PSY 125 - SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Instructor: Dr. Daniel Arkkelin

Office: DMH 219

Office Hours: 1:15 - 2:45 p.m. T, R

Phone: 219.464.5441

HomePage: www.valpo.edu/home/faculty/darkkeli

e-mail: Daniel.Arkkelin@valpo.edu


Note: To Access Lecture Outlines, Click Here

 

Text: Social Psychology (10th Ed.), by Taylor, Peplau, and Sears

Course Description: The focus of this course is on the influence of social groups on the psychological functioning and behavior of the individual. Students will study social psychological theories and research concerning individuals in all of their complex social relationships. In-class discussions and exercises will help students to personally experience some of these relationships. It is hoped that students will gain an understanding of the psychologist's perspective on social behavior and an appreciation of the contributions of social psychology to the potential solutions to social problems.

Attendance Policy: Class attendance is very important. Lectures, films, and discussions will include material not covered in the text. Attendance for scheduled exams is mandatory, and a makeup exam will be considered only in cases of extreme personal hardship.

Exams and Grading Policy: There will be four regular exams (see schedule below) in addition to a comprehensive final exam. Grades will be assigned according to the following criteria: 90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, less than 60% = F. The instructor retains the right to lower these criteria, but they will not be raised under any circumstances.

COURSE SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENTS

Week

Dates

Readings

Topics

1

T 8/28

Ch1

Introduction: Theories in Social Psychology

 

R 8/30

Ch1

Research Methods in Social Psychology

 

 

 

I.  SOCIAL COGNITION

2

T 9/4

Ch3

Exercise: Impression Formation

 

R 9/6

Ch3

Social Perception

 

 

 

 

3

T 9/11

Ch2

Exercise: Social Inference & Cognition

 

R 9/13

Ch3

Exercise: Attribution Processes

 

 

 

 

4

T 9/18

Ch3

Attribution Theories

 

R 9/20

EXAM 1

(70 pts.)

 

 

 

II.  INTERPERSONAL BEHAVIOR

5

T 9/25

Ch8

Exercise: Attachment; Affiliation

 

R 9/27

Ch8

Attraction & Love

 

 

 

 

6

T 10/2

Ch9

Close Relationships & Equity

 

R 10/4

Ch13

Exercise: Aggression

 

 

 

 

7

T 10/9

Ch13

Theories of Aggression;Exercise : Altruism

 

R 10/11

Ch12

Determinants of Helping

 

 

 

 

8

T 10/16

EXAM 2

(70 pts.)

 

R 10/18

 

Fall Break!

 

 

 

III.  APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

9

T 10/23

Ch5

Exercise : Attitude Formation

 

R 10/25

Ch5

Attitudes & Behavior

 

 

 

 

10

T 10/30

Ch5

Attitude Change

 

R 11/1

Ch7

Social Influence & Conformity

 

 

 

 

11

T 11/6

Ch7

Compliance & Obedience

 

R 11/8

EXAM 3

(50 pts.)

 

 

 

 

12

T 11/13

Ch10

Exercise: Intergroup Behavior; Leadership

 

R 11/15

Ch10

Group Performance

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Break: 11/17-11/25

13

T 11/27

Ch6

Theories of Prejudice

 

R 11/29

Ch11

Exercise: Gender Roles

 

14

T 12/4

Ch11

Androgyny & Gender Stereotyping

 

R 12/6

EXAM 4

(50 pts.)

 

 

 

 

15

T 12/11

Ch14

Applied Social Psychology

 

R 12/13

Ch14

Social Psychology & Society

16

M 12/17

Final Exam

10:30a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (50 pts.)