Module Code - Title:

PS4108 - APPROACHES TO SOCIAL IDENTITY

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

7

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

PS4011

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)

Understand the different theories of social identity in social psychology and other disciplines Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different epistemological and methodological approaches to social identities Integrate research findings from different methodologies and from different disciplines.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

To value different epistemological and disciplinary perspectives on social identity

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

To display a reflexive awareness of the different ways in which identity is displayed, reproduced and challenged in everyday interaction

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

lectures, seminars and fieldwork

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

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.

Prime Texts:

Turner et al (1987) Rediscovering the social group , Blackwell

Haslam (2004) Psychology in Organisations , Sage

Antaki & Widdicome (1998) Identities in Talk , Sage

Reicher & Hopkins (2001) Self and Nation , Sage

Other Relevant Texts:

Benwell & Stokoe (2006) Discourse and Identity , Edinburgh University Press

Postmes & Jetten (2006) Individuality and the Group , Sage

Capozza & Brown (2000) Social Identity Processes , Sage

Simon (2004) Identity in Modern Society , Blackwell

Jenkins (1996) Social Identity , Routledge

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Module Leader:

emmanuel.affumosei@ul.ie