Interdisciplinary perspectives on modifiable social influences on behaviour
Ph.D. -course
- ECTS credits
- 3
- Teaching semesters
- Autumn
- Course code
- GHIG929B
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Course content
General content
Social capital, social support, social networks, social norms, peer and family influence have all been identified as key determinants of development, wellbeing and behaviour. The potential for interventions and policies to harness understandings of these social determinants has been relatively underdeveloped, which in part is due to the contested nature across disciplines of their relative importance and of how they are theorised and potentially modified.
General learning objectives
The main aims of this course are (i) to understand multidisciplinary conceptions of these social processes and (ii) identify barriers and possibilities for the development of interventions and policies based on applied interdisciplinary synthesis of these often competing conceptions. Examples of interventions that have successfully achieved this will be examined in detail.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course the candidate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The candidate
- Has knowledge on multidisciplinary perspectives of social influence
- Has knowledge on the importance of social relationships in human development, wellbeing and behaviour
- Has knowledge on interventions from multiple disciplines and sectors that have exploited or strengthened social relationships to achieve improved outcomes
Skills
After completion of the course, the candidate can:
- Evaluate the contribution of multiple disciplines to understanding social influences on development, wellbeing and behavior.
General competence
After completion of the course, the candidate can:
- Advocate for the importance of social processes in determining human growth, wellbeing and behaviour in a variety of contexts
Critically appraise published research describing interventions and policies that involve or neglect social influences
Study period
Credits (ECTS)
Course location
Language of instruction
Course registration and deadlines
Registration on Studentweb or by e-mail to maria.luttges@uib.no
Registration deadline is September 20, 2016.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Compulsory Requirements
Form of assessment
The evaluation procedures of the Faculty of Psychology will be applied.
Pass or Fail.
Pass with 80 % attendance of the lectures, seminars and group work (1.5 ECTs). Candidates must also complete a paper (10-15 pages) applying the concepts to a specific intervention or policy. The paper is to be evaluated (pass/fail) by the course coordinator or the appropriate course instructor (further 1.5 ECTs).
Who may participate
Supplementary course information
Teaching methods and extent of organized teaching:
Lectures, discussion groups, seminars. 40 hours for 1.5 ECT and 40 more for 3 ECT (paper).
Own activity:
Candidates will apply the learnings of the course as it progresses to develop an outline plan for a policy or intervention, with review through discussion with the course co-ordinator and group members.
Academic responsible
HEMIL-senteret
Laurence Moore, Professor II GHIG; Director, MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow.