Minor in Psychology

Introduces students to the major areas within the psychology discipline, through current empirical research and theoretical debate. Topics include: scientific methodology; brain functioning; sensation and perception; evolutionary theory; consciousness; development; personality; social psychology; psychopathology; language; and learning. Students discover how psychological research is conducted and how research findings can be applied to understanding human behaviour.

The aim of this module is to explore childhood as a social construction. Students will explore how childhood has been portrayed across different societies and at different times. Students will also have the opportunity to examine how children are influenced by the cultures in which they live, learn and are cared for. Through the study of historical and social constructions of childhood, students will develop a fuller understanding of how ways of working with children can be shaped by external influences.These issues will be investigated through different theoretical perspectives which have been used as a framework by researchers in the field. Furthermore, a variety of cultural perspectives will be employed to interrogate the western perspectives on child development. In addition, some critical analysis of these frameworks will be undertaken, by examining how well these starting points ‘panned out’, and whether it is possible to integrate insights from these different perspectives. This analysis of cultural and historical perspectives of childhood will enable students to be more aware of issues and expectations linked to offering services to children in an era of globalisation and multiculturalism.

Developmental Psychology explores the child’s developing experience of the world. Major theories and issues in development from conception to adolescence are examined with a particular emphasis on the nature-nurture issue and cross-cultural studies. Topics covered include: fetal development, physical development, cognitive development, social development and personality development. Students are encouraged to actively participate in class discussion and use their own experiences to help understand theoretical issues.