Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

This unit addresses the social aspects of individual experience. It examines the contribution of social psychologists, sociologists and others working in the psycho-social domain to theory and research on the interface of mental experience and social action. The unit covers the assumptions of mind and society that inform the major theories of the individual, including those of the Freudians, person-centred psychology and behavioural utopianism. It also considers psychological theory and practice in light of Rose's 'psy-complex' and the discursive and narrative turns in social theory. Students will examine themes such as: identity and social relations; social influences on individual action; social construction of belief and emotion; and the implications of psycho-social perspectives for social care and human services.

Objectives

All students completing this unit will be able to:

1. Identify and describe key perspectives in social psychological and psycho-social theory and research;
2. Discuss the social aspects of individual experience and social action;
3. Apply psycho-social critiques to knowledge and assumptions about individual experience which circulate in popular discourse;
4. Identify implications for social care and human services.

5. Evaluate the contribution of theoretical and research perspectives regarding the interface of mind and society;
6. Identify implications for social inquiry regarding individual experience.

Assessment

Written work: 70%
Class test: 30%

Contact hours

One two hour lecture per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Sociology
Behavioural studies

Prerequisites

ATS1365 and ATS1366 or PSY1011and PSY1022 or ATS1261 and ATS1262 or ATS1367 and SCY1802 or GSC1201 and GSC1202

Prohibitions

ATS2726