PY3SE-Science of Emotion

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis or PY2RMP Research methods in Psychology
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Carien Van Reekum
Email: C.VanReekum@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module will enhance the student’s understanding of issues in scientific approaches to the study of emotion. This module is particularly relevant to students interested in experimental psychology, but will also benefit those who wish to pursue further training in clinical psychology.

Aims:

To give students experience of critical evaluation of dominant theoretical views in emotion research; to frame current emotion-related research being undertaken in the department in one or more theoretical contexts; to help them develop the ability to independently and critically evaluate theoretical premises and empirical methods employed in research that involves affect.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module the student will be able to:

1. Identify the theoretical roots of current emotion research.


2. Critically evaluate the methods employed in this field.


3. Argue their view(s) on diverging theoretical perspectives.

Additional outcomes:

Students will gain experience from participating in evaluative discussions of research and theory in large and small groups. 

Outline content:

The module comprises seven 2-hour seminars. 



This module has the following learning objectives:

1. To gain a solid understanding of the origin of theories in emotion and how these theoretical streams relate to current research and debates in emotion psychology.


2. To better understand the numerous components/aspects of emotion which occur in addition to subjective experience, such as physiology and expression.


3. To motivate the choice of method in studying emotion based on the question at hand.

Theoretical perspectives that will be discussed emphasise that 1) emotions are innate and biologically constructed (e.g. "theory of basic emotions"), 2) emotions stem from the perception of bodily change (e.g. "James-Lange theory of emotion"), and 3) the way an individual evaluates an event underlies the quality of the emotion experienced (e.g. "appraisal theories of emotion"). These perspectives are at the root of current “hot topics” in emotion research including facial mimicry, embodiment of emotion, emotion regulation, and cognitive biases in emotion. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars involve lectures and interactive discussions

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	14		1
Guided independent study:	85
Total hours by term	99	0	1
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A 1.5-hour Summer Exam (100%) will require students to answer 1 essay question on topics covered in the module.  

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive formative feedback in preparation of the exam (i.e. in class). 

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A minimum of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-assessment is by re-examination in the August/September period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: 


2. Specialist equipment or materials: 


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 


4. Printing and binding: 


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: 


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023