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2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP2771 Individual, Mind and Society

20 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Patrick Macartney
Email: p.macartney@leeds.acuk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

Pre-requisite qualifications

Normally 40 credits at level 1 from programmes of study within the Faculty of ESSL or related disciplines.

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module explores the behaviour and thought process of individuals and their interaction in small groups, examining the connection between psychological and socio-cultural processes. The module is in part a sociological critique of the 'New cognitive science' The topics covered on the module include the media, language, social influence, mental illness, the mind and self and human intelligence. Assessment for the module is by essay and exam.Contact: Patrick Macartney p.macartney@leeds.ac.uk or undergradsociologysocialpolicy@leeds.ac.uk

Objectives

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
- a sociological understanding of the concepts of mind and behaviour with particular reference to social and cultural critiques
- an appreciatiation of social psychological approaches to understanding individual and small group behaviour and thought.
- a clear understanding of the ways in which theories of the mind are rooted in social and cultural concerns
- the ability to integrate psychological considerations with socio-cultural ones
- the ability to understand the extent to which the introduction of socio-cultural factors deepens our understanding of belief, thought and social behaviour.

Skills outcomes
Written skills, presentational skills, IT skills


Syllabus

Sociological theories regarding the mind;
The social construction critique of social psychology;
The impact of the media on the individual within society;
The importance of language in shaping the social lives of individuals;
The role of intelligence in modern society;
The social constructionist critique of mental illness;
Issues concerning the role of 'race' class and gender in society;
The connection between psychological and socio-cultural processes;
The contemporary debate concerning the concept of 'mind';
Psychological approaches to mind;
Historical approaches to mind and behaviour;
Critique of reductionist approaches to understanding mind and behaviour.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture111.0011.00
Seminar101.0010.00
Private study hours179.00
Total Contact hours21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Preparation for seminars: 100 hours;
Reading and essay writing: 40 hours;
Reading for revision: 39 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Presentations and attendance.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay2,500 words50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)2 hr 20 mins50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 08/03/2010

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