PSY4151 · Personality and social psychology

Overview

This unit covers the scientific study of personality and social psychology, exploring human individuality and connectedness. The personality section of the unit investigates the evolution of our understanding of the nature of individual differences through the major theories of personality including psychoanalytic, learning, cognitive, humanistic, trait, and biological approaches. The section on social psychology focuses on how we, as individuals, come together, examining social cognition, the social self, attitudes and persuasion, relationships and attraction, and group processes. This unit will place a strong focus on teamwork and social collaboration and reflection on the theoretical and practical application of such group processes.

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

Learning outcomes

1. Compare and contrast the core elements and evolution of the major theoretical approaches to understanding personality.
2. Describe key theoretical perspectives and empirical findings within social psychology.
3. Critically apply knowledge and empirical research to complex personality and social psychology case studies.
4. Analyse diverse socio-cultural perspectives and the influences that shape them.
5. Demonstrate effective interpersonal and collaborative skills to produce a cohesive group response to a real-world scenario.
6. Reflect on experiences and learning during this unit to identify opportunities for personal and professional development.

Workload

You should expect to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week on this unit to achieve the learning outcomes. This time will cover: a) video lecture materials; b) synchronous & asynchronous discussion; c) synchronous web-based 'class-time' for skills-based activities; d) weekly readings; e) weekly skills-based assessment tasks; and f) content-based assessment, including revision and formative assessment. Each week there will be a one hour ‘Live class’, facilitated by your instructor. This will be followed by a live office hour, where you can ask questions and chat with your classmates and instructor about anything to do with the unit or psychology in general. There is also a 1 hour live chat with the Senior Instructor that you can attend each week for additional discussion and guidance.

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