Module PSYC43315: Psychological Literacy: Skills for Study and Communication

Department: Psychology

PSYC43315: Psychological Literacy: Skills for Study and Communication

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• PSYC43260, PSYC43445, PSYC43560

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to fundamental skills required for studying Psychology at university and beyond.
• To provide an opportunity for students to practice psychological literacy skills in a small group context.

Content

• The module will introduce academic skills related to psychological literacy.
• The skills covered will include aspects of written and oral communication in line with psychological literacy skills, e.g. summarizing articles, critical evaluation, presentations.
• Skill teaching will be embedded within the context of key areas/issues in Psychology

Learning Outcomes

• Present multiple perspectives in a way that fosters critical evaluation and reflection;
• Through discussion develop knowledge, leading to a critical appreciation of theory and research findings, including relevant ethical and socio-cultural issues;
• Through discussion develop an understanding of real life applications of theory to the full range of experience and behaviour and the application of psychological understanding to real world questions;
• Develop psychological literacy to ensure the use of disciplinary knowledge, theoretical understanding, principles and insight to respond to opportunities and challenges.

• Through discussion develop understanding of the conceptual and historical underpinnings of psychology as a discipline;
• Apply critical thinking skills to address complex problems to identifying creative and innovative solutions;
• Manage, synthesise and evaluate potentially conflicting sources such as primary research studies or theories;
• Employ evidence-based reasoning and examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues associated;
• Through discussion critically and reflectively evaluate psychological theory and research;

• Communicate effectively using a range of verbal and non-verbal methods;
• Interact professionally with others, respond inclusively in a manner sensitive to the needs and expectations of a diverse range of audiences; demonstrate numerical reasoning skills including the analysis, presentation and interpretation of quantitative data;
• Demonstrate digital literacy through the use of digital approaches to personal and professional development;
• Understand the function and role of AI in the context of learning and teaching, problem solving and working practices;
• Retrieve and organise information found in a range of sources (for example, academic books, policy documents and non-academic sources) while recognising the different perspectives and influences that amplify or marginalise certain forms of knowledge and evidence;
• Reflect on and articulate personal strengths and areas for development and identify how these may be addressed;
• Demonstrate inclusive and collaborative working and reflect on the value of engagement with a variety of views in reaching consensus in solutions to problems;
• Take ownership for one’s own learning, employability and development, including effective personal planning and project management skills.

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

• Lectures in term 1 will introduce students to the relevant academic skills that will be practised throughout the module.
• The small-group seminars in this module will give students opportunities to practice academic skills, give and receive feedback from tutors and peers. Assessment of this knowledge will be carried out via a presentation and a portfolio.
• The seminars develop students’ ability to organise and utilise knowledge and to present that knowledge.
• A group presentation will be used to develop and assess presentation skills in verbal communication and interaction.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative essay submitted early in term 1 to provide essay writing practice

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.