will be an emphasis on reading published review articles and original research papers.

In-course feedback The compulsory coursework will be returned with individual feedback. In addition, students will receive general guidance about ways in which the coursework could have been improved. The course co-ordinator will be available during office hours or by appointment to answer questions about course content.

Assessment By means of a coursework essay (2000 words, 30%) and a two-hour unseen written examination at the end of the year (2 out of 7 possible questions to be answered, 70%). It is necessary to obtain a pass both elements.


Course code


Core

Course title Conceptual Issues in Psychology


Term 2

Course co-ordinator

Prof Kathy Rastle

Course staff Prof Kathy Rastle, Dr Narender Ramnani, Ms Paula Lacey, Course aims • To provide a theoretical and historical perspective, enabling the appreciation of

diverse approaches to psychology and the evaluation of current debates within the subject. (This course assumes a basic knowledge of different content areas of psychology.)

• To provide an opportunity for critical reflection on the current practice of psychology.

Learning outcomes • To be able to describe, compare and assess different theoretical approaches to psychology.

• To develop critical awareness and independent evaluation of theoretical issues. Course content What is Science and how does Psychology fit in?; Introspectionist and behaviourist

approaches to human behaviour. Cognition and Computers; Neuroscience: historical concepts and current approaches. Evolution and psychology. Explanation. Feminist psychology. Psychology in a socio-political context.


20 hours of lectures and 4 hours of tutorials. Lectures will incorporate short periods of interactive discussion. In addition, students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study

Recommended texts Leahey, T.H. (2000) A History of Psychology. 5th edition. Prentice-Hall. Chalmers, A. (1999). What is this thing called Science? Hackett Publishing Co. Valentine, E.R. (1992) Conceptual Issues in Psychology. 2nd edition. Routledge.

In-course feedback The compulsory coursework will be returned with individual feedback. The course co-ordinator will be available during office hours or by appointment to answer any questions students may have about the course.

Assessment 2000-word coursework essay: 33% Two-hour examination (requiring two answers selected from 7 questions): 67% Both elements must be passed.

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT Course Specification 2006/7

Course code

PS3050A Course unit value 0.5 Statu

s

Optional

Course title Health Psychology


Term 1


Recommended courses None

Course co-ordinator

Dr Alison Woodcock

Course staff Dr Alison Woodcock, Dr Jane Speight, Prof Clare Bradley, Ms Harsimran Singh.

Course aims To provide an overview of some of the main theories underpinning recent research in health psychology, and their application to real situations in health and medicine.

Learning outcomes By the end of the course, students will be able to: Use electronic databases to conduct a literature search and identify papers relevant to a health psychology topic.

Summarise & evaluate published evidence, relating to a health psychology topic.

Apply health psychology theory to a practical problem Course content Introduction & biopsychosocial model; adherence to treatment &

professional-patient relations; the placebo effect; psychological issues in clinical trial design; models of health behaviour; psychology & health promotion; social support & health; coping with chronic & terminal conditions.


9 x 2 hour lectures plus 1 revision session. Information-giving, describing theories and research findings, will be interspersed with exercises, to encourage students to engage actively with lecture material, and apply it to real life situations encountered in medical settings and in students’ own lives. Exercises will include small group discussion with feedback to the full group as well as individual tasks. Specific learning outcomes and assigned reading will be provided for each lecture.

Recommended texts

Choose which you prefer – All are in the library short term loan: Edelman, RJ. (2000) Psychological Aspects of the Health Care Process Pearson Education/Prentice Hall, Edinburgh. (UK; Quite cheap.) Or Ogden, J. (2004)Health Psychology: a Textbook 3rd Edition. Open Univ Press, Buckingham (UK; quite cheap; similar to 1996 & 2000 Editions) Or Pitts, M. and Phillips, K. (Eds) (1988) The Psychology of Health: an Introduction 2nd edition. Routledge, London. (UK; quite good; small writing) Or Taylor, SE. (1999) Health Psychology 4th Edition McGraw-Hill USA. Or more recent edition. (American; well written) Or Sarafino, EP. (1998) Health Psychology: Biopsychosocial Interactions 3rd Edition. Wiley Chichester. Or more recent edition. This and earlier editions are in Library. (American; easy to read; fun exercises)

In-course feedback Course co-ordinator is available to answer questions in class (no one-to-one help before coursework submission). Coursework assignments will be returned with individual feedback. Personal feedback will be provided for any student experiencing particular difficulties. email: [email protected]

Assessment Assessed coursework essay (may involve an applied task) (33%) and a two-hour examination (67%). Both elements must be passed.

