Catalog Course Description

Social Psychology is the scientific study of how we influence and are influenced by our social environment, which consists of individuals, groups, organizations, and culture. Students acquire an understanding of classic and contemporary work in this field, and explore such topics as aggression, attitude formation and change, social thinking, interpersonal conflict and cooperation, prejudice, friendships and romantic relationships, leadership, social influence, altruism, and conformity. Course topics may also include applications of social psychology to the legal system, health-related behavior, and environmental sustainability. Pre-requisite: PSY 1500, General Psychology.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Discuss the evolution of the field of social psychology.
2. Summarize ways that social environmental variables impact behavior, belief systems and affect.
3. Recognize ways that cognitive, biological/evolutionary, and multicultural perspectives are integrated within social psychology.
4. Critically evaluate the methods and conclusions of studies in the field of social psychology.
5. Indicate factors influencing perceptions and beliefs about other people and ourselves, and the impact of these factors on behavior.
6. Apply knowledge of attitude formation and change, persuasion, and social influence, and ways to resist persuasion and influence.
7. Review the development of prejudice and discrimination, interpersonal conflict and aggression, and evaluate methods for reducing them.
8. Discuss variables affecting the development and maintenance of friendships and romantic relationships and evaluate strategies for improving these relationships.
9. Describe the influence of groups on decision-making and performance.
10. Develop and evaluate strategies for encouraging self-awareness, personal responsibility, and helpfulness.

Attributes

GE Social Sciences
Liberal Arts