PY3MS-Memory and the Self: Past, Present and Future

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: PY2RMP Research methods in Psychology or PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Judith Ellis
Email: j.a.ellis@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Memory and the Self: Past, Present and Future

Aims:
This module enables students to study topics in Memory and the Self in depth; provides experience of critical evaluation of topics in Memory and the Self; enhances awareness of current research on these and related topics in the department; and supports development of independent study and critical thinking.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

1. Discuss and evaluate the evidence for and against the importance of the self-concept in autobiographical memory.


2. Critically evaluate research on episodic future thinking.


3. Appraise key theoretical explanations for lifespan changes in the retrieval of autobiographical memories, with critical reference to the literature.

Additional outcomes:

Students will gain experience from participating in evaluative discussions of research and theory in large and small groups. The module additionally provides an opportunity for students to improve their ability to discuss and present an argument on a relevant topic.  

Outline content:
Why is music from our teenage years remembered best? How does an amnesic patient know who they are? Do we always use "rose-tinted spectacles" when remembering the past? These questions all deal with the relationship between self and memory: who we are and what we remember. Autobiographical memory is a personal record of life events and to an extent, we have a sense of identity because of what we can remember about our lives. However, many severely amnesic patients still have accurate self-knowledge, which shows that the relationship between what we know about ourselves and what we remember is a complex one. The concept of self includes knowledge of who we were in the past, and hope to be in the future, as well as who we are in the present. This option will also explore the emerging field of how imagined future selves and future events might influence current or planned behaviours.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars involve lectures and interactive discussions. During the course of the module, students will have the opportunity to complete an essay plan and obtain feedback on this plan.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	14		1
Guided independent study:	85
Total hours by term	99		1
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is assessed through a summer exam (100%). 



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

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have the opportunity to provide the module convenor with up to two essay plans for comment and feedback in preparation for the exam. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-assessment is by re-examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022