Module Code - Title:
PS3051
-
APPLICATION OF PSYCHOLOGY TO SOCIAL ISSUES
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will explore a range of contemporary social issues bringing to bear upon them the methods and theoretical perspectives of psychology in an attempt to better understand their causes and consequences. Using social issues as a focus, students will gain insight into the discipline of psychology and engage in debating and evaluating the theory and method of psychology. Through a psychological analysis of the causes and consequences of social issues students will gain insight into how these issues might be resolved.
Syllabus:
Issues covered will include; the media and human behaviour; social conflict; the use and abuse of power; sex and sexuality; society and mental health; social inclusion and exclusion; bullying at work; equality and advocacy; parenting and childcare; the environment
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Explain the social psychology approach to trauma
2. Identify the core components of social identity theory
3. Illustrate with examples of how social psychological theory can be applied to contemporary social issues
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able: 1. Defend how social psychological theory can help in resolving social issues.
2. Support the use of social identity in explaining intergroup relationships
3. Acknowledge the complexity of applying social psychology theories to contemporary social issues.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Online lectures which will have research on social issues embedded within the content. Students will be active participants in the lectures and breakout rooms and will commenting on video, and journal articles throughout. Skills of collaboration, articulation, responsibility, creativity (in case study formulation) will be developed as well as subject knowledge which will assist with the graduate attributes.
Prime Texts:
Gross (2014)
Themes, Issues and Debates in Psychology 4th edition
, Houghton
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
DIPLOMA IN PSYCHOLOGY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Ann-Christin.Posten@ul.ie