Singapore University of Social Sciences

Chinese Cultural Psychology

Chinese Cultural Psychology (CCS254)

Synopsis

CCS254 Chinese Cultural Psychology is the study of psychology of the people influenced by the Chinese culture. The course adopts a cultural psychology approach and examines how the concepts of self and self-identity are formulated within the Chinese cultural contexts. Other basic psychological process - emotion and motivations, language and cognitions, social interactions and personality - will also be examined in terms of how they are informed by the culture. Family, parent-child interaction and developmental processes will be discussed as the processes by which the culture informs and shapes human behaviors. The course will also examine the mental health issues and recent findings on positive psychology informed by the Chinese culture: psychological resilience, coping styles and psychological wellbeing.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every July
E-Learning: - Learning is done MAINLY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. This is supplemented with SOME face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus. To be confirmed

Topics

  • Culture and Chinese Cultural Psychology: Definitions and Origins
  • Methods in Cultural Psychology
  • The Self in Chinese Culture: Chinese Self-Concept
  • Thinking Styles
  • Growing Up Chinese: Socioemotional Development and Parenting in the Chinese Cultural Context
  • Education and Learning in the Chinese Cultural Context
  • Motivation and Achievement
  • Emotions in the Chinese Cultural Context
  • Morality in the Chinese Culture
  • Stress and Coping in the Chinese Cultural Context
  • Health and Illness in the Chinese Cultural Context
  • Lifespan Development and Successful Ageing in Chinese Cultural Context

Learning Outcome

  • Demonstrate basic knowledge in cross-cultural psychology;
  • Apply psychological concepts and theories in explaining patterns of social behavior among the Chinese;
  • Discuss the relationship between the individual and the group in Chinese society;
  • Appraise the power of culture on the lives of the Chinese people.
  • Analyze how Chinese culture shapes Chinese mentality;
  • Develop cross-cultural competence to function effectively in Chinese societies.
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