Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Psychology in Society

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HUSO2421

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 1 2024,
Sem 2 2024,
Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Dr Belinda Johnson

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 8280

Course Coordinator Email: belinda.johnson@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 8, Level 10

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This introductory course traces how psychology as a discipline has shaped  society. It brings together the knowledge of psychology with social science concerns with society and everyday life. The course explores how ideas from psychology inform and infuse many varied areas of contemporary society.  It considers how the knowledge of psychology has shaped the way that people understand themselves, and how psychology influences what is done to people through everyday practices, policy and service systems. The course explores policy and practice, popular culture, as well as other areas of social life. 

As a foundational course in the BP112 Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), this course also introduces you to academic research and writing skills that are relevant for your further studies at university. These skills are also important for your future work in psychology-based professions. 

The ‘Psychology in Society’ course establishes the usefulness and relevance of psychology studies embedded within a social sciences framework. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes  

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • Apply professional, theoretical and practical knowledge of the social sciences and psychology to your professional practice and further study. 
  • Critically analyse, synthesise and apply theoretical and professional insights from the psychological and social sciences to reflect on the challenges facing professional practice in a rapidly changing world. 
  • Apply logical, critical and creative thinking from the psychological and the social sciences to respond effectively to a range of issues associated with changing social, cultural and political contexts. 
  • Communicate effectively using appropriate formats, media and styles to a range of audiences including other professionals, the public and government agencies. 


Course Learning Outcomes  

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:  

  1. Identify how the discipline and knowledge of psychology influences different areas of contemporary society, and how psychology as a body of knowledge has shaped the way that people understand themselves.
  2. Analyse in depth an area of society that psychology has influenced.
  3. Apply, through reflection, the ideas in this course to your own experience.
  4. Demonstrate satisfactory academic research and writing skills. 


Overview of Learning Activities

Your learning activities in this course include small group work and problem solving, large group discussions, lectures and private study. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.  

You are expected to prepare for the weekly face-to-face sessions by reading weekly materials and undertaking activities. 

In class, you are expected to actively contribute to a peer-supported learning environment. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. This includes resources such as weekly readings, assessment supports, requirements for workshop and seminar participation and notes from classes. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

A diversity of assessments requires you to: collaborate with other students and their work; look to the world around you as a resource for applying theoretical ideas; and, develop a well-evidenced academic argument.

Assessment Tasks

Task 1: Reflective Analysis of Belonging in an Educational Setting 25%, 600-700 words, CLO 1, 2, 3  

Task 2: Weekly Insights and Themed Analysis, (1 x) 800 words plus  (1 x)  tutorial contribution, 35%, CLO 1, 3  

Task 3: Develop Your Argument  Project - solo option: 1800 words or 10-12 minutes; group option: 2800 words or 20-25 minutes, 40%, CLO 2, 4  

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have or you are a carer for someone with a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.