Updated AJW/6.7.06.

mailto:[email protected]

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT Course Outline 2005/6

Course code

PS 3060 Course unit value 0.5 Statu

s

option

Course title Perception and Action


First term


Recommended courses PS 1060, PS2061

Course co-ordinator

Dr Robin Walker

Course staff Robin Walker and John Wann Course aims This course is in the general field of perception and action (Brain and

Behaviour/Neuroscience), an area in which the department has substantial research strength. This option enables students to study the topic in greater detail and builds on material from first and second year options in biological psychology, and cognitive neuroscience.

Learning outcomes As the result of successfully completing the course, students will: • be able to critically evaluate conceptual frameworks and some essential

methods of investigating sensory-motor coordination • have achieved a comprehensive insight into selected mechanisms that

close the perception and action loop • be able to understand and evaluate technical solutions (biorobotics) and

IT applications (workplace design, VR) related to sensory-motor coordination

• understand some of the causes and potential for therapies of visuo-motor disorders in humans

• know how to critically evaluate scientific material in a course work essay Course content The fundamental aspects of sensory-motor coordination are introduced with

a number of examples from biology, cognitive neuroscience, neurology and robotics which illustrate the problems involved in the sensory control of motor behaviour in natural and artificial environments.


Lectures (20 h) Tutorials (4 h) One course work essay

Recommended texts • Bloom, F, Nelson, CA & Lazerson, A (2001) Brain, Mind and Behaviour (3rd ed.) New York: Worth Publishers (612.82 BLO)

• Bruce, V, Green PR & Georgeson, M (1996) Visual Perception: Physiology, Psychology and Ecology (3rd ed.) Hove: Psychology Press, (152.14 BRU)

• Findlay J. M. and Gilchrist, I. D. (2003) Active Vision: The psychology of looking and seeing. Oxford University Press.

• Gazzaniga, MS. Ed. (2000) Cognitive Neuroscience: a reader. Blackwell Pub. Inc. Mass, USA

• Milner, AD & Goodale MA (1995) The Visual Brain in Action. Oxford. Psychology Series 27. Oxford University Press, Oxford, (152.14 MIL)

• Palmer, SE (1999) Vision Science: Photons to Phenomenology. MIT Press (612.84 PAL)

In-course feedback Discussions with students throughout course, informal advice during preparation of course-work, and individual feedback on coursework.

Assessment Exam (50 %) two hour written examination at the end of the year Coursework (50 %) course work essay Both the course work and examination must be passed in order to pass the course overall.

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT Course Specification 2006-7

Course code

PS3090B Course unit value 0.5 Status

Optional

Course title Advanced & Applied Social Psychology


1


Recommended courses PS1030; PS2030

Course co-ordinator

Dr Hanna Zagefka

Course staff Dr. Hanna Zagefka, Dr. Marco Cinnirella, Masi Noor Course aims To introduce students to varied practical applications

of social psychology, focusing particularly on work in the area of intergroup relations and attitudes

Learning outcomes • Building on the basic grounding in social psychology provided in courses PS1030A and PS2030A, to provide the analytical skills necessary for students to successfully apply social psychology to practical issues and novel social problems;

• To encourage awareness of the methodological issues involved when applying basic social psychological theory and research to practical problems;

• To make students aware of cutting-edge theoretical issues in the areas of social identity, attitudes, and group processes;

Course content Advanced issues in intergroup relations, attitudes and persuasion. Learning and teaching 10 X 2-hour sessions which will include lecture-based teaching and small-group

methods exercises. Recommended texts This is a diverse course that does not rigidly follow textbooks. However, students

may find it useful to purchase: Semin, G.R. & Fiedler, K. (Eds.) (1996). Applied Social Psychology. London: Sage. ISBN (pbk.): 0-8039-7926-6.

In-course feedback Students will also receive guidance on reading and essay-writing issues relating to this course from the course co-ordinator, throughout the duration of the course. The course co-ordinator will also be available by appointment to answer questions about course content and assessment.

Assessment Written group project report (50%), and one two hour unseen essay-based examination (50%) requiring two answers (selected from seven questions).

