20809225Social Psychology
Course Information
Description
This course explores the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and interact with each other. Students will examine both classic and contemporary theories and research in social psychology covering topics such as social cognition, attitudes and persuasion, social and cultural influences, group processes, relationship dynamics, prejudice and discrimination, helping, and aggression.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore the major social psychological theories and concepts
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Summarize theoretical orientations in the field of social psychology
    Determine which theory is supported by which research finding
    Utilize correct social psychological concepts and terminology to explain phenomena
    Outline the phases of intimate relationship development
    Describe success strategies for intimate relationships

  2. Investigate the development of and success strategies for intimate relationships
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Recognize biopsychosocial and historical influences on human relationships
    Identify various types of love and intimate relationships
    Apply biopsychosocial and historical analysis to your own experiences with relationships

  3. Evaluate how social psychological topics are examined scientifically
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Evaluate different research methodologies used to study social psychological topics
    Recognize topics on social psychology and the corresponding authors
    Formulate questions and opinions while reading
    Differentiate between primary and secondary source materials
    Synthesize opinions, questions, and responses to the research to develop your own interpretation

  4. Utilize empirical social psychological information
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Discriminate between valid and invalid social psychology scholarly sources
    Read, interpret, and cite sources of research
    Summarize research findings from peer-reviewed research
    Use researched information as the basis for class projects, analytic papers, or discussions on social psychology topics
    Use the library to access various databases containing social psychology sources

  5. Apply principles of Social Psychology to personal and professional experiences
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Apply the theories and research to your own experiences
    Apply the theories and research to world around you
    Apply the theories and research to understanding current events
    Outline how social psychological principles can be used to enhance personal and/or professional areas of life

  6. Investigate how knowledge of social psychological concepts can be used in applied fields such as education, marketing, health, or law
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Apply social psychological research findings to fields such as education, marketing, health, and/or law
    Utilize research findings and social psychological concepts to explain events in the world
    Identify where social psychological concepts could be utilized to enhance processes in other disciplines/careers/fields

  7. Explore how we think about ourselves and others in a social world
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Investigate how aspects of the ‘self’ are constructed through our interaction with others
    Differentiate between the various aspects present in our construction of ‘self’
    Describe ways in which cognitive processes influence our thoughts and perception of others
    Explain how mental shortcuts and heuristics influence social perception and decision-making

  8. Assess the ways in which others influence our attitudes and behaviors
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Define key concepts of social influence, including conformity, compliance, and obedience
    Illustrate how persuasive techniques are used in advertising, politics, and health campaigns
    Explain major theories of persuasion and their implications for attitude change
    Compare the effectiveness of different compliance techniques in influencing behavior
    Assess the ethical considerations of classic and current social influence studies

  9. Compare biological, psychological, and social/situational influences on aggression and helping behavior
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Explain major theories of aggression and helping behavior
    Illustrate how situational and social factors influence aggressive and helping behaviors
    Critique the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing aggression or promoting prosocial behaviors
    Examine biological influences on aggression and helping behavior
    Examine psychological influences on aggression and helping behavior

  10. Analyze the processes that occur within and between groups
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    Define key concepts related to group processes
    Explain how group norms, roles, and cohesiveness influence individual and collective behavior
    Assess the impact of group and inter-group processes on historical or current events
    Critique the role of social categorization on inter-group bias and discrimination
    Assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce inter-group prejudice and conflict and promote inter-group cooperation
    Explain the cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes that contribute to the formation and perpetuation of stereotypes and prejudice