Students
PSY 350 – The Psychology of Human Relationships
2019 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor, lecturer
Julie Fitness
Contact via email
Tutor
Alessa Teunisse
Contact via email
Tutor
Bradley Skinner
Contact via email
Novello Alday
Tutor
Matthew McAlister
Contact via email
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
39cp at 100 level or above
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Human beings are fundamentally social creatures who depend on one another for their survival and well-being, both physical and psychological. Everyone is born with powerful needs for love, friendship and belonging; similarly, we fear and avoid rejection, loneliness and the disapproval of others. Despite the central role they play in our lives, however, developing and maintaining happy and healthy relationships with family members, spouses, friends and even workmates is not easy, and professional psychologists spend the bulk of their time dealing with clients' relationship problems. This unit examines a variety of relationship topics from a social psychological perspective including attraction, love- and mate selection; kinship, friendship and enemyship; jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness; communication, conflict and aggression; and the processes involved in relationship breakdown and repair. Throughout, there is a strong emphasis on critically examining so-called 'pop' psychological approaches to relationships, and students are encouraged to examine the complexities of relationship structures and processes from different cultural perspectives.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- explain contemporary issues in human relationships from a psychological perspective, with reference to relevant literature;
- analyze the strengths and weaknesses of competing explanations of issues in the field of human relationships
- understand the strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in relationship research
- apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship issues
- critique so-called pop-psychological approaches to relationships from an informed, scientific perspective and effectively communicate findings
General Assessment Information
You are required to submit your Research Report and Essay via Turnitin as a plagiarism check. Your Report and Essay will be automatically compared to the work of other students in this unit, previous students in this unit and at other universities, and material available on the Internet in subscription-based journal format or otherwise freely accessible information. Please read the section below on Academic Integrity for more information, and check out the following Website:
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS AND LATE SUBMISSIONS
All requests for extensions must be made before the due date for the assignment.
Ordinarily, no extensions of time for submission of written work will be granted since sufficient time for its preparation will have been given. If an extension is required for medical or other extenuating circumstances, students may request this by submitting an online request via ask.mq.edu.au with supporting documentary evidence (such as medical certificate, counsellor note, or similar). The staff in the Faculty of Human Sciences Student Services Centre (FHSSSC) will make all decisions regarding extensions. Neither individual tutors nor the course convenor will grant extensions.
If an extension is granted the approval must be submitted via Turnitin with the assignment to avoid any late penalty. Failure to do so will result in a late penalty being applied as the marker will not know that an extension has been granted. If you have problems attaching the approval to your assignment for submission through Turnitin, please email your approval to Julie Fitness at Julie.Fitness@mq.edu.au
If you have any queries, please contact the staff in the Faculty of Human Sciences Student Services Centre in Level 3, Building C3A, Tel: 9850 9898.
Late Submissions:
- A penalty of 1 mark per day past the due date will apply to late research reports and essays.
- Assignments will not be accepted after marked assignments have been made available electronically
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Research Report: | 25% | No | 10am, 2/9/2019 |
| Essay | 35% | No | 10 am 8/10/19 |
| Final examination | 40% | No | Exam period |
1. Research Report:
Due: 10am, 2/9/2019
Weighting: 25%
The purpose of this report is to give students experience of finding and critically reviewing relevant psychological literature on a relationship-related issue. Markers will be looking for a well-structured, coherent and thoughtful critique of the chosen literature.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain contemporary issues in human relationships from a psychological perspective, with reference to relevant literature;
- analyze the strengths and weaknesses of competing explanations of issues in the field of human relationships
- apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship issues
- critique so-called pop-psychological approaches to relationships from an informed, scientific perspective and effectively communicate findings
Essay
Due: 10 am 8/10/19
Weighting: 35%
The essay is designed to assess students’ ability to critically evaluate scientific knowledge and formulate a coherent and intelligent discussion of the relevant issues of a topic within the psychology of human relationships. The essay questions will be available on the PSY350 web site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain contemporary issues in human relationships from a psychological perspective, with reference to relevant literature;
- analyze the strengths and weaknesses of competing explanations of issues in the field of human relationships
- understand the strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in relationship research
- apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship issues
- critique so-called pop-psychological approaches to relationships from an informed, scientific perspective and effectively communicate findings
Final examination
Due: Exam period
Weighting: 40%
The 2-hour multiple choice exam is designed to assess knowledge and understanding of material covered in the lectures, textbook, and readings. It will comprise 80 questions, each worth 0.5 marks. The exam will be held during the University examination period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain contemporary issues in human relationships from a psychological perspective, with reference to relevant literature;
- analyze the strengths and weaknesses of competing explanations of issues in the field of human relationships
- apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship issues
Delivery and Resources
REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS – in Library, Special Reserve
Prescribed text:
Fletcher, G., Simpson, J., Campbell, L., & Overall, N. (2013). The science of intimate relationships. New York: Wiley-Blackwell.
