Course Title: Psychology of Social Life

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Psychology of Social Life

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BESC1072

City Campus

Undergraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016

BESC1072

City Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022

BESC1393

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016

BESC1393

Bundoora Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021

BESC1528

RMIT University Vietnam

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

Viet1 2022,
Viet1 2023

BESC1560

RMIT Vietnam Hanoi Campus

Undergraduate

173H School of Health and Biomed

Face-to-Face

Viet1 2023

Course Coordinator: Mervyn Jackson

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7367

Course Coordinator Email: merv.jackson@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 202.04.034


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course is designed to introduce you to the discipline of social psychology: the scientific study of the ways in which people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by the real or implied presence of others. You will examine key topic areas  ranging from the self, to interpersonal relations and group processes. Major research methodologies will also be explored. A significant component of the course will be the application of social psychological theory to your own experience.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the development of the following Program Learning Outcomes for BP154 Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology):

  • PLO 1:  Understand appropriate and relevant fundamental and applied evidence based knowledge and undertake lifelong learning to improve personal and professional practice 
  • PLO 2: Demonstrate a capacity to employ a variety of approaches and procedures to research to permit judgements and decisions to be supported by appropriate evidence that places practice within a global and local context.
  • PLO 4: Engage in dialogue with a diverse range of people and communicate in a broad range of forms (written, electronic, graphic, oral) to meet the circumstances of the situation and the capabilities of the audience.
  • PLO 5: Maintains tolerance and respect for individuals and  groups from diverse backgrounds, holding diverse values, adhering to professional expectations and demonstrating ethical behaviour.


On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Distinguish the parameters of social psychology as a sub-discipline.
  2. Demonstrate in an applied context a systematic understanding of the behaviour of the individual in social interaction.
  3. Critically discuss explanations for the occurrence of certain kinds of social behaviour.
  4. Review the principal research methods used in social psychology.
  5. Apply social psychological principles to an analysis of specific social problems and issues.
  6. Investigate and present information in a range of media and fora


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Pre-lecture reading activities
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Assessment Task 2: Major Assessment - 5 x tutorial tasks
Weighting 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 6

Assessment Task 3: Formative Problem based assessment task
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.