Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminars / Tutorials | 10 x 4 hours |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Individual Research Project | 65% |
| Semester Exam | Individual Viva Examination | 35% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Repeat failed elements or equivalent | 65% |
| Supplementary Exam | Repeat failed elements or equivalent | 35% |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the historical emergence of consumerism.
Describe and discuss a range of theoretical perspectives on consumption.
Critically evaluate a range of theoretical perspectives on consumption.
Explain and explore a range of consumption practices through the theories considered in the module.
Undertake and write-up a piece of primary research.
Communicate the findings of a piece of primary research by drawing on the theories considered in the module.
Aims
Consumerism now pervades every aspect of modern life. We live in a consumer society and increasingly come to define ourselves, and those around us, by what we possess. This module seeks to introduce a range of theoretical perspectives that help to understand consumerism and how it manifests itself within a range of social contexts.
Content
Part 1: Psychological perspectives on consumerism
• Elaboration Likelihood Models
• Theories of planned behaviour
• Cognitive dissonance theories
Part 2: Social perspectives on consumerism
• Attribution theories
• Social comparison theories
• Social cognitive theories
Part 3: Cultural perspectives on consumerism
• Uses and gratification theories
• Face negotiation theories
Part 4: Students’ perspective on consumerism
• Student presentations
Brief description
This module aims to introduce students to a range of sociological perspectives that seek to explore the relations between culture, consumption and society. In doing so we look at how consumerism has come to pervade so many aspects of our lives and how it influences both our sense of self and also the way we interact with others. Students will be encouraged to think critically about their own consuming habits and how they have influenced their sense of identity.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | |
| Communication | 1. Read in different contexts and for different purposes; 2. Speak in different contexts and for different purposes (inc. presentation and discussion). |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | |
| Information Technology | 1. Use a range of commonly used software packages; 2. Present information and data; 3. Use e-mail/internet appropriately and effectively. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | |
| Problem solving | |
| Research skills | 1. Plan and carry out research; 2. Produce academically appropriate reports. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Students will develop a greater, and more critical, appreciation of the role and power of consumption, in contemporary society. |
| Team work | 1. Contribute effectively to the planning of group activities; 2. Play an active part in group activities. |
Reading List
General Text(2008.) Handbook of consumer psychology /edited by Curtis P. Haugtvedt, Paul M. Herr, Frank R. Kardes. LEA/Psychology Press Primo search (2012.) Handbook of theories of social psychology /edited by Paul A.M. Van Lange, Arie W. Kruglanski, and E. Tory Higgins. SAGE Primo search (2001.) The handbook of culture & psychologyedited by David Matsumoto. http://site.ebrary.com/lib/aber/Doc?id=10084756 Oxford University Press (2010.) The psychology of marketingcross-cultural perspectives /Gerhard Raab ... [et al.]. http://site.ebrary.com/lib/aber/Doc?id=10411938 Gower (2011.) Theories in social psychology /edited by Derek Chadee. Wiley-Blackwell Primo search Jansson-Boyd, Cathrine V. (c2010.) Consumer psychologyCathrine V. Jansson-Boyd. http://site.ebrary.com/lib/aber/Doc?id=10394842 Open University Press
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7