Course Lecturer Name(s): Wendy Romain
Course Director Name: N/A
Course Lecturer(s) Contact Information: wromain@sgu.edu
Course Director Contact Information: N/A
Course Lecturer(s) Office Hours: Mon, Weds, Fri 2 pm to 4 pm, Tues & Thursday 11 am to 1 pm
Course Director Office Hours: N/A
Course Lecturer(s) Office Location: Balsier Building (Upper Level)
Course Director Office Location: N/A
Course Support: Nikisha Thomas, nsthomas@sgu.edu, Ext 3692
Course Management tool: To learn to use Sakai, the Course management tool, access the link https://apps.sgu.edu/members.nsf/mycoursesintro.pdf
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to human social behavior. The scientific study of individual and group behavior within social contexts will be highlighted. Major and fundamental theories of social psychology will be presented as a measure of explaining and understanding general human social behavior and contemporary social issues and fields such as business, law and health. Topics to be covered include methodology and research, attitude formation and change, social perception, interpersonal attraction, prosocial behavior, conformity and obedience, aggression, conflict and competition, group formation, structure and dynamics, and collective behavior.
Course Objectives:
- Discuss the history of Social Psychology, and important influences on its emergence
- Describe the contribution of key figures on the development of social psychological phenomena, and on the discipline of Social Psychology
- Discuss the main theories and social psychological principles within the discipline of Social Psychology
- Read, analyze and discuss current research in the area of Social Psychology
- Discuss the application of social psychological principles to their individual and interpersonal lives as students, as a measure of influencing social change.
- Analyze how Social Psychology interfaces with other related disciples in the understanding of human social behavior
Student Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
PSYC – CLO -1 Discuss the main topics of study in the sub field of Social Psychology, and be able to discuss social psychological influences in important social phenomena such as attitudes, conformity, prosocial behavior, aggression, and prejudice
PSYC – CLO -2 Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of social influence on behavior, and how these principles can be applied to contemporary issues and specific areas of work and fields of study
PSYC – CLO - 3 Apply learnt principles to their intra-individual and group interactions
PSYC – CLO – 4 Explain research methodologies relevant to Social Psychology, and apply them to proposed areas of interest for social research
PSYC – CLO – 5 Write a proposal for the conduction of a social psychological study
PSYC – CLO – 6 Synthesize social psychological principles and theories, and discuss how they will use these theories and principles to promote social change in themselves and the wider community
Program Outcomes Met By This Course:
•PLO 1 Knowledge: to be able to engage in intellectual discussion regarding traditional and contemporary perspectives in psychology, including neuropsychology (the impact of the brain on behavior).
•PLO 2 Application: to be able to utilize psychological knowledge in the understanding of self, and how one relates to others. To employ relevant psychological skills, and attitudes to recognize and assist where appropriate, persons with cognitive, emotional, or behavioral needs
•PLO 3 Understanding Self: gaining a comprehensive understanding of self, through introspection, meta-cognitive analysis, and intra-personal considerations, thus fostering better interpersonal interactions, and an enhanced quality of life.
•PLO 4 Methodological and Statistical skills: students should understand and apply basic research methods in psychology including research design, data analysis, and interpretation to relevant issues in the work environment, country, and wider region
SAS Grading Scale: Grades will be assigned as follows:
A = 89.5% or better
B+ = 84.5 - 89.4%
B = 79.5 - 84.4%
C+ = 74.5 - 79.4%
C = 69.5 - 74.4%
D = 64.5 - 69.4%
F = 64.4% or less
Course Materials:
Text:
Akert, R.M.., Aronson, E., & Wilson, T.D. (2014). Social Psychology (8th Ed.). Pearson New International Edition.
Supplementary Readings/Resources:
- Baron, R.A., Branscombe, N.R., & Byrne, D. (2009). Social psychology. (12th Ed.). Allyn & Bacon.
- Myers, D.G. (2008) Social psychology (9th Ed.). McGraw-Hill.
- Wing Sue, D. (2010). Microaggressions in everyday life: Race, gender, and sexual orientation. Wiley.
Supplementary Readings/Resources: Please check the library for supplemental introductory texts.
