JCU Logo
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PS 337"
COURSE NAME: "Stereotyping, Prejudice and Discrimination"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Woodzicka
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MTWTH 9:00AM 10:45AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: PS 101; Recommended: PS 334 or approval of instructor
OFFICE HOURS: 10:45am to 11:30am M-TH or by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to familiarize students with basic psychological theory and research on intergroup relations, prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination, so that they can: (1) evaluate and analyze the scientific merit of this research, and (2) apply this research to real world. The goals of this course are to expose students to the core issues, phenomena, and concepts that researchers in this field are attempting to understand and to promote critical thinking about research in this area.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
In this course we will closely examine how and why people stereotype, the basis of intergroup conflict, and prejudice and discrimination related to specific stigmas.  Material will be delivered via readings in a standard textbook and primary source journal articles and chapters. 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
As a result of this course, students are expected to be more critical and sensitive thinkers in regards to issues of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.  Methodological skills will also be strengthened as a result of discussing empirical studies and statistics. 
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Psychology of PrejudiceTodd D. NelsonPearson0-205-40225-9 This text is required for the course.    
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Tests Two in-class tests will be given. Tests will consist of short answer and essay questions taken from required readings and class discussions. 60%
Application Essay Assignment Incorporating theory and research discussed this term, you will write an essay analyzing the movie Crash. Additional instructions regarding this assignment will be discussed in class. 15%
Response Papers During Weeks 1, 2 and 4 you are expected to turn in one short (1-2 page) typed description of a thoughtful question, comment, or study idea based on a class reading. Your grade on these papers will be based on the quality and expression of your ideas.15%
ParticipationIt is expected that you regularly attend class and come to class ready and willing to discuss the readings. Some of our class discussions may become heated—I expect (and encourage) you to disagree with each other. However, do so with respect. 10%

-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 REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
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

Course Outline

Week 1                       Topic                                                              Readings

M         5/23     Introduction and overview                                         N-1

T          5/24     Race, sex, sexual orientation                                       Markus (2008); Hall et al (2015)      

W        5/25     Stereotypes and how they develop                             N-pp. 26-38

Th        5/26     Are stereotypes fading?                                              Devine & Elliott (1995)

Week 2

M         5/30     Can stereotypes be controlled?                                   N-3

T          5/31     Are stereotypes accurate?                                           N-pp. 38-46; Jussim (2009)

W        6/1       Prejudice then and now                                              N-5; Craig & Richeson (2014)

Th        6/2       Holiday-NO CLASS

Week 3

M         6/6       Intergroup relations                                                     N-pp.46-55                 

T          6/7       Crash and Discussion

W        6/8       Test 1

Th        6/9       The role of individual differences                              N-4

F          6/10     Perceiving prejudice/Effects of discrimination           N-6

Week 4

M         6/13     Sexism-Crash Paper Due                                          N-8

T          6/14     Disparagement Humor                                                Ford et al (2014)

W        6/15     Size and Age Stigmas                                                 N-7

Th        6/16     Heterosexism                                                              N-pp. 268-270                        

                                                                       

Week 5

M         6/20     Hidden Stigmas                                                          N-pp.79-85; Smart & Wegner (2000) 

T          6/21     Stigma of Low SES                                                    Williams (2012)

W        6/22     Considering Privilege                                                  McIntosh (2003)

Th        6/23     Reducing Prejudice                                                     N-9

F          6/24     Test 2