PSY277 Theory of Mind

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2012
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Penny Tok Siew Ling (lecturer)
Mgr. Kamila Dufková (assistant)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Michaela Porubanová
Department of Psychology – Faculty of Social Studies
Supplier department: Department of Psychology – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Thu 18:00–19:40 U23
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
The capacity limit for the course is 40 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/40, only registered: 0/40, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/40
Course objectives
1. Be familiarised with the various theories on ToM development. 2. Be able to state the connection between ToM and other developmental achievements. 3. Be able to identify the effects of ToM in everyday life. 4. Be aware of the various interdisciplinary approaches to ToM study.
Syllabus
  • We live in a social world and one of the key ability that helps us all survive in such a world lies in our ability to possess a ‘theory of mind’ (ToM). This ToM or the ability to mentally represent others thoughts, beliefs and desires is a much underestimated skill as its effects can be both seen and felt throughout our daily lives. In this course, we will explore the connections between children’s understanding of the social world and the links to other key areas of development such a morality, emotional understanding and language. We will develop our understanding of this skill in understanding other people’s thoughts by (1) critically reviewing the various theories on ToM development. (2) By exploring the inter-connectedness between ToM and other intellectual achievements (3) investigate the effects of ToM in daily life (4) discuss the inter-disciplinary links of ToM (including inter- species development of ToM)
Assessment methods
TWO (2) in-class tests (Short answer questions) ONE (1) 20-minute group seminar presentation ONE (1) 1,500 word individual essay based on the presentation Participation in ONE(1) research experiment on ToM plus a 500 word summary of the experience OR a 2,000 word essay on experimental procedures on testing Theory of Mind on a topic chosen by the course coordinator
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
Information on course enrolment limitations: určeno pro 3. ročník studia Bc. psychologie
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2013.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2012, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2012/PSY277