Important reference text:
Simpson, J., & Dovidio, J. (Eds.) (2015). APA Handbook of personality & social psychology: Volume 3: Interpersonal relations. American Psychological
Association: Washington, DC.
Recommended texts:
Ciarrochi, J., Forgas, J., & Mayer, J. D. (Eds.) (2006), Emotional intelligence in everyday life (2nd ed.). New York: Psychology Press.
Fletcher, G. J. O., & Clark, M. (Eds.) (2001), Blackwell handbook of social psychology (Volume 2): Interpersonal processes. MA: Blackwell.
Forgas, J. P., & Fitness, J. (Eds.) (2008). Social relationships: Cognitive, affective, and motivational processes. NY: Psychology Press.
Hart, S. L., & Legerstee, M. (2010). Handbook of jealousy. UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
Leary, M. (Ed.) (2000). Interpersonal rejection. NY: Oxford University Press.
Noller, P., & Feeney, J. (Eds.) (2006). Close relationships: Functions, forms, and processes. New York: Psychology Press.
Noller, P., & Karantzas (2012) (Eds.), The Wiley-Blackwell handbook of couples and family relationships. UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
Reis, H., & Rusbult, C. (Eds.) (2004). Close relationships: Key readings in social psychology. New York: Psychology Press.
Sprecher, S., Wenzel, A., & Harvey, J. (2008). Handbook of relationship initiation. New York: Taylor & Francis.
Sternberg, R., & Weis, K. (2006). The new psychology of love. NH: Yale Uni. Press.
Vangelisti, A. (Ed.) (2004). Handbook of family communication. NJ: Erlbaum.
Vangelisti, A., & Perlman, D. (Eds.) (2006). The Cambridge handbook of personal relationships. NY: Cambridge University Press.
Useful Journals:
Journal of Family Psychology
Journal of Marriage and the Family
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
Personal Relationships
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
Personality and Social Psychology Review
Psychological Science
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship issues
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Assessment task
- Final examination
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- explain contemporary issues in human relationships from a psychological perspective, with reference to relevant literature;
- analyze the strengths and weaknesses of competing explanations of issues in the field of human relationships
- understand the strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in relationship research
- apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship issues
- critique so-called pop-psychological approaches to relationships from an informed, scientific perspective and effectively communicate findings
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- explain contemporary issues in human relationships from a psychological perspective, with reference to relevant literature;
- analyze the strengths and weaknesses of competing explanations of issues in the field of human relationships
- understand the strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in relationship research
- apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship issues
- critique so-called pop-psychological approaches to relationships from an informed, scientific perspective and effectively communicate findings
Assessment task
- 1. Research Report:
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- explain contemporary issues in human relationships from a psychological perspective, with reference to relevant literature;
- analyze the strengths and weaknesses of competing explanations of issues in the field of human relationships
- understand the strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in relationship research
- apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship issues
- critique so-called pop-psychological approaches to relationships from an informed, scientific perspective and effectively communicate findings
Assessment tasks
- 1. Research Report:
- Essay
- Final examination
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- analyze the strengths and weaknesses of competing explanations of issues in the field of human relationships
- understand the strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in relationship research
- apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship issues
- critique so-called pop-psychological approaches to relationships from an informed, scientific perspective and effectively communicate findings
Assessment tasks
- Essay
- Final examination
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- explain contemporary issues in human relationships from a psychological perspective, with reference to relevant literature;
- analyze the strengths and weaknesses of competing explanations of issues in the field of human relationships
- apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship issues
- critique so-called pop-psychological approaches to relationships from an informed, scientific perspective and effectively communicate findings
Assessment tasks
- 1. Research Report:
- Essay
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- explain contemporary issues in human relationships from a psychological perspective, with reference to relevant literature;
- understand the strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in relationship research
- apply findings from empirical research on relationships to real-world relationship issues
- critique so-called pop-psychological approaches to relationships from an informed, scientific perspective and effectively communicate findings
Changes from Previous Offering
Previous offerings of this unit included 5-minute oral presentations by students in tutorial classes. Student numbers have made this impractical, so individual presentations have been replaced with class activities and discussions.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 22/07/2019 | Added a tutor (Matthew McAlister) and changed the due date for the essay to the 8th October 2019. |