MODULE SPECIFICATION FORM
Module Title:
What is Psychology 1?
Module code:
(if known)
PSY 401
Cost Centre: GAPS
Semester(s) in which to be
offered:
Originating Subject:
Module duration
(contact hours/
directed/directed
private study:
1/2
200 hours (72
contact, 70
directed study,
58 private
study)
Programme(s) in which to be
offered:

BSc (Hons)
Psychology
BA ( Hons)
Psychological Studies
with Childhood
Education
4
Credit Value:
JACS2 code:
With effect from:
Institute of Health, Medical
Science and Society
Percentage taught by Subjects other than
originating Subject (please name other
Subjects):

Level:
Module
Leader:
20
C800
Sept 2011
GU: Vicki Woodward
BHC: Agnes Lech
Status: core/option/elective
(identify programme where
appropriate):
Core
Nil
Pre-requisites per
programme (between levels):
Co-requisites per programme
(within a level):
None
None
Module Aims: To provide an outline of contemporary psychology through an examination of
its historical development and key theoretical perspectives.
Expected Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
1. Describe the historical development of psychology
2. Describe the major perspectives and approaches in contemporary psychology
3. Describe and discuss key concepts, controversies, issues, and debates in psychology
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:
Ability to reflect on and manage their own learning
Make use of constructive feedback
Use of IT
Critical thinking skills
Numeracy
Presentation skills
Assessment: please indicate the type(s) of assessment (eg examination, oral, coursework,
project) and the weighting of each (%). Details of indicative assessment tasks must be
included.
1. Essay on a specified topic e.g. the rise in interest in psychology
2. Essay on a specified topic e.g. the nature/nurture debate
Assessmen
t
Type of assessment
Weightin
g
1
Learning
Outcomes to
be met
1,2
Duration
(if exam)
Essay
50%
Word count
or equivalent
if appropriate
2000
2
3
Essay
50%
2000
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
A combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars. There will be a focus on original source
material within each of the five core areas which will include a combination of classic and
contemporary research studies using a variety of research methods.
Syllabus outline:
Historical development of psychology
Theoretical perspectives in psychology
The scientific nature of psychology
Key debates in psychology – e.g. nature-nurture, free will – determinism
Bibliography:
Essential reading:
Davey, G. (Ed). (2008). Complete Psychology (3rd ed). Abingdon: Hodder Educational
Recommended Reading (illustrative):
Barker, M. (2003). Introduction to psychology: History, themes and perspectives. Exeter, UK:
Critical
Carlson, Buskist and Martin
Gross, R.D. (2003). Themes, issues and debates in psychology. London : Hodder &
Stoughton
Hock, R. (2005). Forty studies that changed psychology, New Jersey: Prentice Hall
Richards, G. (2002). Putting psychology in its place: A critical historical overview. London:
Routledge.
Journals:
Annual Review of Psychology
British Journal of Psychology
Psychological Bulletin