PSY 235 - Social Psychology

Course Syllabus - Spring 2009 Professor Carlos David Navarrete Department of Psychology Michigan State University Course Description Social psychology is the scientific study of the nature and causes of human social behavior and cognition. This course provides an introduction to the principles and concepts of the subdiscipline, and emphasizes how traits or aspects of individuals interact with the environment to produce the rich complexity of human social life. Perhaps more than most courses, social psychology is concerned with “real life” content. As such we will discuss topics such as friendship and romance, sexuality, aggression and violence, stereotyping and discrimination, cooperation and conflict, altruism and morality. Instructor Dr. Carlos David Navarrete Office: 247 Psychology Office Hour: T 2:30p-3:30p Ph: 517-432-8391 Course Email: psy235 at navarretelab.net Course Meeting Time and Location: Tu Th, 1:00 PM - 2:20 PM, A101, Plant & Soil Science Course Text Kenrick, D.T., Neuberg, S.L., & Cialdini, R.B. (2008). Social Psychology: Goals in Interaction. (4th Ed.). Pearson. (3rd Ed. ok). No extras are needed. Course Web www.cdnresearch.net/courses Honors Option Review paper.  Contact Dr. Navarrete for more information. Grading and Exams Exams will be composed of multiple choice items and short answer paragraphs. Make-up exams are not typically allowed, but contact me if you have a special circumstance. Grading will be based on 3 exams for a total of 300 pts. Each exam is worth 33.3% of that total, and is composed of 50 multiple choice items worth a total of 100 points. Students may receive a 10 point bonus for participation in experiments for extra credit that will be applied to one's total points earned. The grading scale typically goes as follows % of total pts / Grade 85% / 4.0 80% / 3.5 70% / 3.0 65% / 2.5 50% / 2.0 Extra Credit Extra Credit may be had for participating in experiments conducted by MSU researchers through HPR. Directions on how to sign up are available here . Students may volunteer in research studies for up to 10 extra credit points (5 hrs. participation time = 10 HPR credits). Each HPR credit is equal to one extra credit in this course. Academic Integrity Every student is held responsible for knowing the academic integrity policy at MSU. Course Announcements/Updates Announcements and changes to the syllabus/schedule will be made via email. Make sure MSU Angel has your update-to-date contact information. Tentative Lecture and Reading Schedule Week 1            Chap. 1          Introduction to Social Psychology Week 2            Chap. 2          The Person/Situation Week 3            Chap. 3          Social Cognition Week 4            Chap. 4          Self Presentation Week 5            Chap. 5          Attitudes and Persuasion Chs. 1-5     Midterm Exam 1    Week 6            Chap. 6          Social Influence Week 7            Chap. 7          Friendship and Affiliation Week 8            Chap. 8          Sex and Romance  Week 9            Chap. 9          Prosocial Behavior Week 10          Chap. 10       Aggression Chs. 5-10       Midterm Exam 2    Week 11          Chap. 11         Prejudice and Discrimination Week 12          Chap. 12         Groups Week 13          Chap. 13         Social Dilemmas Week 14          Assigned       Morality and Evolution Week 15          Chap. 14         Integrating Social Psychology Chs. 11-15   Final Exam