Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Contemporary Challenges to Psychology
SCQF level: 07:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: PSY07105
Module leader: Mirona Gheorghiu
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Psychology
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

In this module, you will explore the impact of contemporary social and political challenges to the development of Psychology as a discipline, but also on us as individuals and societal members. In particular, we will be asking questions about how the latest developments in AI are likely to shape the kinds of questions psychologists will be asking, and how the use of AI will affect our own psychological development in terms of cognition, emotions and social behaviour. We will also take a critical view of contemporary Psychology by discussing it as an outcome of coloniality and the politics of race, gender, class and sexuality amongst others. The module will end by considering recent developments in indigenous psychologies, a way of doing psychological research that is sensitive to local, regional contexts outside of Western cultures. By focussing on indigenous philosophies and concepts, these challenge ultimately the hegemony of contemporary Psychology in explaining the human mind and behaviour. The module will be delivered through face-to-face lectures and tutorials facilitated by staff members. The tutorials will concentrate on one aspect of the lecture, encouraging discussions and debate. At the end of this module, you will have developed a number of skills that you can apply beyond academia such as critical and analytical skills, critical self-reflection, presentation skills and working with others in small groups.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Identify the potential effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on psychological development, society and Psychology as a discipline

LO2: Explain how coloniality and the politics of race, gender, class, and sexuality have shaped the development of contemporary Psychology

LO3: Extend your knowledge of Psychology by exploring research developments in indigenous psychologies

LO4: Apply knowledge from the module to understand how AI, your own gender, class, race, sexuality and cultural values have shaped your subjective experiences and psychological development

LO5: Develop your presentation skills by communicating your ideas effectively to an academic audience, and engaging in a formal assessment of your peers' presentations
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 2, IN PERSON,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: IN PERSON
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Mirona Gheorghiu
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 12 With the exception of the Introductory lecture, which will last 120 minutes, all other lectures are 60 minutes sessions taking place weekly. The module will start with an introduction lecture, followed by three lectures for each major topic block, and ending with an overview lecture.
Face To Face Tutorial 7 These are 60 minutes sessions taking place weekly from Week 2 to 8. They will be used to (1) discuss required readings related to the lecture topic and (2) encourage a process of reflection on how you can use knowledge from the module to make sense of your own subjective experiences.
Online Guided independent study 171 You will be encouraged to engage more widely with the topics in the module by doing the recommended readings as well as doing your own search for relevant peer-reviewed articles and/or books using PsycInfo. You will also be expected to use your independent learning time to build your reflective log and work together as a group on the presentation.
Face To Face GROUPSCHEDULED 6 These are 1.5 hour sessions running from Weeks 9 to 12 during which you will deliver your group presentations.
Independent Learning Practical classes and workshops 4 These are Q&A sessions for the two main assessments, which will be scheduled throughout the term.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Reflective Log 65 1~2~3~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 2500 words max The purpose of this assessment is to encourage you to apply the knowledge acquired throughout the module (lectures, tutorials readings and discussions, independent readings) to understand how the challenges discussed have shaped (and will shape) your own experiences, sense of self as well as how we study and practice Psychology.The log is broken down into three sections corresponding to each block. In each section, you will have to answer 2-3 questions relating to the main topic covered in each block. The log can be completed as we finish each section, but can only be submitted at the end of the module.
Oral Presentation 25 3~4~5 Week 9 HOURS= 15 minutes This is an oral group presentation that focuses on researching a different culture than your own. The presentation will include (1) a description of the culture you chose to focus on (e.g., where it can be found, core values and beliefs, traditions, recent history), (2) a summary of any indigenous psychological research on this culture, (3) a brief discussion of how these findings would advance our knowledge of human psychology, and (4) a brief Q&A with the audience. Your presentation will be assessed on (1) how well researched it is, (2) level of detail and overall coherence, (3) critical engagement with the importance of your findings for understanding human psychology, and (4) your oral presentation skills. You will need to upload an electronic copy of your presentation to Moodle.The overall grade for this assessment consists of two components: the teacher's grade (25%) and peer assessment (10%). The peer assessment will be based on ratings of your group members on "citizenship"; behaviour (e.g., being respectful, completing their allocating task, showing commitment to the project) and overall contribution to the final presentation (e.g., gathering information, writing, creating slides, etc).The group presentations will take place from Week 9 to 12 during timetabled tutorial time.
Discussion/Participation 10 3~4~5 Week 9 HOURS= n/a This assessment gives you, as students, an opportunity to understand and engage with the process of evaluating an oral presentation given by your peers. The evaluation criteria employed in this form of assessment will be the same as those used by tutors to assess formally group presentations. The criteria will be discussed in advance of the start of presentations so you have a good understanding of what they mean and how they are to be used. Each student is expected to complete 2-3 peer assessments, depending on how many groups present in a given tutorial session. You will receive 10% for completing the required peer assessments; you will not be able to complete this assessment if you are not physically present during the presentation session. All peer assessment forms will be collated and passed on to the presenting groups the following week.
Component 1 subtotal: 65
Component 2 subtotal: 35
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
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