Psychology and Social Issues

About

This module offers students an interdisciplinary exploration of contemporary social issues (e.g. current affairs, abortions, body image) from a psychological and sociological perspective. Each session aims to introduce you to a specific societal concern to provide a platform for debate and interactive activities.

You will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of psychological and sociological approaches to studying social issues, and will need to analyse and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of competing theoretical perspectives and research.

Areas covered typically include: bullying and ostracism; prejudice and discrimination; body image and the media’ rape and victim-blaming; social media and relationships; inequality and materialism; and critical perspectives on addiction.

Throughout the module you will explore these contemporary social issues from a psychological and sociological perspective, engaging in small group discussions and activities with a focus on applying relevant readings and theory to real-world situations.

Target group

There are no specific pre-requisites for this module, however it is suitable for students who have studied first year of Psychology and are familiar with the academic approaches.

Course aim

1. Demonstrate an understanding of psychological and sociological approaches to studying social issues

2. Demonstrate an awareness of the major contemporary debates in psychology theory applied to explore social issues and identify areas where the knowledge base is most/least secure

3. Analyse and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of competing theoretical perspectives and/or research evidence

4. Interact effectively within a team, giving and receiving information and ideas and modifying responses where appropriate.

Fee info

The full cost of one 3-week Undergraduate Summer School session will be £2,645. Early applications will receive a 20% reduction on tuition fees, making the overall cost of one 3-week Undergraduate Summer School session £2320. If you wish to study for both sessions, we welcome you to do so. This is made up of Tuition fees of £1,625 per session including all teaching and assessment for one module of study. Where field trips or course excursions are required then the cost of this is included in the tuition fee, however travel costs may be required. A minimum of 150 study hours, with a minimum of 40 hours class/teaching contact hours. Modules formally approved for 15 Sussex credits, equivalent to 7.5 ECTS or 3 – 4 US credits. You will receive a transcript of studies upon successful completion of the module (including meeting all attendance and assessment requirements). The accommodation and student life programme fee of £1,020 per session includes your own bedroom in on-campus student village. These are a mixture of en-suite flats and standard flats with shared facilities. You will receive a bedding pack of duvet and duvet cover, sheet, towel, pillow, and pillowcase, as well as a kitchen pack containing everything you need for self-catering. The fee includes a programme of campus social events and activities throughout each session. Excursions and social programme trips will also be provided on Fridays.