Module Code - Title:
PS4032
-
PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
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 the social issue 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)
Demonstrate an understanding of a range of psychological theory and research in relation to contemporary social issues.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
An appreciation of the complexity of contemporary social issues in terms of their causes and consequences.
An appreciation of the relevance of psychological research findings in explaining and resolving social issues.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
An ability to think critically about social issues
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
lectures, tutorials and worked examples
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
yes
Prime Texts:
Gross (2003)
Themes issues and debates in psychology
, houghton
Other Relevant Texts:
banyward and grayson (2000)
introducing psychological research
, palgrave
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Ann-Christin.Posten@ul.ie