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2009/10 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PSYC1611 Psychology and the Media
10 creditsClass Size: 300
Module manager: Chris Moulin
Email: c.j.a.moulin@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2009/10
This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module introduces all of the main areas of contemporary psychology: cognitive, social, health and developmental. In doing so, it addresses common misconceptions about psychology: e.g. 'You know what I'm thinking.' In turn, it describes how media influences programmes of scientific research, how public opinion is altered by media representations, and how Psychology has plotted a course through intense media interest and has ensured its strong scientific base. Central to the course is the discussion of how it is necessary to be critical of science in the media, and how common sense explanations need a basis in scientific evidence.Objectives
This module aims to provide an overview of key concepts in 'Psychology and the Media'. Students will be introduced to a range of information within this discipline.Learning outcomes
- To introduce students to key concepts in contemporary psychology.
- To situate psychology within the disciplines of health and medicine.
- To examine psychological methods of investigating the 'human condition'.
- To encourage the application of psychological concepts to students' experience.
- To foster a critical appreciation of psychology.
- To explain the utility of Psychology in explaining and modifying real world behaviours
- To reflect on how media representations affect well-being
- To evaluate the media's impact on science
Skills outcomes
Acquiring discipline-specific knowledge.
Relevant reading and research.
Evaluating evidence.
Applying material to'real-life'.
Critical thinking.
Syllabus
1. Mythbusting Psychology: Common misconceptions in Psychology
2. Popular Science and Psychology: Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll
3. Parapsychology: Science and pseudo-science
4. Relationships: More than just common sense?
5. Use-it-or-lose-it: The psychology of older adults in the media
6. Representations of Gender in the Media
7. Stress and Health in the Media
8. The brain: Pretty pictures of the mind?
9. The Eternal Sunshine: Models of memory in contemporary film
10. Overview: Eternal myths in psychology
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 60.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 10.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
All students will be issued with a blog account and will be encouraged to post comments and questions to the blog, as well as using it as a forum to communicate with other students about their learning on the module [chapters, papers read etc]. the module leader will check the blog on a bi-weekly basis and provide feedback. The students will provide each other with links to relevant articles and materials on the relevant topics, plus note any media coverage of psychological events on a week-on-week basis.Students will be advised to do three hours reading per lecture (30 hours) and 30 hours exam preparation.
Independent on-line learning - 30 hours.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students will be monitored via the blogsite every two weeks.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Reflective log | On-line blog - weekly | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr 00 mins | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100.00 | |
Psychology MCQ sheet required.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 19/07/2010
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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