Psychology MA, Emotion Theory, 7.5 credits

Aim

This course aims to provide an introduction into emotion theory, ranging from classical to contemporary theories. Empirical support for different theories will be examined.

Course objectives

After completing the course, students will:

Knowledge and understanding
• be able to identify, understand and describe the links between emotion theory (different research traditions) and various empirical approaches to the study of emotion.
• be able to identify, understand and describe concepts and issues central to different emotion theories.
• be able to understand and describe how such concepts/issues can be related with applications in selected fields (e.g. health, education or work psychology).

Skills and abilities
• be able to search, find, and report additional information on different emotion theories.
• be able to search, find, and report empirical results supporting different emotion theories.

Judgment and approach
• be able to report and discuss (both orally and in writing) how concepts and issues central to different emotion theories can be argued for and against, using empirical results.

Content

In this course, emotion theory refers primarily to mainstream theories concerning emotion and affect. Historical and contemporary accounts are considered. Focus will be set on central issues (concepts and debates) within and across different emotion theories and how they relate to empirical findings. Implications of different theories on selected research questions will be addressed. Students will address selected emotion theories in individual or group assignments.

Entry requirements

A bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) with a major in psychology. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) with a different major and 60 credits in psychology. Alternatively, 180 credits (ECTS) in psychology without the requirement of having a completed degree.
English B/English 6 from Swedish gymnasium or the equivalent.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The course is a distant learning course with a limited number of compulsory meeting on campus in Östersund, Sweden. Participation - via distance communication means - is compulsory throughout the course. Students are required to actively participate via the course room at the university's learning platform. The platform is the primary communication tool used for students and teachers, and students will find all information needed to complete the course in the course room.

Examination form

1000: PS098A, Emotion Theory, 7.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

The course objectives will be examined through active participation in seminars and discussions, on site and online, as well as through written reports.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.