University Name

Course Name and Number

Fall 2016

Instructor:

Class meets:

Class location:

Office hours:

Office:

Phone:

Email:

Course Description and Objectives:

Why do we ‘go along with the crowd’ even when we disagree with its actions? Why is it so difficult to overcome the effects of stereotypes? Why do we help others? Why do we hurt others? Why do people confess to crimes they didn’t commit? The purpose of this course is to begin asking and answering questions like these from a social psychological perspective. Here we will engage in a scientific investigation of these mysteries of human behavior. By the end of the course you will be able to

  1. Explain the primary theoretical perspectives of social psychology.
  2. Identify and analyze the antecedents of human social behavior.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the facts, concepts, and principles of social psychology, including in the areas of social cognition, the self, social perception, social influence, persuasion, prosocial behavior, aggression, affiliation, love/romance, prejudice, and group psychology.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of social psychological research methods.
  5. Apply the theories and principles of social psychology in the analysis of everyday behavior.
  6. Demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communication about social psychology.
  7. Develop insight into your own and others’ behavior and mental processes.

Required Text:

Barrett, D.W. (2016). Social Psychology: Core Concepts and Emerging Trends. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

ISBN: 9781506310602

Student Study Site:

Course Evaluation:

Exam 1: (10%)

Exam 2: (10%)

Exam 3: (10%)

Research Paper: (20%)

Homework assignments, quizzes, and class exercises: (20%)

Class Participation: (10%)

Final Exam: (20%)

Letter Grade / Range / Letter Grade / Range
A / 93 - 100 / C / 73 - 76
A- / 90 - 92 / C- / 70 - 72
B+ / 87 - 89 / D+ / 67 - 69
B / 83 - 86 / D / 63 - 66
B- / 80 - 82 / D- / 60 - 62
C+ / 77 - 79 / F / <55

Attendance:

This is a no-brainer. Come to class to take advantage of what you will learn there and the points you can earn for in-class activities, quizzes, etc. You can’t make these up.

Academic Honesty:

Disability Accommodation:

Expectations for Research Paper:

Course Schedule
Subject to change

Week / Date / Topic / Required Readings / Exams and Coursework Due Dates
Week 1 / TBA
Week 2 / Introduction to Social Psychology / Chapter 1
Week 3 / The Social Brain / Chapter 2
Week 4 / Social Cognition / Chapter 3 / Exam 1
Week 5 / The Self / Chapter 4
Week 6 / Social Perception / Chapter 5
Week 7 / Social Influence / Chapter 6 / Exam 2
Week 8 / Attitudes and Persuasion / Chapter 7
Week 9 / Helping / Chapter 8
Week 10 / Aggression / Chapter 9
Week 11 / Prejudice, Stereotyping, and Discrimination / Chapter 10 / Exam 3
Week 12 / Affiliation and Love / Chapter 11 / Research Paper due
Week 13 / Group Processes / Chapter 12
Week 14 / Emerging Trends / Chapter 13
Week 15 / TBA
Final Exam / None / Final Exam

1