PY3PAC-Psychology and Culture

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis PY2CN Cognition
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Marat Zagidullin

Email: m.zagidullin@reading.edu.my

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will enable students to acquire knowledge of cultural processes, specifically how culture influences our thinking, feelings, and behaviour. Students will gain experience in critical evaluation of current theories and empirical research from a cross-cultural perspective, develop awareness of their own cultural patterns, and gain practical insights into the current dynamics of intercultural conflicts of today. 

Aims:

This module will enable students to acquire knowledge of cultural processes, specifically how culture influences our thinking, feelings, and behaviour. Students will gain experience in critical evaluation of current theories and empirical research from a cross-cultural perspective, develop awareness of their own cultural patterns, and gain practical insights into the current dynamics of intercultural conflicts of today. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse research in terms of cultural assumptions underlying the psychological constructs under investigation.

2. Critically analyse research in terms of methodological limitations and generalizability of results.

3. Identify their own cultural beliefs and values that play a role in their daily decisions, attitudes, and actions. 

Additional outcomes:

Students will further develop their skills in:

1. Academic debate skills and team-work through Team-based Learning.  


2. Analysis and synthesis of complex academic literature on psychology of culture.


3. Reducing prejudicial thinking and discriminatory behaviour.

Outline content:

The module comprises seven 2.5-hour seminars.

The field of psychology as developed in Western Europe and the United States has long held the assumption of the universal nature of the phenomena it studies as well as universal applicability of its findings. With the increased contact between members of different cultures in the global society of today, there emerges a need to re-evaluate these assumptions. After the examination of how basic psychological processes may operate differently in different cultures, we will look at the differences in processes of socialization, gender norms, expressions of emotion, language use and communication, as well as variations in such constructs as intelligence, personality, and ab/normal development. In addition, we will look at practical issues underlying cross-cultural miscommunication and conflict, and discuss the ways to address these issues constructively in daily life. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course uses a combination of short lectures, discussions, and debates. It will also use a Team-Based Learning approach, where students will work in small groups to explore and evaluate learning materials selected by the module convenor, in addition to regular readings. Activities will include group discussions of research papers, observations, and a reflective essay. Students are expected to prepare for each session by reading set papers each week for a group discussion. 

 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	17.5		2
Guided independent study:	80.5
Total hours by term	98	0	2
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	75
Written assignment including essay	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1.5 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed through coursework (25%) and a final exam (75%).

The 1.5-hour Summer Exam will require students to answer 1 essay question on topics covered in the module.

Coursework will comprise of a written assignment analysing the results of a reflective exercise.

Formative assessment methods:

Students have the opportunity to provide the module convenor with an essay plan for comment and feedback in preparation for the exam.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The module must be passed with a mark of at least 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment is by re-examination in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 17 September 2019