Enrollment year
2022/2023
Academic discipline
M-PSI/05 (SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY)
Department
DEPARTMENT OF BRAIN AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Course
PSYCHOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE AND HUMAN SCIENCES
Curriculum
Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience
Period
1st semester (02/10/2023 - 20/12/2023)
Lesson hours
36 lesson hours
Activity type
WRITTEN AND ORAL TEST
Prerequisites
No mandatory prerequisites. However, a review of the basic topics covered in the Social Psychology course is recommended to facilitate a better understanding of the knowledge presented in this course
Learning outcomes
The general aim of the course is the understanding of key theories related to social cognition topics, as well as various theoretical perspectives in these fields. In particular, during the course the student will :
1) Develop critical examination skills for theories, research, and methodologies associated with the following topics:
the change of concepts in Autism Spectrum Disorder in the last 30 years, different concept regarding emotional states, mental state attribution and empathy.
2) Identify methodologies's limitations and research challenges.
3) develop awareness of ethical and deontological issues necessary for conducting experimental procedures
4) conduct bibliographic research and communicate their knowledge clearly and persuasively, emphasizing the major findings and challenges in the field of Social Cognition
Furthermore, the course aims to cultivate the ability to apply this knowledge and understanding effectively by:
a) enhancing proficiency in executing and assessing applications within experimental contexts in the area of Social Cognition
b) advancing students’ competences in executing and evaluating applications within clinical environments in the area of Social Cognition
d) using ethical principles in practical applications and research endeavors in Social Cognition.
Course contents
The course will cover the major theoretical perspectives on the development of the theories and research methodologies of related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, the changing key aspects of mental states attribution, empathy, and emotion. Particular attention to a theoretical frameworksfor for suicide (prevention and theoretical foundations):
Introduction to Social Cognition: aims and methodologies
The phylogeny and ontogenesis of the construct of Theory of Mind and other key concepts in mental states attribution
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): key concepts, research across the spectrum and lifespan, diagnosis and limitations. Particular attention to traditionally under-researched groups, notably women and girls and older adults on the autism spectrum,
Contemporary debate regarding the nature of emotions, with particular attention to different level of research (humans and animal)
Changing key concepts of Empathy and motivation
Suicide prevention, different framework of research, Epidemiology and data analysis biases.
Teaching methods
This course will adopt a variety of learning methods, by blending traditional lectures with experiential learning activities and incorporating group discussions, case- based analyses, and practical exercises. It is important to note that there will be no differentiation of the curriculum between attending and non-attending students. All students will have the opportunity to access the course content and fully benefit from the educational
resources available.
Reccomended or required readings
Scietific papers presented during the lectures
- Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett, 2020
Assessment methods
The grading will be done on a 30-point scale (minimum to pass is 18/30) in an oral exam lasting approximately 20 minutes, which may cover any topic covered during the course and the readings and podcasts as indicated in the in the syllabus. To be eligible for the exam, students will be required to either participate in an in-class presentation (for attending students) or submit a paper on a course-related topic (for non-attending students). Further details will be provided via Kiro
The evaluation will be based on the completeness of the answers provided by the students, their ability to argue and critically apply the knowledge acquired during the course to real or realistic cases. The students' capacity to express themselves clearly and coherently will also be taken into consideration. Students will be encouraged to demonstrate their critical analysis and problem-solving skills in social cognition contexts, as well as their ability to connect the various topics covered during the course
Further information
As part of the University's Innovative Teaching activities and to promote inclusion, the teacher will provide up to 2 hours of weekly office hours, to be arranged with the teacher
Sustainable development goals - Agenda 2030