Social Connection and Disconnection (C8570)
Social Connection and Disconnection
Module C8570
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
Humans thrive only when they feel connected to others. In this module, we will discuss why connection is so important, and its relationship with mental, physical, and social wellbeing. We will consider various ways to achieve a sense of belonging, including less obvious ones (e.g., talking to strangers, volunteering, walking in nature, listening to music). We will discuss factors that make it difficult to connect (e.g., social anxiety, cultural norms, stereotypes). Finally, we will examine a common consequence of feeling disconnected: loneliness (we’ve all been there!)
Full Module Description
Humans thrive only when they feel connected to others. In this module, we will discuss why connection is so important, and its relationship with mental, physical, and social wellbeing. We will consider various ways to achieve a sense of belonging, including less obvious ones (e.g., talking to strangers, volunteering, walking in nature, listening to music). We will discuss factors that make it difficult to connect (e.g., social anxiety, cultural norms, stereotypes). Finally, we will examine a common consequence of feeling disconnected: loneliness (we’ve all been there!)
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of contemporary psychological research regarding social connection and disconnection.
Devise arguments about applications of such knowledge to issues of personal and societal wellbeing.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T1 Week 11 | 65.00% |
| Portfolio | T1 Week 11 | 5.00% |
| Test | T1 Week 9 (1 hour) | 30.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Gillian Sandstrom
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/555105
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.