Psyc 160 - Proseminar VI - Social

Proseminar VI: Social Psychology - Psyc 160S Spring Semester 2004
Meeting MWF 10:20 - 11:20 in Room 202 Zimmerman
Dr. Clifford E. Brown - Office: 204A Zimmerman, 327-7483
E-mail: cbrown - Office Hours: MW 1:30-3:30, TTH 9:30-11:00

Course Description:

Social Psychology is the scientific discipline which focuses upon the influences that people have upon the beliefs and behavior of others. Research and theory based upon rigorous empirical methodologies, especially experimentation, will be examined across a number of topic areas. The social psychological approach to studying conformity, helping behavior, persuasion, attitude development and change, cognitive dissonance, social cognition, attribution, prejudice, aggression, nonverbal communication, and interpersonal attraction will be examined. Theories and research findings which clarify the powerful, yet frequently subtle, effects of social forces on many aspects of human thought and behavior are discussed and applied to everyday life situations. Students are expected to achieve a better understanding of human social behavior which will make them more sensitive to dynamics of their own and others’ interpersonal behavior.

Textbooks:

Aronson, E. (1998). The social animal (8th ed.). New York: W. H. Freeman

Kassin, S. (2001).  Psychology (3rd ed.).  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Course Format and Requirements:

This proseminar is presented in lecture format, supplemented with discussion, films, and demonstrations. Your grade will be based on your performance on three tests worth 100 points each. In addition, up to 10% of your grade will be based on your attendance (attendance is required), class participation and preparedness, and out-of-class activities such as participation in experiments.

Schedule of Readings and Tests:

Assigned Reading for Test 1:
Aronson,     Chapter 1, What is Social Psychology?
                    Chapter 2, Conformity
                    Chapter 3, Mass Communication, Propaganda, and Persuasion
Kassin, Chapter 13,    511-515, Group Processes
                                     522-527, Altruism
                                     499-509, Social Influence, Conformity, Persuasive Communications
 

Assigned Reading for Test 2:

Aronson:
Chapter 4 - Social Cognition
Chapter 5 - Self-Justification

Kassin, Chapter 13,  484-495, Social Perception, Attribution Theory
                                   509-511, Cognitive Dissonance Theory
 

Assigned Reading for Test 3: 

Aronson: 
Chapter 6 - Human Aggression 
Chapter 7 - Prejudice 
Chapter 8 - Liking, Loving, and Interpersonal Sensitivity

 Kassin,  Chapter 13, 515-522, Social Relations, Aggression
               Chapter 14, 561-572, Prejudice
               Chapter 13, 495-499, Attraction
 

Grading:

Your final course grade will be determined according to the following point schedule:
Grade Points Percentage
A 270 - 300  90 - 100
B 240 - 269 80 - 89
C 210 - 239 70 - 79
D 180 - 209 60 - 69
F  Below 180 Below 60