PSY 235 H – Social Psychology - Honors Prof. Carlos David Navarrete Course Syllabus – Fall 2010 Department of Psychology Michigan State University   Instructor Prof. Carlos David Navarrete 247 Psychology Bldg. Ph: 517-432-8391 Office Hr: Tues. 4:30-5:30p   Teaching Assistants Alexa Nappa Office Hr: Tues. 12:30-1:30, 349 Giltner Hall.   Erika Vivyan Office Hr: Mon. 2:00-3:00 pm, 349 Giltner   Meeting Days/Time/Location T TH,  3:00 PM - 4:20 PM 132 Hubbard Hall       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 discipline, and emphasizes how traits 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. Principles of economics and biology are provided as a theoretical backdrop in order to better frame the role of social psychology in the broader enterprise of understanding why we are the way we are.   Course Email Please send your questions regarding this class to psy235@navarretelab.net.  You should receive a reply within 48 hrs.   Course Readings Textbook: Kenrick, D.T., Neuberg, S.L., & Cialdini, R.B. (2008). Social Psychology: Goals in Interaction. (5th Ed.). Pearson. (Previous Eds. ok).   Assigned readings: There are assigned readings that will be posted online for download. There is no cost for accessing these readings.   Course Web www.cdnresearch.net/courses   Grading and Exams Exams will be composed of three exams that include multiple choice items and short answer, written responses. Make-up exams are not typically allowed, but contact me if you have a special circumstance. Grading is based on 3 exams for a total of 240 pts. Each exam is worth 33.3% of that total, and is composed of 60 multiple choice items, and 2 short-answer responses worth a total of 80 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. Alternatives to research participation for extra credit may be earned though other means. You must contact me about a alternative plan two weeks before the end of the semester.   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 up-to-date contact information.     Tentative Lecture and Reading Schedule   Week 1 Chap. 1 Introduction to Social Psychology Week 2 Chap. 2-3 The Person and the Situation; Social Cognition Week 3 Chap. 4-5 Self Presentation; Attitudes and Persuasion Week 4 Chap. 6, 12 Social Influence; Groups Week 5 Chap. 13 + Assigned Social Dilemmas and the “Free-Rider” Problem   Exam 1           7-Oct.     Week 6 Chap. 9 Prosocial Behavior I: Kin Selection and the Problem of Altruism Week 7 Chap. 7 Prosocial Behavior II: Reciprocity, Friendship and Affiliation Week 8 Chap. 8 Love and Sex I: Theory of Parenting and Sex Week 9 Chap. 8 + Assigned Love and Sex II: Mate Choice Week 10 Chap. 10 Aggression Week 11 Chap. 11 + Assigned Stereotyping, Prejudice & Discrimination   Exam 2           18-Nov.         Week 12 Assigned Prejudice and Discrimination: Social Dominance Theory Week 13 Assigned The Behavioral Immune System and Morality Week 14 Assigned Morality Week 15 Assigned Do we have “Free Will?”   Final Exam Wed., Dec. 15 12:45-2:45 p.m.