Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024

Module PSYC1061: Classic Papers: A Tutorial Introduction to Psychological Science

Department: Psychology

PSYC1061: Classic Papers: A Tutorial Introduction to Psychological Science

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to C800
Tied to C807

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

  • To introduce students to the scientific study of Psychology by studying a set of classic papers in Psychology
  • To provide an opportunity for students to discuss psychological research in a tutorial context

Content

  • Students will study four classic papers in four blocks over the academic year
  • Online recordings will introduce content on each block
  • Each block will also focus on a different academic skill (summarising research, presenting research, discussing links between findings, writing essays, etc.)
  • Online recordings will introduce a different skills focus in each block
  • Tutorials will introduce students to discussion of the classic paper and related papers

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Acquisition of knowledge in core areas of Psychology
  • Detailed understanding of some sub-areas within core areas
  • Basic knowledge of some key research methods in Psychology
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Emerging understanding of the relationship between theory and data
Key Skills:
  • Developing ability to organise and utilise knowledge
  • Developing written communication skill

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The tutorials in this module guide students acquisition of knowledge of the relationship between theory and data and some research methods in Psychology. The tutorials will introduce students to core areas of Psychology and more detailed knowledge of some sub-areas. Assessment of this knowledge is provided by the summative essay and examination
  • The tutorials develop students ability to organise and utilise knowledge and to present that knowledge.
  • The lectures, skills sessions, and formative assignments in tutorials will provide specific training in written communication skills, for the preparation of a summative essay and the examination. Written communication skills are also assessed in the examination

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Introductory Lecture 2 Once at the start of each term 1 hour 2
Online Skills Sessions 8 Once at the start of each block 30 mins 4
Online Content Lectures 8 Two per block 1 hour 8
Online End of Block Q&A 4 One per block 1 hour 4
Tutorials 10 Biweekly across Michaelmas and Epiphany terms 1 hour 10
Examination Revision Session 1 First week of Easter Term 2 hours 2
General Revision Session 1 Second week of Easter Term 1 1
Preparation and Reading 169
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Summative Essay Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Summative Essay 1500 words 100% Yes
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination 2 hours 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Formative assignments and presentation opportunities within tutorials


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University