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Semester 1

Methods and Controversies in Parapsychology (PSYL10149)

Subject

Psychology

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

3

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Visiting students must be studying Psychology as their degree major, and have completed at least 3 Psychology courses at grade B or above. We will only consider University/College level courses. **Please see Additional Restrictions below**

Course Summary

This course aims to promote an appreciation of methodological issues in psychological research via case studies in parapsychology (the scientific study of paranormal beliefs and experiences).

Course Description

This course aims to promote an appreciation of methodological issues in psychological research via case studies in parapsychology (the scientific study of paranormal beliefs and experiences). No previous knowledge of parapsychology is required. Each topic will be explored through studying a particular controversy (e.g., can mediums communicate with the deceased?) and considering its wider scientific and methodological implications (e.g., what are the challenges when trying to assess the accuracy of verbal statements?). **The course will be taught through a flipped classroom method - that is, students will be provided with recorded lectures and core readings to go through prior to attending the weekly in-class sessions, which will be of two types. At the 1hr full class sessions, Professor Watt will provide interactive activities and opportunities for discussion to help to consolidate understanding of key concepts and readings that were introduced in the recorded material. At the smaller class 1 hour seminar sessions, students will be assigned to make short summary presentations of research papers, followed by discussion. These seminars are intended to introduce students to further readings that will help to broaden and deepen their understanding of methodological issues in parapsychology and psychology.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 70%, Coursework 30%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Restrictions

Unless you are nominated on a Psychology exchange agreement, visiting students are only permitted to enrol in one 3rd year Psychology course each, per semester, before the start of the relevant semester’s welcome period – and spaces on each course are limited so cannot be guaranteed for any student. Enrolment in a second course from this group will depend on whether there are still spaces available in the September Welcome Period, and cannot be guaranteed. It is NOT appropriate for students to contact staff within this subject area to ask for an exception to be made; all enquiries to enrol in these courses must be made through the CAHSS Visiting Student Office. This is due to the extremely limited number of spaces available in this very popular subject area.

view the timetable and further details for this course