APSY 640: Social Psychology (Fall 2007)

Meeting Time: Thursdays @ 2:30-5:15pm

Classroom: 216 Penland Administration Building

Professor: Dr. Laura N. May (LauraM@usca.edu)

Office: 237-O Penland Administration Bldg. (641-3217)

Office Hours: MW 12-1:15pm; Th 11:00am-1:00pm; or by appt.

Psych. Dept. Office: 226 Penland Administration Bldg. (641- 3579)

Required Text: Tesser, A. (1995). Advanced Social Psychology.

New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Credit Hours: 3 Credit Hours

COURSE STRUCTURE

DEPARTMENTAL MISSION STATEMENT: The Master of Science Degree in Applied Clinical Psychology provides graduate study and clinical experience in preparation for careers in applied clinical and counseling settings and as a foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced doctoral studies. Students enrolled in this program are expected to pursue a plan of study to assure increased professional competence and breadth of knowledge in the field of clinical and counseling psychology.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: The goals of this course are to:

(1) Provide in-depth examination of basic and advanced concepts, theories, and research in social psychology;

(2) Critically evaluate social constructs, theories, and perspectives;

(3) Enhance overall understanding of social interactions and examine the role of the individual therein;

(4) Understand and appreciate how social psychological principles apply to everyday life;

(5) Read and critically evaluate the empirical literature in social psychology; and

(6) Report and explain social psychological phenomenon and related empirical findings from the empirical literature in APA-format papers.

CLASS ATTENDANCE: It is highly recommended that you attend every class session as there will be a significant amount of material that will come solely from lecture and cannot be found in the textbook.

TESTS (300 points total): Exams will cover the information presented in the lectures, text, and supplemental articles. Each test will be worth 150 points and will consist entirely of essay questions. Item content will focus on central concepts, major findings, and theories of social psychology.

• MIDTERM EXAM (150 points): The midterm exam will cover Unit 1 and Unit 2 material.

• FINAL EXAM (150 points): The final exam is not comprehensive in nature. It will cover the last section of material outlined in the syllabus, Unit 3 and Unit 4.

CRITICAL READING PAPERS (25 points each): Three mini-papers (2-3 pages in length) will be due during the course of the semester…one per broad topic area as identified in the course outline below.

Paper 1: Self & Identity

Paper 2: Perception & Attribution

Paper 3: Social Influence or Interpersonal Relationships

Specific details regarding the critical reading paper assignment will be given in class. Each paper ought to relate to the topic that you have chosen for your research paper requirement. For each paper, you will need to find at least one article published in a refereed social psychological journal. Papers are to be written in APA-style and typed in a standard 12-point font. A brief presentation of your paper is to be given in class at each paper’s due date, lasting approximately 5-7 minutes in length.

RESEARCH PAPER (125 points): The research paper requirement in this course is designed to have you focus on the social/interpersonal implications of your topic of choice. The research papers are to be written in APA format and ought to be 12-15 pages in length (not including the title page or the reference section), typed in 12-point standard font, and double-spaced. By September 6^th, you need to decide what topic you are planning to pursue and inform the professor in writing of your topic by the end of that class period. For the research papers, you are to use at least 6 refereed journal (e.g., APA) articles relating to the topic that you have chosen; 3 of those articles must relate to the specific aspects of social psychology described above under the critical reading requirement (e.g., self & identity; perception & attribution; and social influence or interpersonal relationships).

COURSE GRADING

Final grade distribution will be as follows:

A = 448-500 points

B+ = 433-447 points

B = 398-432 points

C+ = 383-397 points

C = 348-382 points

D+ = 333-347 points

D = 298-332 points

F = 000-297 points

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

(1) Academic Responsibility: Note that the University Honor Code is in effect in this class (see the USCA Student Handbook for a full version) and all students must adhere to this honor code. Any breach of this code can result in a failing grade.

• The following statement should appear on all major examinations and assignments:

"On my honor as a University of South Carolina Aiken student, I have completed my work according to the principle of Academic Integrity. I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this assignment/examination." __________________________ Signature/Date

Potential instances of academic misconduct will be treated in accordance with relevant University policies as outlined in the USCA Student Handbook and other pertinent documents.

(2) It is the policy of the Psychology Department that work submitted for completion of the requirements of this course must not have been previously submitted for the completion of requirements in any other course. Simultaneous submissions are also disallowed.

(3) If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability which might affect your performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services, 126A B&E, (803) 641-3609, as soon as possible. The Disability Services Office will determine appropriate accommodations based on medical documentation.

(4) The use of electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, PDAs, Bluetooth, etc.) is PROHIBITED during the course of class. Please turn off and remove from sight (i.e., place in backpack) any such devices. Under special circumstances or in case of emergency, prior approval may be sought from the professor.

COURSE SCHEDULE

August 23 & 30 & September 6: Unit 1: Introduction to Social Psychology & Scientific Methodology; Self, Identity, & Well-Being (Chapters 1, 2, & 3 plus lecture material)

September 13^th: Paper #1 Due (in-class presentation) [GRADE: _________

September 13 – 27 & October 4^th: Unit 2: Social Cognition; Interpersonal Perception & Attribution; Attitudes; Stereotyping, Prejudice & Discrimination (Chapters 4, 5, 6 & 12 plus additional lecture material)

October 4^th: Paper #2 Due (in-class presentation) [GRADE: _________]

October 11-12^th: Fall Break (No Class)

October 18^th: MIDTERM EXAM [GRADE: _________]

October 25 & November 8 & 15: Unit 3: Social Influence; Groups; Interpersonal Attraction & Close Relationships (Chapters 7, 11, & 8 plus additional lecture material)

November 15^th: Paper #3 Due (in-class presentation) [GRADE: _________]

November 22- 24^th: Thanksgiving Holiday (No Class)

November 29 & December 6^th: Unit 4: Prosocial Behavior (Helping & Altruism); Aggression, Violence, & Hostility (Chapters 9 & 10 plus additional lecture material)

December 6^th: RESEARCH PAPER DUE [GRADE: _________]

December 11^th [Tuesday @ 2:00pm]: FINAL EXAM [GRADE: _________]