Course Grading Requirement:
- Group Reviews 20 %
- Situation Analysis 10 %
- Exam x 4 40 %
- Paper Analysis x 2 15 %
- Individual Project 10 %
- Participation 5%
- Total 100%
Course Requirements:
Students will be required to:
- Attend classes punctually and regularly
- Participate actively in class discussions and exercises
- Be respectful of each other during class discussions
- Complete all reading assignments in preparation for class
- Avoid cell phone use unless permission is granted for class activity
- Avoid eating during class, unless permission is granted
Course Schedule:
|
Week |
Dates |
Topic |
Assignment Due |
|
1 |
17th January 19th 21st |
Introduction to course Social Psychology Intro Social Research |
|
|
2 |
24th 26th 28th |
Social Cognition Social Cognition cont. Social Cognition Recap |
|
|
3 |
31st 2nd February 4th |
Social Perception Social Perception cont. Social Perception Recap |
|
|
4 |
7th 9th 11th |
Independence The Self The Self |
|
|
5 |
14th 16th 18th |
Cognitive Dissonance Cognitive Dissonance cont. Cognitive Dissonance Recap |
|
|
6 |
21st 23rd 25th |
Attitudes Attitudes cont. Attitudes Recap |
|
|
7 |
28th 2nd March 4th |
Conformity Conformity cont. Conformity Recap |
|
|
8 |
MIDTERM |
March 7th to 11th |
|
|
9 |
14th 16th 18th |
Group Processes Group Processes cont. Group Processes Recap |
|
|
10 |
21st 23rd |
Interpersonal Attraction Interpersonal Attraction |
|
|
|
25th |
Interpersonal Attraction R |
|
|
11 |
28th 30th 1st April |
Prosocial Behavior Prosocial Behavior cont. Prosocial Behavior Recap |
|
|
12 |
4th 6th 8th |
Aggression Aggression cont. Aggression Recap |
|
|
13 |
11th 13th 15th |
Prejudice Prejudice cont. Good Friday |
|
|
14 |
18th 20th 22nd |
Easter Monday Prejudice Recap Wrap Up |
|
|
15 |
25th 27th 29th
|
Group Presentations Group Presentations Group Presentations |
|
|
16 |
FINALS |
May 2nd to 6th |
|
Please note: Your assignments will be due on a Friday
School of Arts and Sciences Master Syllabi — Info for All Sections
Academic Integrity
The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:
“Plagiarism is regarded as a cardinal offense in academia because it constitutes theft of the work of someone else, which is then purported as the original work of the plagiarist. Plagiarism draws into disrepute the credibility of the Institution, its faculty, and students; therefore, it is not tolerated” (p. 48).
Plagiarism also includes the unintentional copying or false accreditation of work, so double check your assignments BEFORE you hand them in.
Be sure to do good, honest work, credit your sources and reference accordingly and adhere to the University’s Honor Code. Plagiarism and cheating will be dealt with very seriously following the university’s policies on Plagiarism as outlined in the Student Manual.
Your work may be subject to submission to plagiarism detection software, submission to this system means that your work automatically becomes part of that database and can be compared with the work of your classmates.
The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:
“Students are expected to attend all classes and or clinical rotations for which they have registered. Although attendance may not be recorded at every academic activity, attendance may be taken randomly. Students’ absence may adversely affect their academic status as specified in the grading policy. If absence from individual classes, examinations, and activities, or from the University itself is anticipated, or occurs spontaneously due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, proper notification procedures must be followed. A particular course may define additional policies regarding specific attendance or participation” (p. 9).
The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:
“All matriculated students are expected to attend all assigned academic activities for each course currently registered. Medical excuses will be based on self-reporting by students. Students who feel they are too sick to take an examination or other required activity on a specific day must submit the online SAS medical excuse, which is available on Carenage. Students are only allowed two such excuses a year. Upon consultation with the Director of University Health Service, the third excuse will result in a mandatory medical leave of absence. The policies regarding make-up examinations are at the option of the Course Director” (p.46).
For additional specific examination policies and procedures, refer to the St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020), pages 31 through 37.
The St. George’s University Student Manual (2019/2020) states as follows:
“A student with a disability or disabling condition that affects one or more major life activities, who would like to request an accommodation, must submit a completed application form and supporting documentation to the Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS) located in the Dean of Students Office. It is highly recommended that students applying for accommodations do so at least one month before classes begin to allow for a more efficient and timely consideration of the request. If a fully completed application is not submitted in a timely fashion, an eligibility determination may not be made, and accommodations, where applicable, may not be granted prior to the commencement of classes and/or examinations” (p. 8).
It is the responsibility of the student to read and understand the policies, laws, rules and procedures that while they could affect your grade for a course, have not been specifically outlined in the course syllabus. These are contained in the St. George’s University Student Manual.