HZ

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT Course Specification 2006/7

Course code

PS3110 Course unit value 0.5 Statu

s

Optional

Course title Adult Psychological problems


Second Jan-March


Recommended courses PS1110

Course co-ordinator

Tamar Pincus

Course staff Rita Santos, Andrew Macleod Philip Tata Louise Payne Craig Steel and Carol Sherwood

Course aims To provide an advanced consideration of the application of psychological theories and therapies to a number of key adult psychological problems. Although some of the models also have physical models and approaches to treatment, the emphasis will be primarily on psychological models. A main focus is theory-practice links.

Learning outcomes Students should have a good understanding of general issues concerning the role of psychological theories within the area of adult psychological problems. They should be able to evaluate theory and research with respect to each of the adult psychological problems studied (assessed by examination)

Course content Overview of models and treatment Psychosexual dysfunction Addiction Pain Anxiety Depression Personality disorders (APD) Schizophrenia Obsessive-compulsive disorder Suicide Overview


20 hours of lectures and self learning including literature search and analysis.

Recommended texts Butcher, J. N., Mineka, S., & Hooley (2004). Abnormal Psychology. London: Pearson.

In-course feedback Informal from lecturer Assessment 100% exam, one essay (40%0 previously seen, and 2/6 questions unseen

(30% each) in 3 hours.


Course code

PS312OA Course unit value 0.5 Status

Option

Course title Developmental Aspects of Abnormal Psychology


Term 1


Recommended courses PS1110

Course co-ordinator

Professor Bernice Andrews

Course staff Professor Bernice Andrews, Dr Victoria Byram, Dr Sophie Gosling, Dr Chris Harrop + external lecturers

Course aims To provide a framework in which to understand the developmental approach to psychopathology.

To provide an up-to-date summary of the current information about the psychological problems and disorders of childhood, their causes, nature and course, together with the major theories that guide psychological thinking in these areas.

To provide information on assessment and management of such disorders.

Learning outcomes To develop knowledge of the developmental approach to psychopathology.

To widen understanding of the mechanisms and psychological processes involved in emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and perceptual problems and disorders which affect people at different stages of development.

To develop skills to assess the methodological issues involved in research in this area.

Course content The course covers psychological problems from childhood to young adulthood, their causes, nature, course and management, together with relevant theories that guide psychological thinking. Topics include: Introduction to developmental approach to psychopathology, early childhood disorders including: eating and feeding and other behavioural problems, autism, depression and eating disorders in childhood and adolescence, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, children’s adjustment to trauma and physical illness, adolescent psychosis.


10 x 2 hour lectures and a final revision class. Detailed reading lists for each topic will provide an opportunity to extend information covered in the lecture/session.

Recommended texts Kendal, P.C. (2000) Childhood Disorders. Psychology Press (brief but cheap. Get this if you can’t afford anything else) Mash, E.J. & Wolfe, D.A. (2005) Abnormal Child Psychology. Wadsworth

Wenar, C., & Kerig P. (2001) Developmental Psychopathology: From Infancy Through Adolescence. McGraw Hill. Expensive but in the library Mash, E.J. & Barklay, R.A. (Eds) Child Psychopathology. Guilford Useful Journals in the Library Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

In-course feedback Individual Feedback on Coursework Essay Assessment Coursework essay (33%) and a 2-hour examination (67%).

Both elements must be passed. Updated BA


Course code

PS3141 Course unit value 0.5 Statu

s

Optional

Course title Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience


Term 1


Recommended courses

Course co-ordinator

Dr. Narender Ramnani

Course staff Dr. Narender Ramnani, Dr. Robin Walker, Dr. Kai Thilo, Dr. Hakwan Lau

Course aims Students will build on knowledge from previous courses to develop an advanced understanding of current issues in Cognitive Neuroscience, as well as a knowledge of commonly employed experimental methods and techniques.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have developed a detailed and comprehensive understanding of a range of specialist topics in Cognitive Neuroscience. These will be assessed with an exam and coursework. They will acquire skills involving critical thinking in relation to controversial issues, and will also produce coursework in which they will be able to demonstrate evidence of wider reading and an ability to integrate information across the course.

Course content Week 1 NR The Primate Brain: Principles of Organisation Week 2 NR Methods Workshop I: Functional Neuroimaging Week 3 KT Methods Workshop II: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Week 4 NR Primate Cognition and the Frontal Lobes Week 5 NR Primate Cognition and the Cerebellum Week 6 NR The Social Brain Week 7 NR General Tutorial and Coursework Guidance Week 8 RW Attention in the Healthy Brain Week 9 RW The Neuroscience of Attentional Deficits Week 10 HL The Neuroscience of Consciousness Week 11 NR Neural Economics: How Rewards Influence Decisions

Teaching and Learning Methods

10 sessions (lectures, tutorials, and workshops).

