Requisites: Pre-requisite: [Module PSY09114] Brain and Cognition

Current issues, debates, challenges and subjects in psychology are varied and could include for example: methods and ethics of measuring creativity, effects of musical training on cognition, the publication bias and replication crisis, criminal profiling, understanding conspiracy theorists, recent developments in mental health support and suicide prevention, experiences of migration, understanding behaviours in relation to vaccine uptake/refusal, psychology of religion and extremism. Topics will be underpinned by theoretical explanations and/or applied research. The module content will flexibly adhere to developments at a national and international level. This module will appeal to you if you have an interest in building/gaining important employability skills such as: public (in-class) speaking, delivering presentations, pitching ideas, giving and receiving feedback, meeting new people (guest speakers) and making a good impression, time management and task prioritisation, and engaging with debates/Q&A sessions. This module is also for those of you interested in hearing about psychological topics that are not delivered elsewhere on the programmes.The module will be delivered through seminars led by the invited guest speaker and staff members, each focusing on a specific theme in theoretical and/or applied psychology. After each presentation a Q&A session will be held to allow you to critically engage with the features, boundaries, and issues related to the specific topic covered (LO 1, 3, 4). You will therefore be required to ask questions and contribute to class discussions, preceded by completion of a Reaction Piece to aid in your identification of relevant questions (LO 1). The format allows for you to encounter currently debated topics falling within the theoretical or research/practical expertise of guest speakers and staff members. You will have the opportunity to develop skills in writing for a non-expert audience by completion of a 'Conversation' essay (LO 2). You will also choose and present one current issue/debate/challenge/subject in psychology that has not been covered on the module, which you will pitch to the class and later present (LO 2, 3, 4).

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate an advanced ability to recognise, formulate, and detail specific theoretical/research related questions in the field.

LO2: Develop and demonstrate skills in science communication.

LO3: Critically engage with discussions and debates through communication with speakers and classmates.

LO4: Conceptualise and critically appraise a current issue, debate, challenge, and/or controversy in theoretical/applied psychology not covered on the module.