| Unit name | Exploring and Understanding Autism |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUC30047 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Jenks |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
This unit is designed to teach students about autism, including diagnostic information and approaches. We will examine the cognitive underpinnings of behaviour, with a specific focus on differences in theory of mind, executive functioning, and weak central coherence, and how these contribute to an ‘autistic profile’. We will also consider social theories of autism, mental health among autistic people, and other aspects of lived experience. The course will include considerations of which groups are generally excluded from autism research. We will review and evaluate interventions used in classroom settings, as well as those which aim to support the development of social and daily living skills.
The lectures, seminars, discussions and activities are aimed at improving your knowledge of autism and autistic people. The seminars
in particular are designed to give you the skills to complete the formative and summative assignments to the best of your ability, as we will discuss a range of critiques and approaches to research.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit invites you to study autism and neurodiversity in depth, building on developmental, social, and cognitive psychology units from previous years. For those on the Education pathway, it is an opportunity to look at practical applications of topics you have already covered in your learning.
An overview of content
We will cover the history of autism studies, theories of autism, key topics in the autism field such as mental health and missing populations, and common interventions used with autistic children, young people, and adults.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will have gained a nuanced and deep understanding of autism and autistic people, with the ability to think critically about the research and theories you study. The unit has a specific focus on linking academic study with lived experience, considering how the history of autism research has impacted the way autistic people are treated in society and the ongoing challenges and opportunities they experience.
Learning Outcomes
The unit will support students to improve their knowledge of autism. Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will demonstrate that they can:
1 x two hour lecture per week
1 x one hour seminar per week
Independent reading
These sessions will contain a range of activities, such as traditional lecturing, interactive discussions, case studies, group work, and flipped classroom approaches.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative)
Group work task – in small groups, students will identify an intervention used with autistic people (of any age). They will research what the intervention is and how it is carried out, develop critiques of the intervention, and present these to the group.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative)
Open book exam covering knowledge of autism and relevant theories (to assess breadth of knowledge), and covering intervention critiques (to assess awareness of practical work in autism) (100%) ILOs 1-5
When assessment does not go to plan
If a student does not pass at the first attempt, they will be able to retake the open exam in the summer with an alternative set of questions.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EDUC30047).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
