Psychology
Caring and Helping: the Psychology of Concern and Commitment
Module code: C8014
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework, Essay
We will explore how, when, and why humans and other animals care about and help themselves and others, for example other individuals, groups, or causes.
Most sub-disciplines within psychology will be considered, as will aspects of several related disciplines.
At a practical level, this will involve consideration of behaviours such as:
- activism
- adoption
- donation
- citizenship
- environmentalism
- ethical investment
- gift-giving
- heroism
- kindness
- philanthropy
- prejudice-reduction
- support-giving
- tax paying
- vaccination
- volunteering
Less obvious domains will include lying, mercy-killing, violent service (e.g., soldiering, terrorism). Critical thinking will be encouraged throughout, as will consideration of the relationship between academic research and practical application.
Module learning outcomes
- Systematically understand the scientific underpinnings of the psychological study of caring and helping behaviour
- Show appreciation of the relationship between theory and evidence in relation to the study of caring and helping behaviour
- Devise arguments and critically evaluate arguments made in the caring and helping literature