2016-2017
Psychology and Social Issues
Category: Psychology
Code: IS 083
Level: 5
Credits: 15
Teaching Pattern
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Seminar
3 x 3hrs
3 x 3hrs
3 x 3hrs
3 x 3hrs
*in addition to the above formal teaching sessions you will be expected to do approximately 114 hours of
independent study over the 4 weeks.
Outline
This module provides an interdisciplinary focus on issues of current societal concern. Each session aims to
introduce you to a specific societal concern to provide a platform for debate and interactive activities. Areas
covered include: bullying and ostracism; prejudice and discrimination; body image and the media; rape and
victim blaming; advertising and the growth of social media; income inequality and materialism. You have
the opportunity to explore these contemporary social issues from a psychological and sociological
perspective, using relevant readings as well as intimate lectures and a range of media sources.
Learning Outcomes
Working in teams
Assessed Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of psychological and sociological approaches to studying social
issues.
Demonstrate an understanding of key issues and debates in each of the areas covered.
Critically evaluate relevant primary and secondary literature
Communicate theoretical ideas and practical information though group assignments in class.
Contacts
Dave Smalley
1
SUMMER Session 1
E-mail:
[email protected]
Indicative Reading List
Core Reading:
Serpell, L., Treasure, J., Teasdale, J., & Sullivan, V., (1999) Anorexia Nervosa: Friend or Foe?,
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 25, 177-186.
Emery, R. E. & Laumann-Billings, L. (1998). An overview of the nature, causes, and consequences of
abusive family relationships: Towards differentiating maltreatment and violence. American Psychologist, 53,
121-135.
Gray, J.M. (2006) Rape myth beliefs and prejudiced instructions: Effects on decisions of guilt in a case of
date rape, Legal & Criminological Psychology, Vol. 11, pp. 75-80
Whitley, B. E. & Kite, W. E. (2006). The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination. Thomson/
Wadsworth: USA. CHAPTER 9.
Whitley, B. E. & Kite, W. E. (2006). The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination. Thomson/
Wadsworth: USA. CHAPTER 5.
University Library
The Library,
University of Sussex,
Brighton
BN1 9QL
Phone: 01273 678163
[email protected]
2
SUMMER Session 1