Psychology 240

Course Outline

Length of Course: One semester (14 weeks)
 
Classroom Hours Per Week: 4 hours lecture
 
Number of Credits: 3 credits
 
Prerequisite: Psychology 120, English 100
 
Description of Course:
This course is intended to introduce an overall view of the field of social psychology, to address major issues and topics that fall within this field, and to cover the conditions and circumstances that lead to social behaviour and cognition.
A wide range of issues and topics will be covered in this course including: nonverbal communication, attribution, impression, cognitive biases, behaviour and social cognition, attitude formation, persuasion, cognitive dissonance, social and gender identities, interpersonal attraction, conformity, compliance, and obedience, prosocial behavior, aggression and group dynamics.
 
Course Outline:
Chapter 1
The Field of Social Psychology
Chapter 2
Social Cognition
Chapter 3
Social Perception
Chapter 4
Attitudes
Chapter 5
The Self
Chapter 6
Prejudice
Chapter 7
Interpersonal Attraction
Chapter 9
Social Influence
Chapter 10
Prosocial Behaviour
Chapter 11
Aggression
 
Evaluation:
Class Attendance 10%
Participation 10%
Term Project 10%
Midterm 30%
Final Exam 40%
 
Text:
Baron, R.A. & Byrne, D. Social Psychology, 10 th Ed., Allyn & Bacon, 2004.
Suggested Reading:
Peplau, A.L. & Sears, D.D., Social Psychology, Prentice Hall, 2003.
Elliot Aronson, E. & Wilson, T.D., Social Psychology, Unraveling the Mystery, 5 th Ed., Prentice Hall, 2005.
 
Transferability:
SFU: PSYC 260(3)
UBC: PSYC 2 nd (3)
UVic: PSYC 331 (1.5 units)
 
Instructor:

Gary Mangel, B.A. (McGill), M.A. (Simon Fraser)