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HPS121 - Introduction to Psychology: Individual and Social Development

Year:

2021 unit information

Important Update:

Unit delivery will continue to be provided in line with the most current COVIDSafe health guidelines. This may include a mix of on-campus and online activities. To find out how you are impacted, please check your unit sites for announcements and updates. Unit sites open one week prior to the start of each Trimester/Semester.

Thank you for your flexibility and commitment to studying with Deakin in 2021.

Last updated: 4 June 2021

Enrolment modes:

Trimester 1: Cloud (online), CBD*
Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), CBD*, Warrnambool, Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Cloud (online)
Trimester 3: Cloud (online)

Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Hannah Bereznicki
Trimester 2: Richelle Mayshak
Trimester 3: Pam Barhoun
Prerequisite:

Nil

Corequisite:

Nil

Incompatible with:

Nil

Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

Scheduled learning activities - campus:

1 x 2 hour class (online) per fortnight
1 x 1 hour Q & A (online) per week
1 x 1 hour seminar (campus) per week

Scheduled learning activities - cloud:

Trimester 1
1 x 1 hour cloud (online) class
1 x 1 hour cloud (online) seminar per week

Trimester 2
1 x 2 hour class (online) per fortnight
1 x 1 hour Q & A (online) per week
1 x 1 hour seminar (campus) per week

Trimester 3
1 x 2 hour class (pre-recorded) per fortnight
1 x 1 hour Q & A (online) per week
1 x 1 hour seminar (campus) per week 

Note:

*CBD refers to the National Indigenous Knowledges, Education, Research and Innovation (NIKERI) Institute; Community Based Delivery

Content

Introductory to Psychology: Individual and Social Development focuses on the science of the human individual in context. Different theoretical perspectives of psychological concepts relating to how we function as individuals in a social world are contrasted and evaluated throughout the unit.

We begin by looking at how we - as both biological and social beings - develop throughout the lifespan as we explore the complex interaction between biological and environmental influences. Various theoretical perspectives are applied to explore what makes up our individual personalities, and how personality is assessed. The impact of psychological disorders on individual and societal wellbeing is considered, and the different therapeutic approaches used to treat these disorders are analysed. We then examine the power of situational, societal, and cultural influences on behaviour.

The Introductory to Psychology: Individual and Social Development teaching team aim to deliver challenging and fascinating psychological concepts in a way that you can apply to your own personal experiences, future study and career. In the class series, the unit will incorporate the content areas into a holistic understanding of the interactions and relationships between the topics, all within the context of psychology as a scientific discipline. The seminar series will enable you to develop real-world applied skills that will help you work through the unit as well as expose you to some of the processes involved in working as an allied health professional. The assessment tasks are designed to help you develop industry-related skills and knowledge.

Students may do the two introductory psychology units in either order or do either unit individually.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1

Identify, describe, and apply psychological theory to explain fundamental aspects of development, personality, psychopathology, social, and culture as they relate to human behaviour functioning.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO2

Demonstrate cultural sensitivity by identifying and applying cultural awareness concepts, including with Indigenous Australians. Additionally, conduct research in an ethical manner in accordance to ethical guidelines.

GLO6: Self-management
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO3

Demonstrate ability to summarise and critically analyse psychological research.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO4

Construct, synthesise and clearly communicate the rationale for and findings of an empirical study in the form of a laboratory report. Clearly and professionally communicate orally during class discussions and within discussion boards.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO8: Global citizenship

Assessment

Assessment description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1: (Individual) APA-style lab report assignment Part A - Introduction and Method 1000 words 30%
  • Week 5
Assessment 2:  (Individual) APA-style lab report assignment Part B - Results and Discussion 1000 words 30%
  • Week 9
Assessment 3: Individual multiple choice examination 2 hours - 40 questions 40%
  • Examination period

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: HPS121 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

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