Moral Psychology

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Explain and evaluate major theoretical approaches to understanding moral psychology
• Describe and critique the empirical record relevant to these major theoretical approaches
• Apply theoretical and empirical findings to understand and explain real world phenomena in the media
• Demonstrate and develop advanced written and oral scientific communication

Topics covered will likely include:

Introduction and philosophical versus scientific approaches to morality

Moral development

The moral self

Moralization

Interpersonal trust and cooperation

Animal morality & evolutionary approaches

Moral intuitions, foundations, & dyadic morality

Moral double standards

Moral emotions

Lay beliefs and morality

Moral dilemmas

This course will involve completing selected readings prior to class, engaging in seminars and discussions in class, engaging in course activities such as cooperative games.

In addition, students will complete assignments covering their understanding and evaluation of theory and research.

Finally, students will complete a writing project applying scientific theory and findings to explain a real-world morally relevant event and develop a research proposal to advance knowledge in this area.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.