Psychosocial Concepts & Methodologies

Course Code: MMAPSO_03

Masters Level Module

The module enables a critical examination of central concepts and methodologies within the field of psychosocial studies. We will discuss concepts including the unconscious, repression, desire, fantasy and subjectivity, and review how these can be used to analyse social interaction in education and social care settings. Attention will be given to differences between psychoanalytic traditions (Freudian, Lacanian, Kleinian). For example, we will examine how the work of Freud and Klein provide contrasting perspectives on children's play. By discussing key works in the field of psychosocial studies, we will also review a range of methodological approaches (e.g. ethnography, interviews, text analysis). This means that by the end of the module participants will have a grasp of key concepts in psychosocial studies, and how these can be used productively to analyse learning in families and in education. Teaching takes place in the autumn term over three Saturdays (6 hours) and four Thursday evenings (2.5 hours). Assessment is by coursework, and there are opportunities to receive formative feedback throughout the module to support understanding and writing. This is a core module for the MA Psychosocial Studies and Education, but it is open to students from other MA programmes. Please contact the module leader, Dr Caroline Pelletier, to discuss the module's further coverage.

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