PSYC C260: Social Psychology
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 04/18/2008 |
| Top Code | 200100 - Psychology, General |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
The scientific study of the influence of the group on an individual's mental processes and behavior. Topics include self-perceptions, attitudes and behavior, group influence and persuasion, attraction and relationships, stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, aggression, belonging, helping, and the application of social psychology to law, health, and business. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: PSY 170.C-ID: PSY 170.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Analyze and explain how interpersonal, group, and cultural influences affect individual cognition and behavior.
- Explain how social psychological theories and research apply to behavior in social settings.
- Describe experiences and perspectives of diverse populations including but not limited to race, culture, socioeconomics, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disability.
Course Objectives
- 1. Analyze elements of a scientific approach to understanding human behavior in a psycho-social context.
- 2. Identify biological and cultural influences on social behavior.
- 3. Discriminate between individual differences and sociocultural influences.
- 4. Explain the major scientific studies that form the basis for current theories of social psychology.
- 5. Describe the ways in which principles gleaned from social psychological research apply to real world problems and issues.
- 6. Apply models of intervention into social behavior designed to address social problems (e.g., those based on gender, ethnic, racial, or cultural differences and those based on disability).
- 7. Compare basic concepts and theories across the areas of social psychology.
Lecture Content
Introduction to Social Psychology Defining and Describing Social Psychology History of Social Psychology Research Methods in Social Psychology Social Cognition Schemas and Heuristics: Organizing and Using Social Information Sources of Error in Social Cognition Feeling and Affect Automatic and Controlled Processing Social Perception: Understanding Others Nonverbal Communication Attribution: Understanding the Causes of Others Behavior Impression Formation and Impression Management The Self: Who Am I. Managing the Self in Different Social Contexts Self Knowledge Personal vs. Social Identity Self Esteem Social Comparison Attitudes: Evaluating and Understanding to the Social World Attitude Formation: How Attitudes Develop When and Why do Attitudes Influence Behavior. Persuasion: How are Attitudes Changed. Resisting Persuasion Attempts Cognitive Dissonance Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination How Members of Different Groups Perceive Inequality The Nature and Origins of Stereotyping Prejudice and Discrimination Techniques for Countering Prejudice Attraction and Close Relationships Internal Determinants of Attraction; the Need to Affiliate External Determinants of Attraction; Proximity Group Interaction; Liking Close Relationships Romantic Relationships Social Influence: Changing Others Behavior Conformity Compliance Social Influence Obedience to Authority Prosocial Behavior: Helping Others Motives for Prosocial Behavior Bystander Behavior External and Internal Influences on Helping Behavior Long-Term Commitment on Helping Behavior Aggression: Its Nature, Causes, and Control The Search for the Cause of Aggression Social, Cultural, Personal, and Situational Causes of Aggression Aggression in Ongoing Situations and Relationships Prevention and Control of Aggression Belonging and Groups Why We Join-When We Leave The Benefits of Joining Social Loafing Coordination in Groups Fairness in Groups Decision-Making in Groups Applying Social Psychology Principles to Law, Health and Business Social Psychology and the Legal System Social Psychology and Health Social Psychology and the World of Work
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
The instructor will utilize a variety of instructional techniques such as lecture format augmented by Power Point slides, computer-animated demonstrations, classroom demonstrations, and video programs. Learning strategies will include small group activities, case studies, individual student projects, guest speakers, web activities, and discussion board activities. Student evaluation methods will include taking quizzes and writing assignments, doing independent reading and studying, and taking midterm and final examinations.
Reading Assignments
Students will read the assigned textbook. Additional articles and sites from the Internet and the textbook companion website will be provided.
Writing Assignments
Written Assignments: Students will submit at least two written assignments, at least one midterm essay, and responses to graded discussion topics.
Out-of-class Assignments
Quizzes: In-class and/or take-home quizzes will be given regularly that will cover the textbook, lecture material, and classroom discussion. Exam: Students will prepare for a Midterm and a Final Examination; these will be objective multiple-choice, fill-in, and/or matching exams as well as essay exams.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Responding to objective and essay questions demonstrating critical thinking. Participation in small-group, in-class discussions, and evaluation of ideas that evolve from the group discussions. Demonstrating use of critical thinking skills in written assignments and/or reaction papers in class.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Students will be assigned weekly written assignments in the form of either discussion reaction, essay, journal, or other written assignments. At least two larger written reports will also be required during the class.
Eligible Disciplines
Psychology: Masters degree in psychology OR bachelors degree in psychology AND masters degree in counseling, sociology, statistics, neuroscience, or social work OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Aronson, E.; Wilson, T.D. Akert, R.M.; Sommers, S. Social Psychology, 10th ed. Pearson, 2019 2. Required Kassin, S.; Fein, S.; Markus, H. R. Social Psychology, latest ed. Belmont: Cengage Publishers, 2021 3. Required Gilovich, T.; Keltner, D.; Chen, S. Nisbett, R. Social Psychology, 4th ed. New York, NY: W.W. Norton Co, Inc, 2018 4. Required Elliot Aronson; Joshua Aronson. The Social Animal, latest ed. Macmillan, 2018
Other Resources
1. Coastline Library