Module Code - Title:
PS3022
-
PERSPECTIVES ON SOCIAL IDENTITY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
For students to develop an understanding of the different theoretical approaches to the study of social identities in psychology as compared to those in other disciplines
To introduce students to the range of epistemologies and methodologies employed in social psychological research and to outline the implications of these for the discipline of psychology more generally.
Syllabus:
The Social Identity approach in social psychology originated in an interdisciplinary effort to explain large-scale intergroup conflict. Drawing upon sociology, social anthropology and social cognition it aimed to provide a comprehensive account of intergroup relations from the individual perspective to the group level. However, in the four decades since its inception the Social Identity approach has become overwhelmingly cognitive and experimental in focus and lost links with other disciplines and methodologies. This module places the Social Identity perspective in its historical context and introduces students to cognate theories and methods elsewhere in social psychology and in other disciplines with a view to enriching their understanding of social psychology. Topics include: evolution of the Social Identity approach; advances in Self Categorisation Theory; discursive approaches to social identities; ethnography and displays of identity; approaches to national identity.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Identify the different theories of social identity in social psychology
2. Give examples of how social identity theory can be applied to social issues
3. Compare and contrast the social cure and the social curse
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Question the validity of social identity theory's for understanding social issues
2. Display an appreciation of social psychology for understanding real world problems
3. Discuss the relevance of social psychology to attitude formation
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: n/a
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be delivered online (E-learning) in lectures and seminars and fieldwork, independent reading, which will instill knowledge, encourage creativity, collaboration through online forums and group work. The module will be based upon empirical findings in the area of social identity in social psychology and other disciplines as well as utilising ongoing research conducted in the department of psychology. Students will learn about taking responsibility for their own learning through independent reading and enhanced articulation through their assessments.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Turner (1987)
Rediscovering the social group
, Blackwell
Haslam (2004)
Psychology in Organisations
, Sage
Reicher & Hopkins ()
Self and Nation
, Sage
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
emmanuel.affumosei@ul.ie