PSY4110 · Psychology in society

Overview

This elective will examine selected, topical issues relating psychology to broader social, political and cultural issues. In building on the background developed in the undergraduate curriculum, the unit will seek to locate existing psychological research in a contemporary social context, exploring emerging theoretical developments and reviewing existing controversies. The overarching goal will be to build greater understanding of the range of competing explanatory hypotheses that have emerged in response to key psychological issues in the extant literature. The role psychological research and theory plays in broader society will be reflected in the choice of topics and issues canvassed in this unit. The general areas from which the specific topics may be chosen will include: population health, chronic disease, indigenous health, forensic and behavioural science, substance use, medical anthropology and psychological theory.

Areas of study: Psychology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Critically appraise the role of psychology in explaining a range of social, political and cultural issues.
2. Review evidence and evaluate contentious theories.
3. Evaluate important ideas in psychology and its role in broader social issues through group discussion.
4. Develop skills in summarising and presenting ideas in both spoken and written form.

Workload

1 hours of lectures per week. 2 hours of tutorial per week. Preparation: 8 hours of background reading/preparation for lectures, tutorials, and assessment tasks per week.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.