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School of Management, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


MN30465: Depth psychology of the consumer

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 40%, EX 60%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must (take MN10001 and take MN10005) or take MN10071 or take MN20080 or take MN20291
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To develop the students' understanding of the actions and fantasies of different groups of consumers, within the wider context of a consumerist ideology, by using concepts and theories from depth psychology.

Learning Outcomes:
After completing this unit students should be able to:
* Understand and engage critically with some of the core theories of depth psychology as they apply to the actions, fantasies and attitudes of contemporary consumers;
* critically analyse some of their own consumer choices and actions;
* reflect critically upon the cultural and social significance of contemporary consumerism.

Skills:
At the end of this unit students should gain the following skills:
* knowledge and understanding of theoretical perspectives in the depth psychology of the consumer, in the context of contemporary consumerism (T/A);
* critical reflexivity in applying these theories to a variety of consumer actions, products, services, narratives and images (F/A);
* discussion and analytical and skills (F/T).

Content:
A summary of core concepts and theories of depth psychology. Material culture and interpretation. Classical social theories of consumption, status, fashion and display. The concept of consumer choice. Gifts and communicative qualities of material objects. Adolescence and life-style consumption. Consumer identities and images. The Diderot effect. Hedonism and aesthetic orientation to consumption. The influences of social class. Postmodern theories of consumption and mass media. Advertising, images and simulacra.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

MN30465 is Optional on the following programmes:

School of Management
  • UMMN-AFB02 : BSc (hons) Accounting and Finance (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UMMN-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Accounting and Finance (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UMMN-ANB01 : BSc (hons) Business Administration (Full-time with Thin Sandwich Placements) - Year 4
Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UXXX-AYB05 : BSc (hons) International Management and Modern Languages (French) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AYB04 : BSc (hons) International Management and Modern Languages (German) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AYB06 : BSc (hons) International Management and Modern Languages (Spanish) (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.