Reading Faces (C8823)
Reading Faces
Module C8823
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, a successful student should be able to:
1. Display wide ranging knowledge of both theoretical accounts of face processing and the empirical findings in this area.
2. Display good knowledge of the various paradigms used in investigating face perception and representation.
3. Be able to critically evaluate and synthesize research in face perception.
4. Show an appreciation for the different disciplines that contribute to the understanding of face processing.
5. Be able to generate 'what if' statements regarding face processing.
Module Outline
If someone made eye contact with you, gave you a shy smile and then looked away what would you make of it? Most of us would think that we were being flirted with. Our ability to read faces is essential for social exchange.
Faces are particularly efficient vehicles of communication. They are rich and varied in terms of the information they provide. For example, even a brief glimpse of a face can provide us with knowledge as diverse as whether the individual is male or female, familiar or not, attractive or not, happy or not, and interested in us or not. The present course will focus on various aspects of face processing in order to understand the rules that govern face perception. Face processing has become a major focus of investigation in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, social cognition, and evolutionary psychology. We will explore topics such as recognition, categorization, memory, emotions, deficits in face reading, development, gender differences, in-group versus out-group faces, and evolutionary perspectives on facial beauty and attractiveness.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Test | Autumn Week 10 | 100.00% |
| Essay (3000 words) | Spring Term Week 2 Wed 16:00 | 70.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | SEMINAR | 2 hours | 111111111100 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Beena Khurana
Convenor, Assess convenor
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/116416
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