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Course Description
Survey of scientific theories and research on the nature,
causes, and consequences of individual behavior in social context.
Topics include relationships, groups, attitudes, persuasion, aggression,
altruism, and prejudice.(PR 121)
The first section of the course is aimed at defining social
psychology and its methods. The role of cognitive processes in social behavior
will be examinied. The psychological apporach to the study of social behavior
will be distinguihed from soiciological perspectives.
In the second section of the course we will explore the
role of the self in social behavior.
The third section of the course examines in depth group
processes and relationships.
The final section of the course focuses on the fundamentally
important behaviors of helping, altrullism, aggression and prejudice.
Learning Objectives
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To understand how a social psychological analysis differs
from other forms of analysis
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To become familar with the wide variety of questions and
topics that social psychologists study
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to learn the classic and contemporary theories that are relevant
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To become familar with a sampling of research findings, both
correlational and experimental
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To appreciate the variety of choices and limitations in the
lives of women and men as they are shaped by personal and social factors
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To explore various topic areas through readings, class activities,
and discussion and by thinking and writing critically and reflectively.
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Students will learn to question rigid notions about distinctions
between the personal and public, individual and society, subjectivity and
objectivity, reason and passion. They will have opportunities to test their
emerging ideas about social behavior both individually and collaboratively
in a manner that aims for critical understanding, as well as building a
knowledge base derived from an examination of empirical research.
Texts/Readings
Aronson, Elliott,
& Aker, Social Psychology, 4th edition
Grading Policy
Grades will be based on a total of 240 points, using a
10 point scale (90% and above = A; 80% and above = B, etc.). Each exam
will consist of 40 multiple choice questions (each worth 1 point); one
extra credit essay (worth up to 4 additional points). You will also complete
a Psychology in Action Project, worth 40 points. This will consist of two
parts--select one Psychology in Action chapter, read it and do a detailed
outline (10 points) and complete one of the Try It exercises described
in the chapter and write a report on the project (30 points); students
may team up to collect information for the project but each report must
be individually and independently written in the form of a reserach report
(introduction, method, results and discussion. You must also complete 4
additional Try It activities and report about them on Blackboard.
Missed examination policy: Make up exams and late
work will be accepted only for a valid and documented reason.
Academic Misconduct:
Any form of academic misconduct that violates the principles
of academic integrity (honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility)
will be handled according to UNCG’s academic violation procedures. In short,
it is in your best interest to avoid cheating, plagiarizing, and falsifying.
Grades will be posted several times during the semester.
It is your responsibility to periodically check them to ensure that all
work is properly credited.
|
Activity
|
Points
|
Total
|
Percent of
Grade
|
| 4 exams |
40 points each |
160 points |
67%
|
| Psychology in Action outline |
10 points |
10 points |
4%
|
| Psychology in Action project |
30 points |
30 points |
12%
|
| 4 Try It activities |
10 points each |
40 points |
17%
|
| TOTAL |
|
240 points |
100%
|
Extra Credit
Options (up to 15 points):
1. Extra credit term paper (based
on at least 6 research articles taken from professional scientific journals,
(8 -10 pages), (see Dr. White for topic approval.)
2. You may keep a journal. This
must consist of a minimum of 21one half page entries. Each entry is to
be numbered, dated, and written on a separate page.
Journal entries will be evaluated on the depth of thought and should contain
your reactions to course material and/or comments linking day-to-day observations
to course material.
3. You may attend up to five campus
or community events relevanat to gender issues and do a 1-2 page report
on each.
4.. If you have any other ideas
for an extra credit project, please see me to discuss it. Web based projects
are encouraged.
Due date for all extra credit
work is April 29, 2004.
Attendance/Pop Assignments
Attendance will not be taken regularly. However,
from time to time there will be "pop" assignments to be completed during
class. If you are present, you will receive extra credit for participation.
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