Teaching Responsibility

LJMU Schools involved in Delivery:

Psychology

Learning Methods

Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial

Module Offerings

6215PSYSCI-JAN-CTY

Aims

  1. To explore the psychological theories and studies that have informed advertising
  2. To examine and evaluate theories within social psychology, cognition and perception that attempt to explain the effectiveness of advertisements.
  3. To discuss and evaluate the social/cultural impact of advertisements (via e.g. representation of race or gender, the use of sexual objectification).
  4. To work effectively in a group to produce and present an evidence-based “Pitch”.
  5. To reflect on personal experiences of formal group work.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Describe the key features of relevant theories and perspectives in the Psychology of Advertising
2.
Convey critical discussions verbally in a professional and persuasive manner.
3.
Critically evaluate psychological theories and evidence in relation to advertising techniques.
4.
Critically reflect on their ability to work in a team.
5.
Discuss the impact of advertising using a Critical Psychology perspective.

Module Content

Outline Syllabus:
The module will explore multiple aspects of advertising from a wide-range of psychological perspectives. The following are indicative topics
  • The History of Advertising and its links to Psychology
  • Social Psychology and Advertising
  • Cognitive theories in Advertising
  • The perceptual system and Advertisements
  • Quantitative Research in Advertising
  • The case of subliminal messaging
  • Critical Psychology and Advertising
  • Sexual Objectification in Advertising
  • Ethics in Advertising and Persuasion
  • Transferable skills in Psychology and Advertising

 
Module Overview:
The module will explore multiple aspects of advertising from a wide-range of psychological perspectives, including cognitive, social and critical. The course will be partly assessed through a conventional written-exam and also through a portfolio. The portfolio will be comprised of a group "pitch" presentation, with a focus on professional skills and a reflective essay, focusing on the students' team-working skills
Additional Information:
The module content will delivered through weekly lectures and tutorials as well as four assignment-seminars. The lectures will give an introduction and overview of a different topic each week, and will also guide students in their private study. The weekly tutorials will focus more deeply on sub-topics from the weekly lectures through group tasks and student discussion. These tutorials will allow for students to ask more questions in smaller groups and deepen their understanding of the key topics. The four two-hour assignment-seminars will be held throughout the semester; Three sessions will cover coursework/exam preparation and the final session will be used for an assessed Group Presentation.

Assessments

Centralised Exam
Portfolio