Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101764

Coordinator Rashid Flewellen Jr Opens in new window

Description In this subject students focus on understanding individuals within their social and physical context. They are introduced to psychology as the scientific study of behaviour and mental experience. Students examine how individual psychology interacts with society, culture, and the physical environments. Featured topics include self and identity, close relationships, social relations and groups, empathy and pro-social behaviour, prejudice, conflict and aggression. Students are guided to explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and the emerging field of indigenous psychology, and to consider what implications these have for a better understanding of psychology and the individual in context.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Psychology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects BEHV 1021 - The Individual in Society

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 1689 Bachelor of Community and Social Development.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Define the science of psychology, and identify subfields within psychology.
2. Describe the role of the brain in determining behaviour and the main brain processes.
3. Apply a systems framework to understanding the individual in context.
4. Discuss the factors influencing social behaviour.
5. Identify issues for indigenous psychology in general, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychology specifically.

Subject Content

Psychology - the science of behaviour and mental experience; brain processes and areas of psychology; individuals in the context of their psychological, biological, social, cultural, and physical domain.
Consciousness: The brain's relationship with its environment
Brain processes and culture (e.g., perception, learning, worldviews, values, attitudes)
Psychology and place
Self and identity, self- interest, and attachment
Close relationships
Social groups (e.g., families, communities, "tribal" groups, nations)
Similarity and difference: Empathy and prosocial behaviour; alienation and aggression
Prejudice, discrimination, and inter-group behaviour
Indigenous psychology
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychology
Social influence and the global context of psychology