PSY 360: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

APSY A340: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (Spring 2007)

COURSE STRUCTURE

DEPARTMENTAL MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the USCA Department of Psychology undergraduate program is to educate students in the knowledge, research techniques, basic and applied perspectives of the various subfields of psychology, and the appreciation of psychological values in an individualized learning environment, involving classroom, laboratory, and applied experiences.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Social psychology is designed as an undergraduate course surveying the major theories, concepts, and current research in this content area of psychology. The goals of this course are:

(1) to introduce you to basic concepts, definitions, theories, and research in social psychology

(2) to help you learn to think critically about social concepts and theories

(3) to enhance your overall understanding of social interactions and see how social psychological principles apply to everyday life

(4) to enable you to report and explain social psychological phenomenon and research 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 (400 points total): Tests will cover the information presented in both the lectures and the text. Each of the four tests (3 tests regularly scheduled during the course of the class and one scheduled during the final exam period) will cover the unique section of material outlined in the syllabus. Each test will be worth 100 points and consist of a combination of the following: multiple choice questions, matching, short answer essays, and long answer essays. Item content will focus on central concepts, major findings, definitions, and theories of social psychology.

TESTS 1, 2, & 3 (100 points each)

FINAL EXAM (Test #4; 100 points): The final exam is simply Test #4 and not comprehensive in nature. It will cover the last section of material outlined in the syllabus and is worth 100 points.

PAPERS (50 points each): Two mini-papers (3-5 pages in length) will be due during the course of the semester, one on a given topic per section as identified in the course outline below.

Paper 1: The Self

Paper 2: Social Influence or Interpersonal Relationships

Specific details regarding the paper assignments will be distributed in class. For each paper, you will need to find at least one article published in a refereed social psychological journal (e.g., Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, etc.). Papers are to be written in APA format, typed in a standard 12-point font and double-spaced.

GRADING: Final grade distribution will be as follows…

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

(1) Your instructor values good writing in this course. Please remember that the written work that you produce in this class can be included in your rising junior writing portfolio. For further information on the portfolio requirement, please consult your USCA Undergraduate and Graduate Studies Bulletin or visit Dr. Lynne Rhodes, Director of Writing Assessment, or Karl Fornes, Director of the Writing Room.

(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. 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.

(3) 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 USCA student, I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this assignment/exam. To the best of my knowledge, I am not in violation of academic honesty." ______________________ Signature

(4) 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.

(5) Please take an active role in your own education…ask questions, suggest topics for discussion, make relevant/appropriate comments, etc. Don’t wait until the end of the semester to discuss course difficulties with your professor.

COURSE SCHEDULE

January 16-February 1: Unit #1: Introduction to Social Psychology, Social Psychological Research, & the Self: Defining Social Psychology; Core Social Motives; Scientific Method, Research & Theory; Self & Well-Being

Fiske Readings: Chapters 1, 2, & 5

February 6^th: Test #1 Grade: ________

February 8-27: Unit #2: Social Cognition & Persuasion: Social Cognition, Attribution, Attitudes, Cognitive Dissonance, & Persuasion

Fiske Readings: Chapters 4; 3 (pg. 95-120 only), & 6

February 13^th: Paper #1 Due Grade: ________

March 1^st: Test #2 Grade: ________

March 6-April 3: Unit #3: Groups, Social Influence, & Interpersonal Relationships: Groups; Conformity, Compliance, & Obedience; Interpersonal Attraction & Close Relationships

Fiske Readings: Chapters 12, 13, 7, & 8

March 12-16: SPRING BREAK (NO CLASSES)

April 5^th: Test #3 Grade: ________

April 10-26: Unit #4: Prosocial vs. Antisocial Behavior, & Social Biases: Helping & Altruism; Antisocial Behavior & Aggression; and Stereotyping, Prejudice, & Discrimination

Fiske Readings: Chapters 9, 10, & 11

April 12^th: Paper #2 Due Grade: ________

May 8^th (Tues.) @ 11:00am: FINAL EXAM (Test #4) Grade: ________