Module: Social Psychology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Social Psychology
Module Code	HDE1012 (ITS: HD311)
Faculty	Human Development	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Social psychology is the study of human social behaviour; how our thoughts, feelings, and actions are influenced by other people and indeed how we influence them in turn. The aims of the module are; 1. To provide students with an overview of classical and contemporary theory and research in the field of social psychology and Wellbeing, 2. To offer students an opportunity to acquire greater insight into the powerful effects that the social environment can exert on an individuals’ affective, behavioural and cognitive processes, 3. To consider how social psychology themes and concepts can be applied to significant societal challenges.

Learning Outcomes

1. To understand and integrate knowledge of Social Psychology, including major theories and approaches in social psychology
2. To demonstrate a systematic understanding of social influences and their effects on behaviour
3. To critically evaluate the current approaches and challenges in social psychology
4. To apply knowledge social psychology concepts to significant societal challenges

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	No Description
Tutorial	4	No Description
Independent Study	99	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20324	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ashling Bourke	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Written Exam	n/a	50%	n/a
Group assignment	Group presentation	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Social Psychology

Discrimination and Prejudice

Aggression

Social Cognition

Conformity and Obedience

Relationships

Understanding the Self

Prosocial Behaviour

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Myers, D.G. & Twenge, J.M.: 2017, Social Psychology, 12, McGraw-Hill, New York,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None