Subject description KHD2100

Cultural psychology is about the interplay between cultural conditions and individual psychological processes. This field is concerned with understanding cross-cultural variation in thinking, emotions and action. Traditions, institutions and social practices contributes to the regulation, expression and change of individual self-understandings and interpersonal interaction. Despite universal common features in psychological characteristics and a common biological-evolutionary past, modern societies are characterized by striking cultural differences in way of life and perspectives.

This course highlights the way extensive and intertwined processes such as globalization and digitalization can give rise to Internet-based subcultures and local lifestyles, including those related to gaming, exercise or diet. Constant innovations in technology, internet and information flow both challenge and favor the human cognitive and social infrastructure. On the one hand, new ethical issues are raised, but at the same time new forms of treatment are created in mental health work, such as mobile applications based on AI communication and VR-based exposure therapy. Protection of privacy, regulation of reliable information, measures against bullying, stalking, and coercive use of social media are just a few examples of topics covered in this course. A key message is that technology can contribute to both psychological well-being and suffering.

Knowledge

The student...

• can describe cultural differences in behavior, cognition, emotions and social interaction.
• can explain key differences in what different cultures perceive as normal psychological functioning
• can describe cultural psychology as a research field, including various methods and relevant criticisms of these
• can explain cultural conceptualizations of health and illness
• can give an account of important studies and theories of intercultural relationships and conflicts
• be familiar with the types and extent of psychological effects of using social media
• can explain the relationship between the use of smartphones and mental health
• can explain how cyberbullying takes place and how it can be countered
• can explain how the Internet and digital technology can be used to access information about mental disorders and treatment
• can explain the possible negative association between mental health problems, Internet use, social media and smartphones

Skills

The student...

• can discuss how something that is perceived as normal in one culture may be considered abnormal in another culture
• can identify limitations of Western-dominated psychological knowledge from a cultural psychology perspective
• can identify the potential of cultural psychology to change aspects of psychology as an academic discipline

General competence

The student...

• can reflect on cultural influence on behavior, cognition and emotions
• can reflect on and share personal experiences in an objective and respectful manner and thus contribute to the development of good practice and critical knowledge production

Bachelor in Applied Psychology

Bachelor in Health- and Sport Management

Bachelor in Creative Marketing Communications

Bachelor in Digital Marketing

Bachelor in Digital Marketing and Sales Management

Bachelor in Hotel Management

Bachelor in Management and Service Strategy

Bachelor in Marketing and Brand Management

Bachelor in Tourism Management and Experience Development

Bachelor in HR and Personnel Management

Bachelor in HR, Organisational Psychology and Management

Bachelor in HR, Technology and Digitalisation Management

Bachelor in PR and Strategic Communication

Bachelor in Marketing and Business Development

Bachelor in Sustainability and Business Development

Bachelor in Digital Business

Bachelor in Economics and Management

Bachelor in Economics, Technology and Innovation

Bachelor in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Bachelor in Innovation and Business Development

Bachelor in Entrepreneurship

Bachelor in Data Science

Lectures, group sessions, problem-based group work, skill training, reflective writing

Lectures/classroom teaching - 78 hours

Academic supervision - 2 hours

Field work/group work - 20 hours

Self study - 300 hours

Recommended use of time in total - 400 hours

In this course, you will meet work professionals and lecturers from relevant fields. Practical examples and cases are used for teaching purposes.

Verifiable coursework requirements: Consist of one assignment that must be approved.

Individual qualification: G/IG (approved/not approved)

Execution: Individual

Verifiable (right of appeal): yes

Coursework requirements are to be handed in or conducted in accordance with information given by the lecturer and carried out within the duration of the course, as well as registered as approved/not approved at least two weeks before the exam/exam period.

Approved coursework requirements grant students permission to take exams. Unapproved coursework requirements result in the student’s withdrawal from the exam.

Exam: Individual oral exam

Duration: 10-20 minutes

Grading scale: The Norwegian grading system uses the graded scale A - F, where A is the best grade, E is the lowest pass grade and F is fail

Weighting: 100 % of the overall grade

Support materials: No support materials are allowed

Re-sit coursework requirements: revise and resubmit the same coursework assignment

Re-sit exam: 10-20 minutes individual oral examination with a new assignment