PS487-6-AU-CO:
Emotion

The details
2023/24
Psychology
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
16 November 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BSC C800JS Psychology,
BSC C800NS Psychology

Module description

This module is concerned with the study of emotional behaviour and experience from a scientific point of view. The emphasis throughout the module is on how emotions arise and manifest as patterns of bodily response and mental activity.


Theories of emotion from psychodynamic, introspective, and constructionist positions will not form a major component of the module, although some of the important insights which these approaches have offered will be considered.

Module aims

No information available.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Demonstrate an appreciation of how biology and cognition interact in the experience and expression of emotion.

  2. Demonstrate how emotions can be profitably viewed as adaptive, that they more often help than hinder.

  3. Adopt a critical approach to the study of emotion.

  4. Evaluate and understand the different theoretical approaches to emotion.

  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes linked to emotional vocal communication, including an understanding of how emotional vocal expressions are produced and perceived.

  6. Summarise and condense scientific information using concise wording.

Module information

We will examine theories of both normal and abnormal emotion. The former will receive the lion`s share of our attention, but the case studies on particular emotions (e.g. sadness) include discussion of their pathological extensions (depression).


The module will finish with a `special focus` lecture series on how emotions are expressed and perceived through the voice, how emotional vocal expressions are anchored in the brain, and how emotional communication affects our daily-life. The relationship between emotions and the voice has been neglected in the scientific study of emotions for years and hence deserves special attention.


Students are encouraged to use their own experience as input to much of what is covered. As well as involving cognitive and biological factors, emotion also involves subjective experience. It is debatable whether you can experience an emotion unconsciously (although some people suggest you can), and because of this your own emotions are a valuable, if occasionally unreliable source of data.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • Lecture podcasts.
  • Seminars.

This module uses a flipped classroom approach.

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   MCQ Class test    100% 
Exam  Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 24hr during January 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 24hr during September (Reassessment Period) 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
25% 75%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
25% 75%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Tracy Robinson, email: tracy@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Tracy Robinson
email: tracy@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

Dr Paula Miles
University of St Andrews
Director of Teaching, Senior Lecturer
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 32 hours, 28 (87.5%) hours available to students:
3 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
1 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Psychology

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