Level 3

This module builds on Investigating psychology 2 and takes a critical and creative approach to methodology in psychology, with a substantive empirical project. Experimentation, survey methodology and text-based qualitative analyses (discourse analysis and phenomenological analysis) are explored through the topics of memory, language, creativity, personality, child development, emotions, and relationships. These topics are also used to present research in the core domains of biological, cognitive, developmental individual differences and social psychology. In addition, quantitative and qualitative methods are taught. Students can express a preference for the method to be used in their independent project: text-based analysis, experimentation, or survey.

This module draws on recent theoretical debates and research to critically explore the fascinating relationship between counselling and forensic psychology. You will learn about media representations of crime and therapy and the role of sociocultural issues in both forensic and therapeutic work. You will be introduced to the most common and effective therapeutic approaches for working with offenders/victims of crime, and explore therapeutic and forensic aspects around sex and sexuality. You will develop an understanding of the dichotomies and emerging themes in this area and the challenges of providing therapy in a forensic setting.

Social psychologists study people as social beings, looking at their relationships and shared experiences in context. This module focuses on contemporary UK society and life as a 21st century person in a changing world. The module explores current issues, including gender, multiculturalism, immigration, global conflicts and work. It also adopts a critical perspective towards psychology itself. You will learn about recent research findings and different social psychological theories and approaches. As preparation for future study, work and life activities, you will develop the academic and communication skills you need to study independently and follow your own interests.

We live at a time of historic change in the international system. The rise of China and other large developing countries is challenging the long dominance of the west. Political upheaval and the growing role of networks are reshaping the world. Economic, social and technological changes are altering the context for international relations. This module asks the key questions about contemporary international relations. It teaches key ideas such as sovereignty and security; develops your ability to analyse and respond to some of the central problems of our day; and to understand longer trends of continuity and change in global politics. (60 credits)

In this module you'll be investigating what political ideas are, how they are generated and the impact they have locally, nationally and internationally in shaping our world. You'll see how political ideas are studied, assess their significance and discover which thinkers and theorists best help us explore and understand the modern political world. In addition, you'll be encouraged to draw on your own independent study of political ideas and political thinkers. You'll become equipped with the key practical skills needed to carry out research, draw on critical reflection and enable you to learn more of the writing and evaluative skills used to explore and evaluate political ideas. (60 credits)

This innovative module explores the causes and consequences of a range of environmental problems and the main policies that have been formulated to address them. They include climate change, ozone depletion, deforestation, loss of biodiversity and unsustainable development. You’ll learn how political divisions, inequalities and contentions over values and knowledge can hinder political responses to environmental problems. The module concludes by examining some of the policy options that might lead to a ‘green future’. You’ll find this module ideal if you wish to develop a policy-relevant understanding of international problems for career development or personal interest.

This module teaches economic theories that explain the behaviour of people in households, firms, markets and governments. It presents alternative economic explanations that will enable you to make your own critical judgements of which theory serves which purpose best. The module also equips you with the research skills that you’ll need to conduct your own project on a topic you want to know more about. At the end of the module, you should have developed a more critical view of the socio-economic world in which you live.

This module focuses on the intricate connections between religion and controversial issues, including politics, tradition, gender, multiculturalism, animism, atheism, violence, sex and capitalism. You will study processes of upheaval and change within religious traditions and some of the complex – and sometimes clashing – local, regional and national perspectives on familiar and unfamiliar controversies. Using a mix of historical, sociological and ethnographic sources, approaches and methods, this module will help you to develop your understanding of the nature and role of ‘religion’ in historical and contemporary societies. You will make significant use of the rich resources available online via the OU Library.

At its height the Roman empire stretched from Scotland to Syria. This OU level 3 module will introduce you to this empire, addressing questions such as how did this vast multicultural population of diverse ethnic, cultural and religious groups maintain itself? How was it viewed by those who ruled it? What forces held the empire together and what happened when these came under pressure? You will learn how to use written sources and archaeological remains to explore these fundamental questions about what the empire was, how it worked, what it meant to be Roman, and the continuing legacy of the empire.

This module draws you into the main currents of literature from 1800 to the present day. You will engage with some of the most stimulating literary works ever written, and track the seismic historical transitions and transformations relevant to them – with an eye on our present and the future. Numerous major authors are offered for close critical study (Dickens, Tennyson, Woolf, T.S. Eliot, Dylan Thomas, Winterson, and others), alongside exciting but relatively neglected authors. Influential literary movements and critical interventions will be discussed, while leaving ample space for your own ideas. The module has three parts: Realities, Movements, Futures.