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School of Psychology

Caring and Helping (C8014)

Caring and Helping: the Psychology of Concern and Commitment

Module C8014

Module details for 2022/23.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 6

Module Outline

This module explores how, when, and why humans and other animals care about and help themselves and others, e.g., other individuals, groups, or causes. Most sub-disciplines within psychology will be considered, as will aspects of several related disciplines. At a practical level, this will involve consideration of such behaviours as activism, adoption, donation, citizenship, environmentalism, ethical investment, gift-giving, heroism, kindness, philanthropy, prejudice-reduction, support-giving, tax paying, vaccination, volunteering, etc. Less obvious domains will include lying, mercy-killing, violent service (e.g., soldiering, terrorism), etc. Critical thinking will be encouraged throughout, as will consideration of the relationship between academic research and practical application.

Full Module Description

This module explores how, when, and why humans and other animals care about and help themselves and others, e.g., other individuals, groups, or causes. Most sub-disciplines within psychology will be considered, as will aspects of several related disciplines. At a practical level, this will involve consideration of such behaviours as activism, adoption, donation, citizenship, environmentalism, ethical investment, gift-giving, heroism, kindness, philanthropy, prejudice-reduction, support-giving, tax paying, vaccination, volunteering, etc. Less obvious domains will include lying, mercy-killing, violent service (e.g., soldiering, terrorism), etc. Critical thinking will be encouraged throughout, as will consideration of the relationship between academic research and practical application.

Module learning outcomes

Systematically understand the scientific underpinnings of the psychological study of caring and helping behaviour

Show appreciation of the relationship between theory and evidence in relation to the study of caring and helping behaviour

Devise arguments and critically evaluate arguments made in the caring and helping literature

TypeTimingWeighting
Coursework30.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
Computer Based ExamT1 Week 8 (1 hour)83.00%
PortfolioT1 Week 11 17.00%
Essay (1500 words)Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Wed 16:0070.00%
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.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterLecture2 hours11111111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Tom Farsides

Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/8682

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