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Institutional Observation

Module title	Institutional Observation
Module code	PYCM115
Academic year	2023/4
Credits	30
Module staff	Professor Nicholas Sarra (Lecturer)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	All	All	All

Number students taking module (anticipated)	20

Module description

Sociological, psychoanalytic, and systemic approaches to interpersonal dynamics will be explored in the seminars throughout the year. You will complete several observations in a chosen setting and, drawing upon various discourses including psychoanalytically informed ideas, you will reflect upon and try to understand the psychodynamics of the interactions you are observing. Emphasis will be placed on your own experiences of your observations. Support will be given both by the module convener and the peer group in making sense of and articulating the experiences of those observations. A specific methodology employing a participant observational method will be used during the year. You will also complete an observation log and report.

A DBS check will be required before you can progress to this module.

All other stage one modules are a co-requisite to this module. This module is only taught in the first year of your study.

Module aims - intentions of the module

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Critically evaluate in detail the multiple conflicting points of view that exist within a challenging clinical or other agreed setting.
• 2. Trace the processes whereby patients/clients impact upon the choices of professionals involved with them, for example in their care or treatment, and explore the overall influences and how psychodynamic elements come to be co-created, in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to your own area of practice.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Critically evaluate and synthesise different contributions in the field.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Critically evaluate and explain countertransference, in yourself and others.
• 5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the complexities involved in work in acute settings or other contexts as appropriate.
• 6. Gain a comprehensive understanding of skills in participative observation.

Syllabus plan

During a series of seminars, you will first identify a suitable institutional setting in which to undertake your observations moving on to then gain permission to do so, in the process considering matters such as the ethics of doing this. The way in which you undertake your observations will be agreed with the module convener, but normally this will entail making 15, hour-long observations conducted on a weekly basis. Each week you will write up your observations as a log and these will be discussed within the seminar group, which will be held during learning set meetings and during the block weeks over the year. Finally, you will complete a paper describing the observations you have made and the understandings that you have reached having reflected upon them. You will also explore the relevant literature and your use of this will be included in the paper.

At least once in a block week you will discuss your observation experience with the seminar group for discussion. This observation, and the discussion arising from it, should be written up as a short paper (summative).

The log of observations and the short paper are expected to demonstrate your growing knowledge of multiple points of view in complex settings, the emotional impact of mental health problems on professionals, and an awareness of your own countertransference.

 

Undertaking an observation in an institutional setting.

Guided and self-directed reading and regular presentations of observations to group in workshop format.

Presentation of observations to seminar group.

One to one tutorials.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
42	243	15

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	42	Seminars/discussions within the whole group (28x1.5 hours)
Guided Independent Study	121	Reading, preparation and writing up the assignments
Placement	15	Observation in an institution 15 x 1 hours)
Guided Independent Study	122	Writing up field notes from observations

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Observation log presentations during seminars one of which should be written up as a short paper.	1 hour	1-6	Formative oral feedback by the facilitator and peers

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Observation Log	70	Max 8,000 words	1-6	Written
Observation Report	30	Max 4,000 words	1-6	Written
*Summative assessments must be passed individually to pass the module; failure in this assessment will lead to failure in the module and the programme.

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Observation Log	Max 8,000 words	1-6	Minor amendments 4 weeks; Major amendments 8 weeks
Observation Report	Max 4,000 words	1-6	Minor amendments 4 weeks; Major amendments 8 weeks

Re-assessment notes

In relation to your Psychodynamic Observation Log and Report assignments submissions, where you have been given amendments, major or minor, you will have the opportunity to submit an amended version of your Assignment, which addresses the points made in the feedback you are given, by the marker(s) and moderator. You must also write a letter to the marker, accompanying any resubmission, which describes how you have addressed the points made in the feedback. You will have 4 weeks to complete minor amendments and 8 weeks to complete major amendments.

If you have major amendments and your resubmission is marked as needing minor amendments, you will then have 4 weeks to resubmit a second time. If you have minor amendments and if on re-marking your resubmission still requires minor amendments, you will gain a ‘fail’ mark. If you fail an assignment you will be given the opportunity to submit a completely new submission and will have 8 weeks to do this in.

If you again fail, you will then have failed in the module and consequently you will have failed the programme also and your registration as a student of the University will be terminated.

More information regarding assessment of pre-dissertation modules can be found here: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/pgr/professionaldoctoratepgr/#assess including the Flowchart of professional doctorate assessment process.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – you can find methodology references, lecture PowerPoints (usually with references on the final slide) and guides to research. 

Key words search

Psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, psychotherapy, therapy, clinical analysis 

Credit value	30
Module ECTS	15
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	All other stage one modules are a co-requisite to this module.
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	27/08/2021
Last revision date	01/07/2023