Module Directory

Social Psychology is an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of Sociology and Psychology, which is concerned with the interrelations among individual, groups, and society. More specifically, it studies how individuals interact with one another, the way individuals influence social groups and vice versa, as well as the dynamics of intergroup relations.

This module will provide an introduction to a number of theories and themes in sociological social psychology that link the wider social structure with individual personality and conduct. This module aims to provide an overview of the principle theoretical approaches to social psychology and how they may be applied to the understanding of social life.

The aims of this module are:

• To provide an overview of the theoretical perspectives, classical and contemporary theories, and research in sociological social psychology, critical social psychology, and psycho-social studies.


• To introduce major social psychological concepts and research methods in social psychology.


• To foster an awareness of the current issues and debates within the field.


• To broaden understanding of the dynamics and social interaction and social action.


• To explore how the theoretical perspectives and research methods in social psychology may be applied to the study of social life.


• To understand how quantitative and qualitative research methods can be applied to social psychological questions.


• To develop presentational and critical writing skills.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Understand how social psychology has developed as a discipline.


2. Understand and reflect upon how social psychological theories can be applied to real-life social situations and human behaviour.


3. Understand different methods for studying the social world in a social psychological way.


4. Develop the tools to critically engage with key classical and contemporary social psychological theory and psychoanalytic theory.


5. Reflect upon how social psychology can be used to understand everyday life and how we come to know about ourselves and others.

Social Psychology is an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of Sociology and Psychology, which is concerned with the interrelations among individual, groups, and society. More specifically, it studies how individuals interact with one another, the way individuals influence social groups and vice versa, as well as the dynamics of intergroup relations.

This module will provide an introduction to a number of theories and themes in sociological social psychology that link the wider social structure with individual personality and conduct. This module aims to provide an overview of the principle theoretical approaches to social psychology and how they may be applied to the understanding of social life.

Please view the Introduction video to SC213 Social Psychology (Sociology): Self and Interaction via Moodle.

This module will include a range of activities to help you and your teachers to check your understanding and progress. These are: Reading assignments, journal entries evaluating current events in light of social psychological concepts, and a film essay which applies social psychological concepts to popular movies.

The lectures provide an overview of the substantive debates around the topic of the week, while the classes will give you the opportunity to reflect on your learning and actively engage with your peers to develop your understanding further. The weekly classes will take place face-to-face. You are strongly encouraged to attend the classes as they provide an opportunity to talk with your class teacher and other students. The classes will be captured and available via Listen Again. However, if you want to gain the most you can from these classes it is very important that you attend and engage. Please note that the recording of classes is at the discretion of the teacher.

Please note that you should be spending up to eight hours per week undertaking your own private study (reading, preparing for classes or assignments, etc.) on each of your modules (e.g. 32 hours in total for four 30-credit modules).