Recommended texts There is no single course text. Students will be directed to a number of high-profile review articles and original research papers (e.g. Schultz W (2000) , “Multiple reward signals in the brain”, Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 1, 199-207).

In-course feedback

Feedback on reading will be given during class discussions after lectures, workshops and during a general tutorial in which the coursework requirements will be explained. Individual feedback on coursework essay.

Assessment Coursework (Term 1) 50% Examination (Term 3) 50% Both elements must be passed

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Course Unit Outline 2006/7

Course code PS3160A Course unit value

0.5 Status Optional

Course title Gender and Psychology

Term in which available Term 2

Pre-requisite courses None

Recommended courses

Course co-ordinator Patrick Leman

Course staff Patrick Leman, Peter Hegarty, Paula Lacey, Kate Loewenthal, Tamar Pincus, Kathy Rastle Course aims This course will allow students to:

• examine the role of gender in psychology from a number of perspectives, • encourage a critical perspective on research concerning gender, • develop further students’ analytical, written and organisational skills.

Learning outcomes By the end of this course students should be able to: • identify different theoretical approaches to the study of gender • evaluate work on gender and psychology in the context of several key topics • discuss, from a critical perspective, research on the role of gender in psychology

Course content Topics include: the development of gender identity, religion, language and power, moral reasoning, achievement, and gay and lesbian psychology

Learning and teaching methods 10 x 2 hour lectures, 1 x 2 hour seminar Recommended texts Brannon, L. (2005). Gender: Psychological Perspectives. New York: Allyn & Bacon. (The

earlier 2002 edition is an acceptable alternative). In-course feedback Individual feedback on the coursework will be provided. The course co-ordinator and lecturing

staff will be available during office hours, by appointment or by email to answer any questions students may have about the course.

Assessment Assessment will be by means of a two-hour written examination (2 questions from 7) based on the entire course (50%), and a coursework essay the topic and title to be decided by the course coordinator (50%).

PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Course Unit Outline 2006/7

Course code PS3170A Course unit value

0.5 Status Optional

Course title Psychology of Religion

Term in which available Term 1


Recommended courses

Course co-ordinator Professor Kate Loewenthal

Course staff Professor Kate Loewenthal, visiting lecturers. Course aims To introduce approaches by psychologists to understanding and explaining psychological

processes in religious behaviour, experience, feeling and thinking. Attention will also be given to studies examining the relationship between variables associated with religiosity and other aspects of behaviour, experience, feeling and thinking.

Learning outcomes • To develop and demonstrate an understanding of theoretical approaches by psychologists to understanding and explaining some of the psychological processes involved in religious behaviour, experience, feeling and thinking.

• To develop awareness of the methods used to examine the relationship between variables associated with religiosity and other aspects of behaviour, experience, feeling and thinking.

• To develop the ability to evaluate the above approaches and methods critically. • To develop the ability to apply and extend these methods in the professional and research

situations. Course content The course examines the relations between religion and mental health, and between religion

and prejudice, the development of religious thinking, meditation, and the contributions of specific thinkers and traditions.

Learning and teaching methods 9 x 2 hour lectures and two support sessions on the coursework and examination. Specific learning outcomes and reading are provided for each session.

Recommended texts ONE of the following: 1. C.Batson, P.Schoenrade & D.Ventis: Religion and the Individual (Oxford UP 1993) 2. K.M.Loewenthal: Mental Health & Religion (Chapman & Hall 1995) 3. D.Wulff: Psychology of Religion (second edition) (Wiley 1996) 4. R.F.Paloutzian: Invitation to the Psychology of Religion, 2nd edition (Allyn & Bacon, 1996). 5. M.Argyle Psychology and Religioun.(London & New York: Routledge, 2000). 6. K.M.Loewenthal: Psychology of Religion (Oneworld, 2000)

In-course feedback The compulsory coursework will be returned with individual marks and feedback Students will receive general guidance about how to improve coursework and examination performance, and the course coordinator will be available during office hours to answer questions about course content and choice of coursework.

Assessment The coursework asks for a critical analysis of one paper, or for an essay on a topic drawing on several of the sessions in the course. Coursework 33% Examination 67% Both elements must be passed.

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