Unit information: Foundations of Psychology in 2020/21

Unit name	Foundations of Psychology
Unit code	LANG00033
Credit points	20
Level of study	QCA-3
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Andersen
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	IELTS minimum 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5 in writing and 4.5 in all other components or equivalent
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Centre for Academic Language and Development
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The unit is intended to provide students with a broad understanding of the fundamental principles of psychology and will cover three core areas: social, cognitive and developmental psychology.

The aims of the unit are to introduce students to these foundation areas of psychology, to enhance their critical thinking and oral presentation skills in these areas, and to become familiar with contemporary methods and techniques for studying psychology.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, a student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the major theoretical perspectives taken in social, cognitive and developmental psychology.
2. Describe and apply the methodologies and techniques used in social, cognitive and developmental psychology to illustrate and support the theory.
3. Critically evaluate the theory and research in terms of strengths and limitations.

Teaching Information

Students will attend 3 hours of study per week. Learning is facilitated in small group classroom sessions involving a combination of teacher-led input, combined with discussion about the practical application of the topics and group-based activities which will be increasingly project related. On-line delivery of materials through Blackboard VLE.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment:

• Multiple choice and short answer questions with peer and tutor feedback

Summative assessment:

• Research report on a conducted experiment (1,500 words) (40%) ILO 1, 2
• Coursework (short answer questions) case study based (60%) ILOs 1, 3

Reading and References

Essential Reading

Banyard, P. and Grayson. A. (2008) Introducing Psychological Research. UK: Macmillan Education UK.

Further Reading

Parker, L., Popov, A. and Seath, D. (2017) Oxford IB Diploma 'Programme': Psychology Course Companion. Oxford: Oxford University Press.