Undergraduate Course: The Social Psychology of Animals and Artificial Minds (PSYL10193)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Much of social psychology focuses on how we think about ourselves (e.g., identity, self-esteem) or how we view other humans (e.g., partners, outgroups). This course looks at how we view other non-humans. Specifically, we focus on two highly relevant non-human others: animals and artificial minds (e.g., AIs, robots). During the lecture series, we will explore the psychology behind how we think about, feel towards, and treat these other minds. We will especially focus on the mental health costs and benefits of these relationships, and how and when we treat other minds poorly. The work will combine classic social psychological theories and apply that lens to a range of often neglected other minds. |
| Course description |
This is a Level 10 Psychology options course. It covers my two areas of expertise ¿ Animals and Artificial minds. Rather than seeing these other minds as simply novelties at the edges of human psychological experience, we will use them as powerful cases through which to understand the limits and meaning of core psychological concepts like morality, love, and identity. We will especially focus on the impact of animals (i.e., pets) and artificial minds (i.e., AIs; robots) on our mental wellbeing. Students will learn about these topics through lectures and assessments.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should be studying Psychology as their degree major, and have completed at least 3 Psychology courses at grade B or above. We will only consider University/College level courses. Applicants should note that, as with other popular courses, meeting the minimum does NOT guarantee admission. **Please note that upper level Psychology courses are high-demand, meaning that they have a very high number of students wishing to enrol in a very limited number of spaces.** These enrolments are managed strictly by the Visiting Student Office, in line with the quotas allocated by the department, and all enquiries to enrol in these courses must be made through the CAHSS Visiting Student Office. It is not appropriate for students to contact the department directly to request additional spaces. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2026/27, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 22,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
174 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Assessment 1 (600 words) - 30%: annotated analysis of animal minds «br /»
Assessment 2 (2,000 words) - 70% |
| Feedback |
Students will get written feedback on both assessments. The timing of feedback on assessment 1 will allow it to be used for assessment 2. The CO will be available to answer questions in office hours and during lecture breaks. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Critically examine the scientific literature to identify evidence for/against scientific claims.
- Present and defend a written evidence-based argument or claim.
- Demonstrate a command of key theories and findings in the social psychology and apply them to understanding other minds.
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Reading List
- Loughnan, S., Bastian, B., & Haslam, N. (2014). The Psychology of Eating Animals. Current Directions in Psychological Science Ladak, A.,
- Loughnan, S., & Wilks, M. (2024). The moral psychology of Artificial Intelligence. Current Directions in Psychological Science |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
- |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Stephen Loughnan
Tel: (0131 6)50 9861
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Fiona Thomson
Tel:
Email: |
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