Module PSYC3817: Intergroup Relations

Department: Psychology

PSYC3817: Intergroup Relations

Prerequisites

• 60 credits from Level 2 Psychology or Psychological and Behavioural Science

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The study of intergroup relations involves the influence of group memberships on cognition, attitudes, and behaviour. The aim of this module is to introduce students to key concepts, methodologies and theoretical approaches applied in the study of intergroup relations, a major subarea in social psychology.

Content

• The module will cover a selection of topics in intergroup relation research. Contents may vary from year to year, but will enable students to answer questions concerning processes and factors that govern intergroup relations and bias towards others as well as how intergroup relations can be improved.
• It begins with an introduction to the intergroup relations literature before critically addressing relevant mechanisms, theories and applications.
• The module will also cover related conceptual and historical issues in psychology

Learning Outcomes

• Detailed knowledge of intergroup relations including current theory and evidence

• Ability to review critically and consolidate understanding of a coherent body of psychological knowledge and apply it appropriately

• Good written communication skills
• Good IT skills in word processing
• Ability to work independently in scholarship and research within broad guidelines

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

• Students' acquisition of detailed knowledge will be facilitated by lectures, in-class activities, audio-visual materials, discussions and reading lists
• These modes of teaching provide students with detailed knowledge of the key theories and the skills needed to evaluate different theoretical positions in light of current evidence
• The examination will assess students' detailed subject knowledge via essays written in the examination
• An assessment of the range, recency and appropriateness of sources will be included in the overall assessment of the exam essay
• The in-class activities will ensure that students are exposed to a range of different theoretical positions, and encouraged to understand their inter-relations
• Lectures, discussions and in-class activities will also give students the opportunity to interpret and evaluate the significance of empirical work
• The examination will assesses students' acquired knowledge of theoretical principles and empirical studies and their ability to organise and synthesise them coherently and critically in written form in response to a question
• The examination will also assess students' written communication skills

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ 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