PSY4040 Advanced Psychological Theory

PSY	4040	91347	2, 2009	ONC	Advanced Psychological Theory	1.00	Springfield
Subject	Cat-nbr	Class	Term	Mode	Description	Units	Campus

Academic group:	FOSCI
Academic org:	FOS005
Student contribution band:	1
ASCED code:	090701

Staffing
Requisites
Rationale
Synopsis
Objectives
Topics
Texts
Reference materials
Student workload
Assessment details
Important assessment information
Assessment notes
Production date
PDF version

STAFFING

Examiner: Kate Lemerle
Moderator: Gerry Tehan

REQUISITES

Pre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in Program BSCH in Psychology major (12302) or in one of the following Programs: BPSH or BPSY

RATIONALE

An advanced understanding of psychological theory forms the foundation for research that informs the way we understand and respond to current social issues. Psychologists can inform state and federal policy makers, and assist individuals, groups, organisations and communities through the application of psychological theory and scientific principles within a context of culturally sensitive communication and consultation.

SYNOPSIS

The aim of this course is to further develop students' critical understanding of several core theoretical models of human behaviour, with a view to applying those theoretical perspectives to various current issues faced by contemporary Australians. Students will use research evidence to critically evaluate the theories in order to gain a greater understanding of particular current psychosocial issues, and to develop suitable evidence-based interventions that are ethically sound, consistent with theory, and sensitive to diversity issues in 21st century Australian society such as culture, gender, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status. Strengths and limitations of the proposed interventions will also be considered

OBJECTIVES

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1.: understand and critically evaluate a range of psychological theories that could be applied to current psychosocial issues in Australian society (case studies, mid-semester test, project report);
2.: identify and assess a range of current psychosocial issues that affect individual, group, organisational, and/or community wellbeing; and describe the antecedents, possible consequences, and potential impact at various systemic or community levels (case studies, mid-semester test, project report);
3.: develop ethical, evidence-based strategies or interventions that address the psychosocial issues, thereby enhancing psychological health and wellbeing (case studies, mid-semester test, project report);
4.: identify relevant diversity issues that must be considered in developing and applying these interventions (e.g., culture, gender, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status) (case studies, mid-semester test, project report);.

TOPICS

	Description	Weighting (%)
1.	This course will focus on the advancement of students' critical understanding of various psychological theories that explain human behaviour from a range of differing perspectives. This understanding will be developed through comparisons of various theoretical frameworks and the application of these perspectives to issues faced by Australians today. Specific topics will vary depending on the expertise and discipline areas of staff involved in the course and the issues that are topical during the semester in which the course is run. Students will be given more specific detail about topics at the start of the semester.	100.00

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Baumgardner, S,R & Crothers, M 2008, Positive Psychology, Prentice Hall, US.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Additional readings will be provided throughout the course.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ACTIVITY	HOURS
Assessments	65.00
Lectures or Workshops	39.00
Private Study	63.00

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Description		Marks out of	Wtg(%)	Due date
CASE STUDY		20.00	40.00	07 Aug 2009
PROJECT REPORT		60.00	60.00	30 Oct 2009

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

Attendance requirements:
Attendance at the lectures is compulsory. It is the student's responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To complete the assignments and test satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the assignments and test. If students obtain less than 50%, they may be required to resubmit the assessment item or do other make-up work.
Penalties for late submission of required work:
If students submit assignments after the due date without (prior) approval of the examiner then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late up to ten working days at which time a mark of zero may be recorded. No assignments will be accepted after model answers have been posted.
Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the Summative assessment items in the course.
Examination information:
There is no examination in this course.
Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
As there are no examinations in this course, there will be no deferred or supplementary examinations.
University Regulations:
Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

9.	The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner.
10.	Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within 24 hours of receipt of a request from the Examiner.
11.	Students require email and internet access for this course.

This version produced 19 Nov 2009.