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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PS 334-1"
COURSE NAME: "Social Psychology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Carmen Franzese
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 4:30 PM 5:45 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-Hill978-1-259-25113-9 You can use an older version of this book.   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
TestsThe test category includes 3 midterms administered at approximately equal intervals across the semester and a final. The midterms will cover the assigned textbook readings, lectures, and the films occasionally shown in class. Each midterm will be non-cumulative and will cover approximately 1/3 of the course material. The final will be cumulative. You grade for the category will be based on your best 3 tests, and the lowest test score will be dropped. If you miss any of the tests, that will be your dropped score. Thus, NO MAKE UP will be allowed for any reasons.75%
3 Brief EssaysYou will be required to write 3 short papers on a Social Psychology topic. Details will be provided during the class, and a handout with specific instructions will also be available on moodle.25%

-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 t
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 Intro  
  Research methods Chapter 1
week 2 Self concept and self esteem Chapter 2
   



week 3 Beliefs & Judgments Chapter 3
     
week 4 Behavior & attitudes Chapter 4
  EXAM 1 Chapters 1-4
week 5 Genes & Culture Chapter 5
  Conformity & Obedience  Chapter 6
week 6







  Persuasion Chapter 7
week 7    
  Group Influence Chapter 8
week 8







  EXAM 2 Chapters 5-8
week 9 Stereotype & Prejudice Chapter 9
 



 
Week 10 Aggression Chapter 10
     
week 11 Attraction & Intimacy Chapter 11
     
week 12 Helping Chapter 12
     
week 13 Conflict and Peacemaking



Chapter 13



  EXAM 3 Chapters 9-13
week 14 Brief essay delivery/Group Discussion