PSYC101P1 Introduction to Psychology A
Aim
A general introduction to the discipline: Part One
Content
A selection of topics from: Schools of thought in Psychology; Biological bases of behaviour; Cognition inter alia: perception; learning and memory; thinking and language; intelligence; psychological research; Organisational psychology.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%) Examination (60%) DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules (30L-10T-0P-0S-60H-56R-0F-0G-4A-13W-16C)
PSYC102P2 Introduction to Psychology B
Aim
A general introduction to the discipline: Part Two
Content
A selection of topics from: Human development; Personality theories; Social Psychology; Community Mental Health; Health, Risk and Coping; Psychopathology.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%) Examination (60%) DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules (30L-10T-0P-0S-60H-56R-0F-0G-4A-13W-16C)
PSYC201P1 Introduction to Research
Aim
To introduce students to basic principles of qualitative and quantitative research design and analysis for the social sciences.
Content
The module introduces students to perspectives in social science research including issues of research design, research ethics and quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis. The statistics component of the syllabus explores a variety of elementary graphical and mathematical statistical procedures, including, inter alia, frequency displays, measures of central tendency and variability, sampling distributions, two-group inferential tests and measures of association.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%) Examination (60%) DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules (15L-3T-25P-0S-62H-52R-0F-0G-3A-13W-16C)
PSYC223P1 Social Psychology of Intergroup Relations
Aim
An introduction to social psychology, focusing on social and psychological aspects of inter-group relations.
Content
The course explores a variety of ways of understanding the relationship between psychology and social life. The various explanatory models are assessed in terms of their relative usefulness in helping us develop a truly social psychology – one that is able to link the understanding of individuals and groups to the social and cultural context in which they exist. These theoretical frameworks are discussed in relation to contemporary social issues.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%) Examination (60%) DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules (30L-0T-0P-0S-80H-40R-0F-0G-10A-13W-16C)
PSYC222P2 Developmental Psychology
Aim
To introduce learners to child and adult psychosocial development with the objective of acquiring a critical and informed knowledge base from which to apply child development themes, theories and methodologies within the South African context.
Content
An understanding of the processes of psychosocial changes over the life span especially during childhood and adolescence will be the major focus, enabling the learner to contextualise other studies of human behaviour within a developmental time frame. It draws on several theories of development to introduce learners to some of the conceptual and research issues within developmental psychology.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%) Examination (60%) DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules (30L-6T-6P-0S-68H-40R-0F-0G-10A-13W-16C)
PSYC204P2 Educational Applications of Psychology
Aim
To enable students to consider education in various settings from a psychological perspective.
Content
A number of theoretical paradigms are presented to develop a psychological framework for understanding of issues in education, teaching and learning. Content areas include: systemic understanding of whole-school development, accommodating diversity, theories of development, teaching and learning, career education and guidance and adult learning.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%); examination (60%). DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules (30L-0T-5P-0S-80H-35R-0F-0G-10A-13W-16C)
PSYC209P2 African & International Perspectives
Aim
To introduce students to alternative conceptual frameworks; to encourage critical reflection on assumptions underpinning social science theories and practices.
Content
This course examines the philosophical assumptions of western psychologies. The applicability of these psychologies to African and other developing communities is evaluated. Students are introduced to the concept of indigenous psychologies, with examples drawn from African, European, and Asian perspectives. The relevance of psychological theories to matters of national concern (e.g. poverty alleviation) is explored. Alternative research methodologies and ways to maintain dialogue in a world characterised by multiplicity and change are briefly explored.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%) Examination (60%) DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules (30L-0T-0P-0S-90H-34R-0F-0G-6A-13W-16C)
PSYC301P2 Measurement, Experiment & Observation
Aim
To continue the study of basic principles of qualitative and quantitative research design and analysis for behavioural sciences.
Content
The principles of psychometrics; common South African tests; aspects of quantitative and qualitative research design & methodologies; statistical data analysis methods including, inter alia, contingency tables, non parametric statistics, parametric statistics and an introduction to the use of a statistical software package.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%) Examination (60%) DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules Prerequisite Prerequisite: Psychology 201 (15L-3T-25P-0S-62H-52R-0F-0G-3A-13W-16C)
PSYC304P2 Health and Illness
Aim
To introduce students to the basic issues and methods in the application of psychology to health and illness, including various forms of psychopathology, developmental psychopathology and epidemiological issues related to health psychology and the South African context.
Content
The module examines various forms of mental illness and distress. A section on health psychology examines the relationship between stress, health and illness from various perspectives, including issues related to HIV/AIDS. The developmental trajectory is examined in relation to some of the more prevalent childhood difficulties.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%) Examination (60%) DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules Note Course work: 1 assignment and/or 1 test (40%); 3 hour examination (60%) (30L-0T-8P-0S-84H-30R-0F-0G-8A-13W-16C)
PSYC306P2 Psychology and the Law
Aim
To introduce students to conceptual and applied issues at the interface of psychology and law.
Content
The module examines psychological theory and research as applied and communicated through law and forensic practice, and includes material on the nature of eyewitness testimony, criminal behaviour, assessment for the courts, child custody, human rights, and professional ethics.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%) Examination (60%) DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules (30L-0T-1P-0S-84H-30R-0F-0G-15A-13W-16C)
PSYC318P1 Psychology in Education
Aim
This module seeks to provide an understanding of self as learner, learning theories, and a psychological understanding of educational issues in the South African context.
Content
The module introduces a systemic model and sociocultural frame. The module will explore learners in context (systemic and sociocultural theories) and self as learner; the South African context including education policy; theories of learning; role of education, barriers to learning; careers; lifeskills and assessment in education.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%); examination (60%) DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules (30L-0T-4P-0S-100H-20R-0F-0G-6A-13W-16C)
PSYC345P1 African Psychology
Aim
To introduce students to the study of the human spirit and human behavioural phenomena from an African perspective.
Content
The module highlights the inadequacies of Western Psychology as it relates to African people and how it lacks relevance to Third world issues because of its individualistic orientation. Western Psychology assumptions and theories are questioned and the spiritual, mental, and physical interconnectedness of African reality is emphasised. The development of the ‘African self’ and the role of community on development are also explored.
Assessment Cumulative assessment (40%) Examination (60%) DP Requirements As per School of Psychology rules (30L-12T-0P-0S-92H-20R-0F-0G-6A-6W-16C)
