Social
PsychologyDr. P. Kalata AC 314
894-9311, ext. 7621 Briggs 109
Materials: Social Psychology by Worchel, Cooper, Goethals and Olson
Rationale: We all interact with dozens, if not hundreds, of people on a regular basis. Some of our encounters go better than others. Some go very well. Some leave us feeling uneasy and anxious. What elements of our personalities and of the people we meet make the difference? This is the subject of Social Psychology.
Learning Objectives: After completing this course, a student should be able to identify the social influences at work in various interactions.
A student should be able to recognize psychological motivation for the actions of individuals and groups in a variety of situations.
A student should be able to give examples of terms commonly used in Social Psychology. These include: scapegoat, self fulfilling prophecy, hindsight bias, social dissonance, prejudice, stereotype, social learning, scripts and aggression.
Learning Outcomes: For each unit, the student is expected to be prepared to discuss the material covered in the text and lectures.
Introduction to course and overview ( chapter 1) At the completion of this unit, a student should be able to
* define Social Psychology
* list the methods of social research
* describe at least two uses of Social Psychology
Social Cognition ( chapter 2) At the end of this unit, a student should be able to
* define social cognition
* give examples of schemes
* describe factors that my influence judgments
Knowing the Self. (chapter 3) At the end of this unit, a student should be able to
* describe and give examples of self conception
* describe factors that may influence self concept
* describe results of experience that may impact self concept
Social Behavior ( chapter 4) At the end of this unit, a student should be able to
* define self awareness
* describe the impact of others and situations on self presentation
* list principles of communication and give examples
* describe gender differences in communication
Attitudes ( chapter 5) At the end of this unit, a student should be able to
* describe how attitudes are formed
* describe how attitudes affect social behavior and perception
* describe how attitudes ( and behaviors) can be changed
* describe the interaction of information, values, experience on attitudes
Persuasion ( chapter 6) At the end of this unit, a student should be able to
* define and give examples of cognitive dissonance
* list characteristics present on persuasion
Prejudice and Stereotypes ( chapters 7 and 12) At the end of this unit, a student should be able to
* define prejudice, discrimination, scrapegoating, stereotype and give examples of each
* describe self fulfilling prophecies
* list the psychological effects of prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping on participants
* list and describe methods of reducing prejudice
* list causes of prejudice
Intimacy ( chapter 8) At the end of this unit, a student should be able to
* give causes of interpersonal attraction
* describe attachment styles and their impact on relationships
* describe social causes of concepts of beauty and desirability
Altruism ( chapter 9) At the end of this unit, a student should be able to
* describe why people help others
* describe ways of increasing likeliness of helping
* discuss the interaction of social forces with altruism
Aggression ( chapter 10) At the end of this unit, a student should be able to
* define aggression
* describe causes of aggression on the part of individuals and groups
* describe methods of combating aggression
Social Influence ( chapter 11) At the end of this unit, a student should be able to
* discuss causes of obedience to authority
* describe characteristics of leaders
* describe theories of leadership
Cultural and group dynamics ( chapters 13 and 14) At the end of this unit, a student should be able to
* define culture
* list the aspects of culture
* describe the interaction of behavior and culture
* describe conformity and conflict in a cultural context
* describe the group's impact on the individual
Learning Outcomes Assessment: Midterm: 20 points ( will not be given late) on _________________
Final: 25 points ( will not be given late)
Unannounced quizzes: 25 points
Final Research project: 30 points due ____________
The final research project can take one of the following forms: A student can choose to write a research paper on one area of Social Psychology. The paper should take the form of a case study with the focus on one individual or group of individuals and the way in which their interaction illustrate the concepts covered in the course. This would be supplemented by information from established research. The paper should be at least ten pages long with at least ten sources. Copies of the sources must be turned in with the paper.
OR
A student may choose to engage in at least fifteen hours of Service
Learning and write a paper on the Service Learning experience with the
focus on one or two topics covered in the course. This paper should be
at least three pages and refer to specific concepts covered in the course.
A student can refer to the Service Learning website for suggestions on
organizations and for ways of structuring the final paper. The student
is required to hand in a letter from his or her immediate supervisor to
verify that the student has completed the required hours of service.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend every class. Students are responsible for everything that is covered in class and for reading assigned articles prior to the discussion of a topic. The midterm and final will not be given late so students should make arrangements to take these exams early if necessary.