University of St Andrews - Scotland's first university, founded 1413

Module Catalogue

For information on which modules are specific to your programme, please see : Programme requirements index 2023-2024.

Curricular information may be subject to change.

PS4086 Theory of Mind in development, evolution and autism

Academic year(s): 2023-2024

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Available only to undergraduate students in the second year of the Honours Programme. Also available to postgraduate students on MSc in Evolutionary and Comparative Psychology: the Origins of Mind

Planned timetable: Fridays 9.00 am - 11.00 am

This module addresses the nature and origins of the social-cognitive ability known as 'mentalising' or 'theory of mind', whose function is to compute and understand the mental states of others (and oneself) in social interaction. This ability is at the heart of complex human cognition, including communication, cooperation and competition, and one of the most complex adaptive achievements in evolution. We will discuss cutting edge interdisciplinary research on the nature of theory of mind analysing its emergence in primate evolution and infant development, and how it applies to autism.

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 seminars plus office hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 128

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: Dr J Gomez
Module teaching staff: Dr J-C Gomez
Module coordinator email jg5@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

to know and understand a varied interdisciplinary literature (both conceptual and empirical) on Theory of mind in humans and animals
to be able to critically read and assess claims about the significance of empirical findings in relation to methodology
to be able to critically assess and discuss theories and interpretations in relation to available evidence
to develop and practice presentation and discussion skills in oral, written and graphic presentation formats