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 are 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. 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).
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, students should 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. Summarise and condense scientific information using concise wording.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, students should 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. Summarise and condense scientific information using concise wording.
- Module Supervisor: Tracy Robinson