PS4069 Collective Behaviour

Academic year

2023 to 2024 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

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

Planned timetable

Thursday 9-11

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof S D Reicher

Prof S D Reicher
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof S Reicher

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

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-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PS2002

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 75%, Coursework = 25%

Re-assessment

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour seminar and office hour

Scheduled learning hours

20

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

130

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

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