University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Available only to students in the second year of the Honours Programme.

Planned timetable: Thursday 9-11

This module aims to develop an advanced understanding of selected topics relating to the psychology of groups and collective behaviour. It will address how behaviour is affected by the group context and examine the psychological mechanisms which shape how people act as group members. Teaching will be seminar based and students will be expected to read independently and contribute actively to sessions. Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical skills and the ability to relate individual studies and theories to broader conceptual debates in social psychology. More detailed module content will be announced in advance of student choices.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass PS2002

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminar and office hour

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 130

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 75%, Coursework = 25%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 75%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 25%

Re-assessment: 2-hour Written Examination = 75%, Coursework = 25%, Re-assessment applies to failed components only

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor S D Reicher
Module teaching staff: Prof S Reicher
Module coordinator email sdr@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• understand how psychological ideas are developed in specific social and political contexts and to understand how our ideas are marked by that context
• subject the literature to critical assessment, particularly in relation to identifying the assumptions and constructs which underlie specific theories and studies
• demonstrate the ability to communicate and debate ones understanding
• demonstrate the ability to present complex ideas in ways that are accessible to a general audience