Summative assessment
A 1000 word theoretical critique of a media report of a parapsychological event (50%) (learning outcomes 1 and 3)

An exam comprising scenario-based MCQs and short answers (50%) (learning outcomes 1 and 2)

Formative learning
Seminar sessions will support the critique and Blackboard materials will support practice for the exam.

The module will include a range of parapsychological phenomena including Psi phenomena, near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, alien abduction. These topics will be critically analysed with respect to what constitutes a psi phenomenon, methodological and philosophical issues, problems concerning probability and statistics, and the relationship between parapsychological and mainstream psychological theories.

There will be 11 2-hour sessions which will combine the delivery of content materials and discussions in a variety of formats. To support these sessions, students will be directed to a series of specific readings and to supportive discussions using Blackboard. There will also be 6 1-hour seminars to allow informed discussion of the issues raised within the module. Guided reading will occupy 50 hours, Blackboard activities will occupy 30 hours and 48 hours will be spent preparing for the assessments.

Blackboard via the internet

Be registered on any Psychology Award

Roberts, R. and Groome, D. (2001) Parapsychology: The Science of Unusual Experience. Arnold; London. ISBN 0-340-76168-7
Bailey, L.W. and Yates, J. (1996) The Near-Death Experience: A Reader. Routledge; London. ISBN 0-415-91431-0
Edge, H.L., Morris, R.L., Palmer, J. and Rush, J.H. (1986) Foundations of Parapsychology. Routledge and Kagan Paul; Boston. ISBN 0-7102-0805-7