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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PS 334"
COURSE NAME: "Social Psychology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Paola Castelli
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MTWTH 11:00 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS:
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: PS 210
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course focuses on the relationship between the individual and society, by examining how people form and sustain their attitudes, beliefs, and values. Students are introduced to current research findings in areas such as leadership and group dynamics, cults, prejudice and racism, aggression, altruism, and love and attraction. A group research project is required.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Central topics will include (but will not be limited to) social cognition, attitudes and persuasion, stereotyping and discrimination, group behavior, social influence, helping behavior, love and attraction.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will learn about current scientific theory and research in social psychology. They will develop the skills necessary to evaluate and critically think about research in psychology and will be encouraged to think about how social psychology research can help us understand and explain everyday events.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Social PsychologyDavid G. MyersMcGraw-Hill9780078035296     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
ExamsThere will be three non-cumulative midterms, each covering approximately 1/3 of the course material. Midterms will be a combination of multiple choice and open ended questions. Each midterm is worth 40 points. Failure to take one of the midterm will automatically result in an F.80%
Writing assignmentsYou will be asked to write three brief reports. Details about these writing assignments will be provided on the first day of class. Each paper will be worth 10 points20%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cours
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged. If you miss a lecture, you miss almost 20% of the material that will be covered on the next exam (so you can expect to get at least one grade lower than if you had come to class!). Moreover, some material - such as videos, in-depth description of studies, and examples – will only be presented in class. Please do not arrive late and/or plan to leave early. It will be disruptive to everyone. In addition, you’ll be missing important inform

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

  Topic Readings
week 1 may19-22 Intro-Methods  Chapter 1
  The self
Chapter 2

Self-Esteem  
  Beliefs & Judgments
Chapter 3
week 2
may 26-29
 
Beliefs & Judgments 2 REVIEW
 Chapter 3
  MIDTERM 1
 Chapters 1-3

Behavior & attitudes
 
Chapter 4
  Dissonance
 Chapter 4
week 3
June 3-5
Conformity
Chapter 6
  Obedience Chapter 6

Persuasion
Chapter 7
 Week 4
june 9-13
Persuasion 2
REVIEW
 

MIDTERM 2 Chapters 4, 6, 7
  Group Influence
Chapter 8

Stereotype & Prejudice
 Chapter 9
  Stereotype & Prejudice 2  Chapters 9
week 5
june16-20
Attraction & Intimacy
Chapter 11
  Helping  Chapter 12

REVIEW

  MIDTERM 3
Chapter 8, 9, 11, 12

MAKE-UP EXAM ch 1-12