Module: PSY4014-20 Psychological and Critical Thinking

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Cordelia Sutton

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.sutton@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the classic and contemporary debates in Psychology, the research paradigms that inform them, and how psychological science can contribute to contemporary events. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis, synthesis, and communication of information in oral and written form.

2. Outline syllabus:

The syllabus will be defined by the multi-level approach to debates.

This includes consideration of the following:

• Defining debates in psychology – Areas of great challenge and discourse, both classic and contemporary, will be presented (e.g. free will vs. determinism; nature vs. nurture)

• Ontological and epistemological approaches – Students will develop critical awareness of the approaches and debates that surround them (e.g. objectivist/positivist-constructivist/interpretivist)

• The application of psychology to contemporary events – Students will analyse current issues through the lens of psychological science (e.g. climate change)

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Teaching will consist of one lecture and one seminar per week. Each lecture will introduce a new debate as well as class participation and formative debate exercises. Seminar sessions will provide opportunities for students to discuss and debate the issues. Students will also be given seminar support in preparing for the assessments. This will include support for their workbook through written exercises and working in groups to prepare for the oral debates.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Class Debates (equivalent to 2000 words) – students will participate in an in-class debate within their groups

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Workbook (equivalent to 2000 words)- students will complete a workbook answering questions about a debate

• % Weighting: 50%